Zustandswünsche

Zustandswünsche, a German term often translated as "state wishes" or "desires for states," refers to a concept in philosophy and psychology concerning an individual's desired future emotional or psychological condition. It's not about wishing for specific external circumstances, but rather for a particular internal experience. For instance, a Zustandswunsch might be the desire to feel calm, confident, or content, irrespective of the external factors that might or might not be present.

This concept distinguishes itself from simple desires for objects or events. While one might wish for a new car (an external object) or a promotion (an external event), a Zustandswunsch is focused on the feeling or state of being associated with achieving those external goals, or even independent of them. It emphasizes the subjective experience of well-being.

The idea of Zustandswünsche is relevant in discussions of motivation, goal setting, and the pursuit of happiness. Understanding that one's deepest desires might be for internal states rather than external achievements can influence how individuals set their priorities and what they strive for in life. It suggests that true fulfillment might lie in cultivating these internal states through various practices, such as mindfulness, self-reflection, or therapeutic interventions. The focus shifts from "what do I want to have or do?" to "how do I want to feel?"