--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The things we want in life are the things…" description: "\"“The things we want in life are the things that the evolved mind tells us to want, and it doesn’t give a fig about our happiness. All the evidence sugg..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/anonymous-1_family-life_the-things-we-want-in-life-are-the-thing_2584307.jpg" --- # The things we want in life are the things that the evolved… ![“The things we want in life are the things that the evolved mind tells us to want, and it doesn’t give a fig about our happiness. All the evidence suggests that you would probably be happier not caring about your promotion and going and building boats or doing volunteer work instead. Moreover, the…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/anonymous-1_family-life_the-things-we-want-in-life-are-the-thing_2584307.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/anonymous-1_family-life_the-things-we-want-in-life-are-the-thing_2584307.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/anonymous-1_family-life_the-things-we-want-in-life-are-the-thing_2584307.jpg) > ““The things we want in life are the things that the evolved mind tells us to want, and it doesn’t give a fig about our happiness. All the evidence suggests that you would probably be happier not caring about your promotion and going and building boats or doing volunteer work instead. Moreover, the more important people believe financial success is, the more dissatisfied with both work and family life they are.”” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that evolutionary drives shape desires toward status and wealth, often at odds with genuine happiness, suggesting fulfillment comes from purpose‑driven, non‑material pursuits. **In simple terms:** Evolutionary desires clash with true happiness; purpose beats profit. Key Takeaway Seek meaning over status. Themes happiness purpose materialism evolutionary psychology Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career choices - volunteer work - entrepreneurship - family decisions Key Concepts maslow hierarchy intrinsic motivation social comparison Questions to Reflect On - What would you pursue if money weren’t a factor? - How do societal values shape your goals? A Different Perspective Happiness is multifaceted; money can still provide security for some. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Family life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family-life/) [Financial success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/financial-success/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Happiness Evidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness-evidence-1804277/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Probably Happier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probably-happier-1199092/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Things Want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/things-want-244595/) [Volunteer work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/volunteer-work/) [Want Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/want-life-254825/) [Work And Family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-and-family/) ## Related quotes > [You're probably happier without me just like everyone else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-re-probably-happier-without-me-just-like-everyone-else/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“If you treat what you value most in life more like a garden and less like a vending machine, you’ll probably be happier. (from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-treat-what-you-value-most-in-life-more-like-a-garden-and-less/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I think that the artists who don't get involved in preaching messages probably are happier - but you see, I have to live with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nina-simone/i-think-that-the-artists-who-don-t-get-involved-in-preaching-messages/) [Nina Simone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nina-simone/) > [If I had not had so much ambition and not tried to do so many things, I probably would have been happier, but less…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-edison/if-i-had-not-had-so-much-ambition-and-not-tried-to-do-so-many-things/) [Thomas A. Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-edison/) > [Between work and family, I'm really not spending enough quality time with my money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/between-work-and-family-i-m-really-not-spending-enough-quality-time/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Advancement of Teaching uncovered a most important and significant fact - a fact later confirmed by additional studies made at the Carnegie Institute of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/advancement-of-teaching-uncovered-a-most-important-and-significant/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Increasing the social connections in our lives is probably the single easiest way to enhance our well-being. But a growing addiction to materialistic values…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/increasing-the-social-connections-in-our-lives-is-probably-the-single/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“I have more fun and enjoy more financial success when I stop trying to get what I want and start helping other people get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-have-more-fun-and-enjoy-more-financial-success-when-i-stop-trying/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Never let the things you want make you forget the things you already have!..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/never-let-the-things-you-want-make-you-forget-the-things-you-already/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Never let the things u want make u forget the things u have](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/never-let-the-things-u-want-make-u-forget-the-things-u-have/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The first step to getting the things you want from life is to decide what you want.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-first-step-to-getting-the-things-you-want-from-life-is-to-decide/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Happiness is going on without the things you want long enough to appreciate the things you have.