In What Do You Want?!: Philosophical Essays, Adrian Gabriel Dumitru takes readers on a contemplative journey through the tangled web of human desires, exposing the complexities of what we truly want in life and why so many of us remain unhappy despite our relentless pursuit of something “more”.
Dumitru’s reflective essays dive deep into the psyche, revealing how our desires are often illusions, shaped by external influences and unexamined emotions.
At the heart of the book lies a central, perplexing question: “What do we really want?” The author argues that the reason many of us remain dissatisfied is that we don’t really know what we want, and because of that, we chase after things that may not even bring us happiness. This endless search, according to the author, is rooted in a fairy-tale mindset—an idealised version of life that leads us to believe in the unattainable or the unrealistic, leaving us disappointed and disconnected from our true selves.
Dumitru’s essays encourage us to stop hiding from these obvious truths. We are often blind to what we already have, constantly desiring what is just out of reach. Ironically, as Dumitru points out, we actually want what we already have, but we are too caught up in the illusion of wanting something else to appreciate it.
One of the most intriguing themes in the book is Dumitru’s reflection on how the Universe plays a role in shaping our desires. He describes how, humorously and often frustratingly, the Universe tends to send him the exact contradictory of what he asks for, creating an illusion that this is actually what he wanted. This playful, cosmic irony serves as a reminder that our desires are often misunderstood, and what we think we want may not always be what we need.
Dumitru’s prose is lyrical and accessible, making complex philosophical ideas easy to grasp. His personal anecdotes and reflections give the book an intimate feel, as though the author is engaging in a direct conversation with the reader.
For those interested in self-awareness and personal growth, What Do You Want?! is a powerful and thought-provoking read. Adrian Gabriel Dumitru seamlessly blends philosophy and psychology, creating a work that not only challenges readers intellectually but also inspires them to reflect on their own lives.
We always want something.We always want … what we don’t have … or maybe can’t have. Or … what can’t belong to us. Saying “I want” … is a lot related with the world of desires … but carries lots of influences … which we don’t really know they exist. Rarely … i dare to ask … seeing myself doing lots of stupid things … “What do i want?! What do i really want?!” And … honestly speaking …. I can’t really find a logical explanation … in many of those occasions.
A book and a cup of coffee 