One cannot "want" something that he/she
can already do for themselves, such as happiness. Happiness cannot be
completely "wanted" because it is, for the most part, controlled by
the self.
As
an example, take the idea that I “want” to study. If the book I am to read for
class is not in my body’s vicinity then I am able to “want” for studying since
it becomes something “out-of-grasp” for me; however, if that same book is
directly in front of me then it is not a “want” for study because it is a
certainty that I can. All I must do
is open the book and begin. To “want” something that one is certainly able to
do for oneself is a lie to oneself.
If the book I “want” to study is directly in front of me then I am lying to
myself of such “want” because I merely stare at the book.
With
happiness: If one “wants” happiness then they are presenting themselves with at
least a partial lie because happiness is up to the individual. I can make myself happy, I can be happy by my own means. I do not “want”
happiness because I am, for the most part, in control of it.
