# The mindset of more (series introduction) – Tracy Durnell's Mind Garden  ## Introduction - The author has been playing the game Satisfactory with their sister, and through this experience, they have come to realize that they have been operating under a real-world scarcity mindset, assuming that resources are limited, when in fact the game has its own rules that allow for vast resource extraction. - This realization has made the author more aware of the constructed rules of the real world, particularly those imposed by capitalism, which shape their actions and desires, as noted by Mark Fisher's quote that capitalism has colonized the population's dreaming life. - The author is introducing a series of posts that aim to tackle the pernicious quest for more, a mindset that is perpetuated by capitalism, and explore ways to manage wants, information diet, and find enough in a world that is driven by economic growth and disposability. - The modern American lifestyle is described as a pyramid scheme that relies on undervalued labor and overexploited resources, and the economy's need for continuous growth has led to a culture of disposability and the normalization of renting rather than owning. - The author notes that this is not a deliberate plan, but rather the result of the incentives of capitalism, which lead companies to converge on these outcomes, and that recognizing the influence of capitalism on their desires does not necessarily make them want them less. - The author reflects on how the mindset of more permeates every aspect of their life, from material possessions to intellectual and creative pursuits, and how it instills a deep dissatisfaction with what they have, making it difficult to ever feel like they have enough. - The author concludes by referencing a video of a young Russian woman's apartment tour, which showcases an attitude of abundance despite having few material possessions, and suggests that this perspective is something to be learned from. ## The Mindset of More - The author, Tracy Durnell, reflects on their tendency to want more than they can afford, including non-essential home remodels, luxury furnishings, and excessive information consumption. - Despite having the willpower to resist buying material goods, the author finds it challenging to resist consuming information and ideas, which can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and disconnection from their true desires. - The author acknowledges that wanting things is not inherently wrong, but they aspire to be driven less by their desire to possess and more by their own self-driven wants, rather than those that serve capitalism. - Tracy Durnell aims to cultivate a sense of satisfaction with what they already have, feel safe letting go of unnecessary possessions, and be more intentional with their time and attention. - The author references Oliver Burkeman's quote of [[Harry Frankfurt]], which highlights how devices can sabotage our capacity to "want what we want," and recognizes the need to disentangle themselves from the influence of capitalism. - This series, "The Mindset of More," will explore the author's journey of grappling with their wanting, finding peace with it, and intentionally shifting their desires to align with their true needs. - The author views this process as a continuation of their emotional work on self-acceptance, which involves recognizing and sitting with feelings of insufficiency and emotional discomfort. - The series will delve into topics such as finding satisfaction under capitalism, listening without streaming, and exploring the concept of "enough."