"Most people seek after what they do not possess and are enslaved by the very things they want to acquire"

Anwar Sadat's quote, "Most people seek after what they do not possess and are enslaved by the very things they wish to acquire", talks to a profound human propensity and the paradoxical nature of desire and satisfaction. At its core, the quote highlights the limitless pursuit of material possessions, social status, or personal accomplishments that lots of people think will result in happiness or fulfillment. Nevertheless, this pursuit often does not lead to the awaited complete satisfaction, and instead, can result in a form of enslavement.

Sadat suggests that the drive to acquire more-- be it wealth, acknowledgment, or success-- can eclipse real satisfaction and well-being. In seeking what they do not possess, people often focus on external acquisitions instead of internal satisfaction. This focus can result in an unlimited cycle of desire, where the attainment of one goal merely sets the phase for a new, typically more demanding one. The anticipation of getting what we lack becomes a dominant force in life, determining options and actions.

Moreover, the concept of becoming "enslaved" by these desires highlights how the extremely act of yearning can control one's life. The things of desire frequently transform from being objectives to being masters, as people connect their self-worth and joy to accomplishing them. This can cultivate stress and anxiety, discontentment, and a continuous sense of inadequacy, as there is always something more to strive for.

Eventually, Sadat's quote invites reflection on the nature of desires and the pursuit of joy. It encourages a reevaluation of what genuinely contributes to a fulfilling life, suggesting that authentic complete satisfaction may not be discovered in the build-up of possessions or distinctions, however in appreciating what one currently has and cultivating internal sources of satisfaction. By acknowledging the capacity for enslavement in the chase for what is not had, people can strive for a well balanced life where goals do not overshadow appreciation and appreciation for today.