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Is Not Wanting as good as Having?

  • by
Austin Miao
Austin Miao

8th February 2026

Austin has asked if the community can help explore the topic “Is Not Wanting as Good as Having?”

Naval Ravikant proposes that “not wanting something is as good as having it,” suggesting that many desires can be replaced by the choice to be content/happy. However, without substantive outcomes, what grounds such contentment/happiness? Or perhaps satisfaction is found in the process of striving itself.

In preparation, Austin has asked us to consider the following questions:

  1. Are there desires that help us grow as people? How can we pursue these desires without letting them control us?
  2. Can you think of a time when letting go of a desire brought you peace? What about a time when not wanting something would have left you worse off?