Why We Want More (Lessons from Ash and Pikachu)

The Tale of a 10-Year-Old and a Yellow Mouse

Let’s start with the obvious question: why has Ash Ketchum been 10 years old for over two decades? Time-loop theories aside, there’s something magical about his journey. Armed with Pikachu and a dream to "catch ’em all," Ash sets off on what seems like a straightforward mission. But here’s the thing—they keep adding more Pokémon. New regions pop up. New challenges arise. His quest is never-ending.

And somehow, that’s the point.

The Infinite Game: Why We Keep Playing

Ash isn’t chasing a finish line; he’s in it for the ride. Even when he becomes a champion, there’s always another mountain to climb. That’s the appeal of what philosopher James Carse calls the "infinite game": it’s not about winning—it’s about playing.

Now, zoom out of Pallet Town and into real life. Doesn’t this feel familiar? You get the promotion, but now you want the next title. You hit a fitness goal, but then decide your deadlift PR needs some work. You buy the dream car, and six months later, you're Googling upgrades.

We’re all Ash Ketchum in some way, stuck in this endless pursuit of more.

Chasing Happiness: Why the Finish Line Keeps Moving

So why do we keep running? Blame evolution and society.

Biologically, humans are wired to strive. Back in the day, contentment didn’t help our ancestors survive. Ambition did. You’re here because some distant relative was too restless to just sit under a tree and enjoy their mangoes.

Then there’s the societal layer. Hustle culture loves to whisper in our ears: You’re not enough yet. Keep going. Social media doesn’t help either. Someone’s always got a better job, a cooler vacation, or shinier Pokémon cards.

The result? We’re like Ash: always chasing, never quite catching.

The Double-Edged Sword of Ambition

Let’s give ambition some credit—it’s not all bad. Setting goals gives life meaning. It pushes us to grow, adapt, and become better versions of ourselves.

But here’s the trap: if all you see is the next goal, you’ll miss the view along the way. Burnout, dissatisfaction, and feeling like you’re on a hamster wheel—that’s the dark side of ambition.

Life Lessons from Ash and Pikachu

Here’s where Pokémon drops some wisdom. Ash’s best moments aren’t about the trophies; they’re about the journey. The friendships he builds, the struggles he overcomes, and the wild adventures along the way—that’s the good stuff.

Real life works the same way. The promotion, the PR, the Instagram followers—they’re milestones, not destinations. The magic is in the process: the late-night brainstorming sessions, the laughs with friends, the small victories that remind you why you started.

Defining “Enough”

So how do we step off the hamster wheel without losing our drive? By defining enough.

Enough isn’t giving up; it’s recognizing what truly matters to you. It’s being ambitious, but also grateful. It’s chasing goals without letting them consume you.

Because let’s face it: if Ash ever did catch them all, would we even watch? The adventure would be over.

Final Thoughts: Catching the Real Prize

Life is like Pokémon—it’s not about completing the Pokédex. It’s about the adventures, the battles, and the occasional Magikarp flopping in the wrong direction.

So go ahead, chase your dreams. But don’t forget to pause and enjoy the journey. After all, the best moments aren’t in the end credits—they’re in the messy, unpredictable middle.

And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, the joy isn’t in catching them all—but in trying.