Acharya Prashant addresses the human mind's chase for security. He begins by acknowledging that there is no point in deliberately keeping oneself insecure, as human beings require a certain degree of assurance to function sanely. It is perfectly alright to seek security in the physical sense, such as knowing where the next meal is coming from or having a stable job. If one is worried about the roof over their head, it would be difficult to even attend to a conversation. The crucial thing, he explains, is to know where to draw the line, the threshold. Absolute security is not possible in this relative, dualistic world. It is justified to seek from the world only what the world can afford to give, which is a certain degree of security. The trouble begins when we start seeking the absolute from the relative, or when we seek deep, inner, psychological contentment from worldly attainment. The belief that acquiring or manipulating things will make life truly meaningful is an illusion that keeps one perpetually on tenterhooks. The satisfaction derived from material attainment follows the law of diminishing returns. Initially, attainment brings some satisfaction, but we mistakenly extrapolate this curve, thinking that more attainment will bring proportionally more satisfaction. In reality, the curve of contentment flattens and reaches a plateau. Beyond a certain point, further accumulation can even lead to less contentment, just as overeating can lead to vomiting. Mankind, he suggests, is at a point where it is vomiting due to over-consumption. This is where self-knowledge becomes essential. Once the curve of material satisfaction has flattened, what is needed to increase contentment is not more material things, but self-knowledge. One must be able to recognize the point of inflection where diminishing returns kick in. It is wise to pursue material things up to that point, but beyond it, the pursuit becomes foolish and a waste of time, as it no longer translates into more contentment or well-being.