What Is "Satisfaction"?

In the 18^th chapter of Voltaire’s Candide, we are shown a crude reality: We shall never be happy with what we have if we seek happiness in the material and not in the spiritual. Our society is confused because it believes that innovation brings joy. We must find satisfaction in stability and gratitude in real prosperity: the one that only involves survival and happiness.

The wise king of Eldorado gives Candide and his valet, Cacambo, a sound piece of advice when they inform him of their intentions to leave the utopia: “I realize that my country is not much to boast of, but a man should be satisfied with what works moderately well” (83). This captures the essence of satisfaction and man’s wild-goose-chase for well-being. Candide and Cacambo’s reasons for departure are purely materialistic and venturesome in nature. They would have no problem staying there, but they are lured by the prospects in the spoils of the journey: fortune, fame, and Cunégonde’s hand in marriage. In this NY Times article by David Leonhardt, source of society’s happiness today is described as being dependent in changes in status. In other words, the article "Maybe Money Does Buy Happiness After All" shows how people who acquire more than they usually do are happier than those who acquire values they are used to, as we can see in the map above. Why does this occur? Maybe people are more content with a change of status than the change itself. This area of society's psychology strongly depends on propaganda and popular trends. It is getting harder and harder to be happy every day.