The real problem of wanting something too desperately.

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Introduction: What is the real problem of wanting something too desperately? The idea of wanting something too desperately can either change one’s life or ruin it. As Steve Coogan said, “If you chase something too desperately, it eludes you.” Sometimes, though, this intense desire can lead to problems. It’s like when you want something so much that it’s all you can think about. It “eludes” your decisions. It clouds your judgment and emotions take over you. It can lead you down paths we never intended to take and it’s like a double-edged sword. Finding the balance between pursuing your dreams and maintaining your well-being is truly more important.


Othello (Roderigo): In the story Othello we are introduced to a character named Roderigo. Roderigo can be described as impulsive and desperate. This makes him susceptible to Iago’s manipulative scheme such that at the beginning of the story Roderigo expresses his love for Desdemona. He says, “But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition put into circumscription and confine for the sea’s worth?” Roderigo’s desperation is evident not only in his love for Desdemona but also in his readiness to take action to win her over Othello. He wishes to break free from the constraints that love placed on his life by telling Iago that he is going to ask for his jewels back, however, his urgency also makes him a target for Iago’s tricks. Roderigo’s desperation sets the stage for all the tragic events to unfold and aid Iago’s master plan. In contrast, Roderigo’s impulsive and desperate nature, fueled by his love for Desdemona, makes him an unwitting instrument in Iago’s manipulative scheme, thus playing a significant role in the unfolding tragedy of “Othello.”


(The Greedy and the Spendthrifts; Circle IV)

The Greedy and the Spendthrifts, Pushing rocks, useless labor that frustrates others near them for no good end. The Greedy can also correlate back to being too desperate for something. Dante’s depiction of the greedy and spendthrifts shows the illustration and consequences of wanting something too desperately. Those who are desperate are condemned for their wrongdoings and sentenced to punishment. Their punishments which involve pushing weights reflect the burdens they carried due to their desperation. The circle serves as a reminder of the unrestrained craving and the impact that it can have on one’s life. It highlights the destructive nature of wanting something too desperately such as love, wealth, or fame. Dante’s message shows that excessive desire can lead to a moral compromise and disrupt the balance in one’s life.

Dunning-Kruger Effect The Dunning-Kruger Effect provides a psychological view through which we can understand the risks of wanting something too desperately. This can reveal how individuals are driven by desire and may overestimate their abilities and underestimate the challenges they face. As a result, it can be a dangerous mixture of overconfidence and poor decision-making. Recognizing one’s limitations and having self-awareness is crucial and can lead to ethical compromises and disrupts someone’s life.  

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