Why Are We Never Satisfied?

The purpose of this Weird and Wonderful piece is to find out why we are never Satisfied – I feel it is necessary for me to begin with the Song called “Satisfaction” written by “The Rolling Stones”.

Why?

– Because answers are written and lyrics are a form of prose and poetry: Weird and Wonderful logic. However, there is a twist as I break down the lyrics and form some kind of theory behind “Satisfaction”…. you may want to sing whilst reading – please feel free to Spotify “The Rolling Stones”….

I can’t get no satisfaction! (x2)

And I try, And I try

I can’t get no, no no

Verse 1

When I’m driving in my car

And the man comes on the Radio

He’s telling me more and more

About useless information

Supposed to fire my imagination

I stop Right there. Why?

Because straight away you are facing the answer in the first verse. “About some useless information, supposed to fire my imagination,” – – – – – 

Psychologically, we go through a process of behavioural conditioning to be satisfied. This is important and useful to know because during ones frustration, we must, apply some kind of conditioning theory to perhaps give rewarding results.

Rewards lead to satisfaction: As Edward Thorndike, (1927) suggests in his theory of “the measure of intelligence,” – – even though satisfaction in the process of measuring people’s intelligence is never deemed as important; I always feel it is necessary to remember the last time you received a reward…….

Did it feel good? Was the experience of receiving the reward satisfying?

– Yes I like both. What about you?

Prominently looking at ‘The Law of Effect’  by Thorndike, (1927); satisfaction would actually make actions reoccur. So regardless, as humans, we need to have a reward or some incentive to do things; according to Thorndike, (1927) we would speedily do things in order to have that lovely moment.

So relentlessly working – no matter what: does not mean that we achieve the best results. When we are rewarded for them we perform better. Although Thorndike, (1927) was a little devious – he measured intelligence at the same time – testing memory and speed.

As I feel we are always learning, those whom state they are not are living a blanket lie of ignorance and are probably illiterate. I feel I have come across several of those lovely characters in my life who deny learning is a satisfying thing. They would like to illiminate people’s chances of learning because they are too frightened; also, the feelings of never being satisfied, I feel, pulls them into a negative hole of deception – trying to tell people they are awful for striving and achieving – I also feel this could lead to deviance or even crime. And also drugs – they use postive reinforcement in drugs rehabilitation and alcohol rehabilitation, it has been proven successful. Here is an example:

See – instead of a drug addict choosing to satisfy/treat himself – the guy – he replaces them with stars. Good job!

Crime and Deviance is more a sociological principle, but, can be applied to psychology; for now let’s focus on to the principles of being satisfied.

The intellect, character, and skill possessed by any man are the product of certain original tendencies and training which they have received – Edward Thorndike, (1927).

I feel the love for Thorndike, (1927) as everyone must have some form of learning or achievement to prove they are worthy of a skill.

You may want to show your boss this post. Just to boost productivity. As when we are satisfied and receive rewards, we will repeat the outcome. Thorndike, (1927) tested his theory on animals and humans.  

Repetition of a task is fulfilling for an individual but the added reward brings satisfaction.  

This process could also be applied to bad behaviour – ignoring the actual bad behaviour and rewarding good behaviour means – the process of punishment would be called positive reinforcement. The example earlier of drug rehabilitation shows positive reinforcement using a reward chart. 

This is a kids version of a reward chart…. personally, I just put little smilies on my diary. It makes me laugh. You can make a chart for whatever you like.

I feel as though many of us passed a certain age have not been given positive reinforcement as a form of punishment. This form of behavioural conditioning is used today in many nursery’s and schools. This makes life more functional, however, we have learned a different process and we need to make sure the old ways are not passed on to a generation; so we can assist with the learning process and I feel it would reduce crime, or, even have a satisfying life or, job. Also, I feel that we need to get out the funky pattern of punishing people – it is barbaric – the 21st century is here; try something new.

When everyone talks about dysfunctional behaviour they always refer to “The Rolling Stones” and “Satisfaction”, but I feel we are always going to want to achieve because it is a behavioural process we humans need – also – intellectual capacity is one of those levels where thinking is constant. Please refer to my post on Justification, (2015) https://artymarty99.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/justification/927) whereby philosopher Rene Descartes, (1637) provides an incite to thinking. 

We are faced with a new future – it actually does not matter how old you are. You will always learn. Whether it is a new job, or, new software for the computer, new ways of communicating with others who speak a different language – we are learning but we need to be satisfied and rewarded for such tasks; to continue balancing the effectiveness. As I feel we will always want to be paid more, or, have a holiday e.t.c

I feel, when I am losing sight of my goals this is a good song to help remind me – why.

Rewards are Satisfaction. Please do not forget to reward yourself – daily.

Treats to yourself are satisfying. 🙂

The psychology Book,(62 -65),  C. Collin, N. Benson, J. Gisburg, V. Grand, M. Lazyan, M. Weeks, W. (2012) DK London, 1st Edition, UK.