What do we pray for?, & what are we praying about? 

Seneca expresses his dissatisfaction with prayers offered by loved ones, and argues that they often wish for things that are harmful to us. He questions why we continue to rely on gods for sustenance, when we are capable of supporting ourselves.  

Our insatiable desires are not a result of our natural hunger, but our excessive cravings; & everyone who are solely driven by their desires, should be considered animals rather than humans.  

True living involves using oneself to benefit others, and that those who become inactive and consumed by their desires are no better off than the dead.  

The Taoist philosophy highlights the importance of living in harmony with nature, & avoiding excessive desires, remember that the insatiable desires of humans are not natural, & are harmful to our well-being. 

Instead we should encourage everyone to focus on contentment & self-sufficiency, rather than relying on external sources for our sustenance.  

True living benefiting others & being actively engaged in the world, is in line with the Taoist belief in living a simple, & balanced life in harmony with the natural world.