Introduction
What do all men want? It’s simple: more, period. This statement might come across as an oversimplification of human desires, but when you peel back the layers, it holds profound truth. Be it money, power, influence, relationships, or even material possessions, men—across cultures, borders, and time—seek “more.” Let’s explore why this is true, using historical data, social analysis, and observable evidence.
The Drive for More
At the core of a man’s psyche is the desire for more, and this doesn’t stem from a place of mere greed but from an evolutionary need to expand, conquer, and secure. This behavior has its roots in survival instincts, where resources meant power and security. Today, those instincts manifest in the pursuit of wealth, influence, and control over one’s environment.
“Men don’t just want more because of greed—it’s because they’re wired that way. Evolution has taught us that more resources mean survival, power, and control. It’s embedded in our DNA.”
– Ewing Redmond Samuels III
Take money, for instance. A 2018 study from the Pew Research Center shows that 45% of men report that their job or career is the most important factor in their identity, often driving the insatiable quest for more wealth and financial security. Whether a man has $1,000 or $1 million, the drive to get more doesn’t fade, often becoming more intense as wealth accumulates. There’s a common saying, “The first million is the hardest,” but the truth is, many who’ve reached that milestone quickly shift the goalpost to $10 million, and so on.
But it’s not just money. Think about power. We can go back through history to witness this relentless thirst for more. Julius Caesar wasn’t content with being a military leader—he needed to be the supreme ruler of Rome. Napoleon Bonaparte conquered vast territories across Europe, but even as Emperor of France, it wasn’t enough. Historical records prove that this hunger for more is a driving force that shapes nations and empires. In fact, the historian Will Durant noted, “The world history is a history of man’s drive for more power.”
The Pursuit of More: Influence and Social Status
Now, let’s talk about influence. Men have always sought to make their mark, be it through political clout, professional accomplishments, or social standing. Social psychologist Robert Cialdini‘s work on influence and persuasion underscores this deeply rooted desire. In his landmark book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Cialdini notes how power dynamics and the ability to influence others act as fundamental desires. It’s why men often aspire to positions of leadership in business, politics, and even in their communities.
Consider figures like Rockefeller, Carnegie, or Jeff Bezos today. They didn’t stop once they reached the top of their industries. They amassed more power, more influence, and through this—more of everything else: wealth, admiration, and legacy.
More Women, More Companionship
Relationships are no exception to this pattern. Many men desire more women, companionship, or romantic fulfillment, and history has plenty of examples of this desire playing out in kings, emperors, and even modern-day celebrities. The concept of having multiple wives or concubines is present in various ancient cultures—such as the dynasties of China or the Ottoman Empire. In fact, Sultan Ibrahim of the Ottoman Empire, known as “Ibrahim the Mad,” had over 280 concubines and wives, a testament to his unchecked pursuit of more.
In more contemporary terms, society might frown upon polygamy, but the underlying desire for admiration, affection, or sexual conquest is still prevalent. Modern dating apps, the rise of non-monogamous relationships, and the culture of hookup apps like Tinder reflect this.
“The real question every man must ask himself is this: ‘More, but for what purpose?’ Because without purpose, that hunger can destroy you just as quickly as it can build an empire.”
– Ewing Redmond Samuels III
The Digital Age: A New Era of “More”
In the digital age, the pursuit of “more” has taken new forms. Social media allows men to seek more likes, followers, and validation online, which is simply another form of power and influence. A study by The Royal Society in 2018 pointed out that men are 10% more likely to engage in social comparison on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, driven by the desire for social clout and status.
This never-ending thirst for recognition, wealth, and influence is coded into our very DNA. In a consumer-driven society, where the next paycheck, social validation, or business opportunity is just around the corner, men—no matter their status or achievements—constantly want more.
Historical Proof of the Never-Ending Desire for More
Here’s a timeline of examples showing that the desire for more transcends time, culture, and geography:
- Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE): After conquering the Persian Empire, he didn’t stop. He wanted to push into India and beyond, despite having control of one of the largest empires the world had ever seen.
- John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937): At one point, Rockefeller controlled 90% of all oil in the U.S. Did he stop there? No. He expanded further, diversifying his investments, and relentlessly sought to build more wealth.
- Elon Musk (1971-present): From founding PayPal to revolutionizing electric cars with Tesla and pushing humanity toward Mars through SpaceX, Musk continues to expand. The drive for “more” isn’t limited to Earth; it’s interplanetary.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Men’s desire for more isn’t inherently good or bad—it just is. It can lead to innovation, progress, and economic growth, or it can spiral into greed, corruption, and the destruction of relationships. The pursuit of more has driven civilizations to flourish and collapse.
Recognizing that this drive is a part of human nature is crucial. It can be a force for good if directed wisely, creating more opportunities for others and building legacies that benefit generations. However, unchecked and without purpose, the pursuit of “more” can become destructive, leading to the downfall of the very man who once sought to gain everything.
“But more important than what we get is why we seek it. Purpose matters.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
Final Thoughts: More, But For What Purpose?
In the end, every man must ask himself, “More, but for what purpose?” Is the pursuit of more about fulfillment, growth, and contribution? Or is it a bottomless pit of insatiable desire? That question is one every man must answer for himself, and the consequences of that answer will shape the course of his life.
Feel free to share your thoughts below. What are you seeking more of in life, and why?
Sources:
- Pew Research Center. (2018). Men’s Identity and Career
- Cialdini, R. B. (2007). Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.
- Durant, W. (2010). The Lessons of History.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
