a Venn diagram named Desire


I decided to make a Venn diagram of my desires.

I began by finding a half-empty exercise book and a pen that still writes. This took some work.

I proceeded to write a one-page list of desires.

Then I made a cup of tea (falling under the desire of “good food,” as listed in the completed diagram) and drank it.

Then I started down the list, labeling
each in the margin with a P for physical, an S for social, or SP for
spiritual. If there was more than one, I added them.

Then I reorganized them each under
separate headings, because I find it impossible to organize things in
my head without physically reorganizing them as well. As an
aside—this explains the permanent cloud of scrap paper that hovers
around me at all times, like Pig Pen in the Peanuts cartoons.

Then I started making my diagram in
Paint. I added colors and felt very smug about my diagrammatic
prowess. So pretty!

I was unsure at first whether to write the desires in the diagram, or whether I should just color-code them
and write them afterwards. In the end, I decided that a list at the end would suffice for those who had difficulties reading the diagram proper. I added a title, because no brainchild should be without a name. Here is the finished product.

For those having difficulty reading my lovely handiwork, I have provided an all-text version below:


DESIRE

Social

approval from family

public recognition

influence

Social/Physical

economic stability

sex

Physical

good food

physical activity

good health

sleep

Physical/Spiritual

scientific understanding

access to books and literature

beautiful surroundings

proximity to nature

Spiritual

enlightenment

Divine understanding

virtue

Spiritual/Social

intimate friendships

stimulating discussion

wisdom

phronesis*

Balanced

family

creative expression

fulfilling and meaningful work

adventure and change

eudaimonia*

*see Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics for more details