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“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied”

John Stuart Mill

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Being a human, even if you're not always happy, is better than being an animal that's always content. Humans can think deeply, feel a wide range of emotions, and understand complex ideas. For instance, a person might feel sad or frustrated when facing tough situations, like losing a job. But this same person can also experience great joy, love, and personal growth. On the other hand, a pig might be happy simply with food and comfort, but it doesn't have the ability to dream big, love deeply, or learn and create. Imagine a student working hard for a difficult exam. They might feel stressed and tired, but after passing, they experience great satisfaction and confidence. This ability to overcome challenges and feel such achievement is something a pig cannot experience. The quote suggests that it's the richness of human experiences, with all their ups and downs, that makes life truly valuable. In short, facing dissatisfaction can lead to personal growth and deeper happiness, something mere contentment cannot offer.

Related tags
Dissatisfaction Ethics Existentialism Human condition Human nature Philosophy Satisfaction Utilitarianism Value of life
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