Desire leads to suffering from "summary" of Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright
The human mind has a tendency to desire things, to crave for more and more. This desire can take many forms - material possessions, social status, physical pleasures, or even just the desire to be right. Fulfilling these desires may bring temporary satisfaction, but it is often short-lived. We soon find ourselves wanting something else, something more. This perpetual cycle of desire and fulfillment is what leads to suffering. When we desire something, we attach ourselves to it emotionally. We become dependent on it for our happiness and well-being. And when that desire is not met, we experience suffering - disappointment, frustration, anger, or sadness. Moreover, even when our desires are fulfilled, they only provide us with temporary pleasure. The happiness that comes from fulfilling a desire is fleeting, as we soon start desiring something else. This constant pursuit of satisfaction through desire keeps us trapped in a cycle of suffering. Buddhism teaches us to break free from this cycle by letting go of our desires. By recognizing the impermanence of our desires and the temporary nature of the satisfaction they bring, we can learn to detach ourselves from them. This detachment allows us to free ourselves from the suffering that comes with unmet desires and fleeting pleasures. By cultivating mindfulness and awareness, we can observe our desires without becoming consumed by them. We can acknowledge our cravings without giving in to them, and eventually, we can learn to let go of them altogether. This practice of letting go of desire is the key to overcoming suffering and finding lasting peace and contentment.
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