Wanting More: Challenge of Enjoyment in the Age of Addiction

by Mark Chamberlain

This is a book about overcoming addictions and learning to appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Janell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book regarding the intensity in our lives today. This had little to do with drug addiction (illegal or otherwise) and more to do with our need to have MORE possessions, see MORE exciting movies, have a MORE exciting relationship, etc. It often talked about how desensitized we were to simple and spiritual enjoyment because we often demand so much more. It really made me do some serious thinking about ambitions in my own life.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Does this author hit the nail on the head. We are truly a society which has gotten caught up in an addiction cycle and can't get out. Advertisers play a big role in this, but we need to take responsibility too. I'm still reading it and finding out new strategies to be satisfied with life and the little joys it holds every day. This isn't just about the addictions we think of (alcohol, smoking, gambling, etc.), it's about wanting more money, a bigger house, more romantic relationships--in other words, trying to find happiness through more stimulation. And let's face it--we all do it.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

a big part of me wants to make this simple book the guide-book by which I live my life and raise my kids. Well, the non-scriptoral guide book, anyway. It's a very quick read which drives home a couple of very simple principles which are vital to anyone living in our modern age. I highly recomend it to anyone.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally bought this book hoping to gain insights into addiction issues of certain loved ones, but realized it had as much or more application for myself. It is a facinating, clearly written book on keeping life in perspective. A parent must read.

[Shay W · Rating 4 out of 5]

From what I remember, this book was a great erminder of how we need to look at all aspects of our lives. Adiction is not just tobaccco and pornography, it can be anything the takes your mind away from those things which matter most!

[Beth Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to be told HOW to stop always wanting MORE, but didn't really feel like the author focused in on that. Too much time was spent talking about how we are such a materialistic society and not satisfied with what we have. Yes--I knew that already. I wanted to know how to stop it.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thesis: Overstimulation leads to desensitization, which requires more and more of the overstimulation (drug, or other excess) to achieve the craved effect.

The antidote is to learn to enjoy the simple pleasures which our body was intended to enjoy.

After finishing it, I flipped through the pages to review what I had read. I came across an account of his visit to an old grandmother in Korea, and realized that he was there as a missionary. This book is written as a purely phsychological book. There is no overt reference to church, or even to religion. It has one topic:

Get rid of addiction to enjoy life more.
Get rid of overstimulation to enjoy life more.
Take pleasure in the little things.
Self denial increases enjoyment in the rest of life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible resource for anyone "wanting more." Quotes to come (I finished and left the book at work).

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite! If you have ever: felt a rush of pleasure in watching your child(ren) create entertainment from cardboard; been concerned about the amount of TV your child(ren) view; been annoyed or frustrated when you hear, "I'M BORED!"; felt you just needed more out of life, but didn't know how or why; found faults in your body image; wanted to stop eating sweets, but couldn't find the motivation; loved a dish at a restaurant the first time you tried it, but just couldn't get the same pleasure on repeat visits; felt your life was too busy; been concerned about an addiction - chocolate, sex, TV, sugar, shopping/spending, etc.; wondered how someone with a disability or struggle could possibly be happy; etc . . . then this is a MUST READ!
I usually get bored with "self-help" type books, but this was a VERY EASY read that I can highly recommend! The chapters are short and packed with excellent stories, quotes and examples that are very relatable and insightful. I can't even begin to share some of my favorite stories and quotes - there were several in EVERY chapter. Even if you don't read it from cover to cover, each chapter is a treasure.
One of my many favorite quotes in the book is from Leonardo da Vinci about the typical person of his time: "looks without seeing, listens without hearing, touches without feeling, eats without tasting, moves without physical awareness, inhales without awareness of odor or fragrance, and talks without thinking."
Mark Chamberlain is an excellent writer! He has much experience in this department as a practicing psychologist specializing in the treatment of addictions, and he shares some interesting examples. His stories, examples and quotes come from all walks of life such as Buddha, Helen Kellar, Walt Whitman, radio shows, and very normal everyday people.
This is not just a book about addictions, it is about finding true ENJOYMENT in everyday life! I will definitely read it again!

[Tamra Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very straight forward description of addiction and how all of us participate in addiction in one form or another. It teaches that few of us know how to be content and happy with what we have and that society perpetuates the more, more, more attitude.

Marketers haven't just sold us their products, but an instant gratification society that won't be happy until they "have it all," what ever that is. I recommend this to anyone who may feel that they don't live up to the famous "Jones'."

[Liaken · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first couple of chapters give good food for thought, but overall, the book doesn't reach its potential. Rather than being persuasive by presenting compelling research or thoughtful analysis, the author often relies on heart-warming stories or personal anecdotes to get his points across, which amounts to a text that preaches more than it teaches. Sometimes in the later chapters, I found myself skimming as I read, looking for something that had substance.

So, the first chapters have the most substance---and they are worth a read. The concept of the book is a good one.

[Mandi Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is not to snazy, but the content and ideas are great. Falls in line with an LDS perspective on many issues facing our society and American culture as a whole. I've read it twice in the past 3 years, it's a quick easy read with some good tips for feeling more content in your current situation.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable. I liked the short chapters, and the call to action at the end of each chapter. I usually take a long time to read non-fiction books because they are not as interesting or engaging. But, I read this in hardly any time, it was so interesting. This book has really made me think of what I do and how I can improve.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I read this for book club. It was full of great information. I didn't feel like it had many new ideas for me, mostly it confirmed thoughts I have already had. It was a good reminder that often "less is more" and had some good ideas on how to regain our ability to enjoy the little things without constantly needing "more".

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked what the author had to say about the cycle of wanting more (of anything) because we have so much. I think he made the same point about 50 ways, but he had some good suggestions for getting back to enjoying the simple things in life.

[Leasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an eye opener! What the media tells us versus what will truly make us happy is completely opposite. Not that I didn't already know that, but it really helps to have everything confirmed by a Ph. D.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so facinating to me because it uncovered a truth for me about the pride cycle... and our individual indulgences in it.

Especially since this last conference where there was so much counsel about gratitude... this book addresses that and directing our source of enjoyment.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked his thoughts about the trouble of hyperstimulation, its affect on our ability to enjoy the countless wonders we experience in our everyday existence, and the solutions. I want to savor every bite I take, every sunset I see, every cool bug, etc. Good reminders.

[Christin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, it was nothing "new" but a great refresher of some of the lies and deceptions that are so prevalent in society today that we forget about them. Life really is about less not more. About slowing down to enjoy what we do have. Highly recommended.

[Angelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read and a great self help book. It teaches you how to re-sensitize yourself in an age of addiction and how to enjoy what we have now. Part 1 is "How enjoyment evades us". Part 2 is "Expanding enjoyment". Great stuff and a reread. Actually this is one I want to read to all my children.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and it inspired me to make a lot of new goals.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read this around November before the Christmas lists come out!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on the nature of addiction and desensitization.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful. Learned a lot from it. Chapter 14 Standing Up to Desire, and Chapter 18 Enjoyment's Paradoxical Pace were my favorite chapters.

[Brien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eye-opening. It'll make you think about yourself in new ways.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on learning how to be happy with the things you have--to be aware of what's around you, to appreciate the little things and the people around you.

[LeeAnn]

I heard about this at my last bookclub meeting. It sounded excellent...

[Jodi Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offers powerful persective on the world we live in and the driving force to have "more." Great food for thought.

[Shar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is truly about opening our eyes to the beauty of life in the simplest things. It's short and inspiring.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange pick to read while luxuriating in Hawaii...my first and possibly only time there.