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/happiness-is-going-on-without-the-things-you-want-long-enough-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Three things I want in a relationship... -Eyes that wont cry -Lips that wont lie And.. Love that wont die](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/three-things-i-want-in-a-relationship-eyes-that-wont-cry-lips-that/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [There are millions of things that I want, but only one thing I really need.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/there-are-millions-of-things-that-i-want-but-only-one-thing-i-really/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [3 things I want is a good man nor cheat or lie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/3-things-i-want-is-a-good-man-nor-cheat-or-lie/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Family life quotes > [I mean family is more important than anything in life. Family is important than my crew, D-Block, my rap career anything... It's the most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/styles-p/i-mean-family-is-more-important-than-anything-in-life-family-is/) [Styles P](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/styles-p/) > [“For within the very structure of family life, in families that do or did embrace the male religions, are the almost invisibly accepted social…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-stone/for-within-the-very-structure-of-family-life-in-families-that-do-or/) [Merlin Stone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-stone/) > [Family is life; acting is making a living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denzel-washington/family-is-life-acting-is-making-a-living/) [Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denzel-washington/) > [In Roslyn, Pennsylvania, we started our real-life family circus. They provided the inspiration for my cartoons. I provided the perspiration.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bil-keane/in-roslyn-pennsylvania-we-started-our-real-life-family-circus-they/) [Bil Keane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bil-keane/) > [Obviously, your family life is the priority, but there's still other stuff you have to get done in a day. I think the way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cindy-crawford/obviously-your-family-life-is-the-priority-but-there-s-still-other/) [Cindy Crawford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cindy-crawford/) > [My father was in real estate, banking, and land management. As family life, it was very conventional, happy, and comfortable. We weren't wealthy, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julia-child/my-father-was-in-real-estate-banking-and-land-management-as-family/) [Julia Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julia-child/) > [“Generally speaking, most of our vital, spontaneous, instinctual life gets shamed. Children are shamed for being too rambunctious, for wanting things and for laughing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bradshaw/generally-speaking-most-of-our-vital-spontaneous-instinctual-life/) [John Bradshaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bradshaw/) > [Once you run for office, you're in it - sort of like going into the military. You'd better be damned sure it is what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy-jr/once-you-run-for-office-you-re-in-it-sort-of-like-going-into-the/) [John F. Kennedy Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy-jr/) > [The moment you realize your stuck with your crazy family for life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinahi-martinez/the-moment-you-realize-your-stuck-with-your-crazy-family-for-life/) [Sinahi Martinez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinahi-martinez/) > [“Sarah drew a deep breath and released it slowly, waiting for her voice to steady before she spoke. “It’s a ve ry good story.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bonnie-dee/sarah-drew-a-deep-breath-and-released-it-slowly-waiting-for-her-voice/) [Bonnie Dee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bonnie-dee/) > [My family life reads a bit like 'Little House on the Prairie.' I was big sister to Joan, Renee, and brother William, and we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maeve-binchy/my-family-life-reads-a-bit-like-little-house-on-the-prairie-i-was-big/) [Maeve Binchy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maeve-binchy/) > [“Love transcends all barriers. Age, Gender, Caste et al are the diktats of society to thwart love, promote strait jacketed family life . .…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jayant-swamy/love-transcends-all-barriers-age-gender-caste-et-al-are-the-diktats/) [Jayant Swamy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jayant-swamy/) > [ If \[people\] place such things as friendship and family ties above their own productive work, yes, then they are immoral. Friendship, family life and… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/if-people-place-such-things-as-friendship-and-family-ties-above-their/) [Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/) > [“The worst part of it has been, I think, the adverse effect on family life. It kills off family conversation. And it’s harder to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wayne/the-worst-part-of-it-has-been-i-think-the-adverse-effect-on-family/) [John Wayne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wayne/) > [“To live the same family life as his father and forefathers—that is, in the same condition of culture—and to bring up his children in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anton-chekhov/to-live-the-same-family-life-as-his-father-and-forefathers-that-is-in/) [Anton Chekhov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anton-chekhov/) [Browse all 670 Family life quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family-life/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“The things we want in life are the things that the evolved mind tells us to want, and it doesn’t give a fig about our happiness. All the evidence suggests that you would probably be happier not caring about your promotion and going and building boats or doing volunteer work instead. 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