The Unending Quest for More: Why We Strive to Make More Money

Picture this: a creamy cone with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, a brand new car of your dreams, a sprawling house with a luxurious swimming pool, a vast estate where you can ride your very own horse, and even a personalized theater room and office complete with a personal library. Haven't described enough? Maybe add a steam room too?

Why Do We Want to Make Money?

Think about it: why do we strive to earn more? Is it just to put food on the table, pay for bills, and cover the basic necessities of life—water, food, air, rest, clothes, and shelter—collectively known as 'making ends meet'? Yes, that's right, to cover our basic needs. And yet, when these needs are met, a desire for more kicks in. Basic necessities are insatiable, driven by human nature and economic behavior.

Human Needs: An Insatiable Appetite

In economics, there's a widely accepted assumption that human needs are insatiable. This means that no matter how much we have, we'll always want more. This observation has been proven true through keen studies of human psychological and economic behavior. Even Elon Musk, despite being one of the richest individuals in the world, continues to invest in multiple multi-billion dollar companies, including the acquisition of Twitter Inc. His investment needs are insatiable, reflecting the limitless pursuit of more.

From Basics to Fulfillment

Once basic needs are met, humans naturally move on to more complex desires. Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs pyramid illustrates this process. After physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, humans move to love and belonging, esteem, and finally self-actualization.

For example, imagine a man with a growing family. To meet the increased responsibilities, he may work harder or smarter to earn more. Similarly, if a person's tastes or preferences change from the basic to luxury, they will need to work more to afford these changes. However, once these needs are met, they move on to the next level in the hierarchy, demanding more money and resources.

The Driving Force Behind Success

The insatiable nature of human needs can be seen in the relentless pursuit of success and wealth. It's a cycle that drives many individuals to strive harder, smarter, and longer to meet their desires. From buying a new car to funding a theater room, the desire for more is a fundamental aspect of human existence.

With the understanding that human needs can never truly be completely satisfied, it's clear why we continue to strive for more. Whether it's to meet the demands of a growing family, changing tastes, or the fulfillment of higher-level needs, the drive to earn more money remains a constant in human behavior.

So, the next time you find yourself working overtime or making extra money, remember that it's not just to cover your basic needs but to fulfill your aspirations and achieve greater satisfaction in life. This unending quest for more is a testament to the enduring human spirit and its relentless pursuit of fulfillment.