Should I focus more on (dopamine/brain function)?
Are you interested in a (e.g., desire in "The Great Gatsby")? Chain of Desire
We often do not choose our desires in isolation. According to philosopher René Girard, desire is "mimetic"—we want what others want. This creates a social chain where our aspirations are linked to the people we admire or compete with. The Mirror Effect We imitate the goals of peers and mentors. Social media accelerates this chain of comparison. Competition arises when two people reach for the same link. The Psychological Loop Should I focus more on (dopamine/brain function)
The concept of the Chain of Desire explores the interconnected nature of human longing, where one fulfilled wish inevitably births the next. This phenomenon suggests that desire is not a destination but a continuous process of becoming. The Nature of Perpetual Wanting Social media accelerates this chain of comparison
I can expand on any of these to make the essay more targeted.
Humanity is defined by a restless spirit. We rarely find permanent satisfaction in a single achievement. Instead, we experience a "hedonic treadmill" where new milestones quickly become the new baseline.
The Chain of Desire operates on a loop of anticipation, acquisition, and eventual boredom. The "dopamine hit" occurs during the pursuit, not necessarily the possession. The thrill of the "what if." Acquisition: The brief peak of satisfaction. Adaptation: The new object becomes mundane. New Link: The search for the next thrill begins. Breaking or Embracing the Chain