Final answer:
The types of desires in one's heart can be material possessions and power, love and other positive emotions, pride and selfishness, or hatred and resentment. These desires are influenced by both natural instincts and societal factors, impacting overall well-being and life satisfaction. Philosophies like Buddhism highlight the idea that desires can cause restlessness but can be transcended with willpower and spiritual practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general types of desires that one can have in their heart include: a) Material possessions and power, which pertains to the physical and tangible objects as well as the influence one may have over others; b) Love, joy, peace, patience, which are emotional and spiritual states that contribute to one's overall well-being and internal harmony; c) Pride and selfishness, which revolves around an exaggerated sense of self-importance and prioritizing one's own needs above others; and d) Hatred and resentment, which are negative emotions that can lead to discord and a lack of fulfillment.
It's important to understand that these desires can be driven by both natural instincts and societal influences. For example, the pursuit of material possessions might be motivated by a basic need for security, while self-interest can dominate in consumer behavior. In contrast, communal activities often encourage the prioritization of public spirit over selfish desires. The balance of these desires can significantly impact one's happiness and sense of satisfaction, as indicated by research showing that material prosperity predicts life evaluation, whereas psychosocial prosperity predicts positive feelings (Diener et al., 2010).
Furthermore, philosophies like that of the Buddha suggest that desires are the root of restlessness and that peace can be attained through willpower and spiritual exercise, emphasizing the complexity of human motivations and the potential for transcendence beyond basic desires.