Philosophically speaking...can desire be controlled?

Question

Philosophically speaking...can desire be controlled?

Answer 1

Only philosophy can control desire. Agree?

Answer 2

A desire must first be created before it can be argued that it is controllable or not. Most people will contend that they have no ability to create their desires, therefore, removing the abilty to control the desire.

Think about your favorite foods for the next hour and then watch the desire to eat emerge.

Answer 3

Desire, lust, greed, anger, jealousy, envy or any other strong feelings can be controlled. It depends largely on your character, your upbringing, education and experiences. And the more positive they are, the easier to control desire.

However, a desire or a passion for something positive, beneficial for oneself or society is a good thing and should not be curbed or controlled. This way you can reach your potential, your highest levels. A desire for physical stunts, drugs, accumulating weapons, fights and bullying, however is undesirable and must be controlled. But anger is usually a negative thing which can cause nuisance, injuries, and serious hurt whether psychological or physical and must be controlled. It brings much regrets in later life. There are courses and programmes on Anger Management.

Answer 4

Of course, desire can be controlled, and should not be confused with needs. This is the main difference between humans and animals, in that we can choose our actions. We have an inner soul, that is able to filter any desire, and decide, if we want to act on it, or not.

I believe that, one of the best ways to filter our desires, and choose which ones to act on, and which ones not to, is to ask yourself, if your desire is based on a negative or a positive, meaning, "do I want this pleasure, in order to avoid / cover up some empty or painful feeling, or do I want to do this, simply because I feel it would make me happy"

Answer 5

It depends on the desire.  All can be controlled for a time but some, like hunger or thirst, eventually control you.

Answer 6

Yes.  By accepting that everything in the physical is temporal, desire leads to temptation and temptations brings about jealousy, and then hate and then suffering.  Accept that you are a sentient being with a purpose other than the shallow reason of amassing wealth for your own pleasure and that the world is just a play ground.

Answer 7

It can, and must.  Love, and consequently desire, is controlled within philosphy