Buddhism Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““This Buddhist view of happiness has a lot in common with the biochemical view. Both agree that pleasant sensations disappear as fast as they arise, and that as long as people crave pleasant sensations without actually experiencing them, they remain dissatisfied. However, this problem has two very different solutions. The biochemical solution is to develop products and treatments that will provide humans with an unending stream of pleasant sensations, so we will never be without them. The Buddha’s suggestion was to reduce our craving for pleasant sensations, and not allow them to control our lives. According to Buddha, we can train our minds to observe carefully how all sensations constantly arise and pass. When the mind learns to see our sensations for what they are – ephemeral and meaningless vibrations – we lose interest in pursuing them. For””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Future of Humanity, 2023
Buddhist and biochemical views both note fleeting pleasure; Buddha advises reducing craving, not chasing endless pleasure.
In simple terms: Reduce craving, not chase pleasure.
Cultivate mindful awareness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- stress management
- addiction recovery
- personal development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice non‑attachment?
- What habits sustain lasting contentment?
Constant stimulation can lead to burnout; balance is needed.