I think this is close to the question that has been lurking in my mind for some time: Why optimize our strategies to achieve what we happen to want, instead of just modifying what we want?
Suppose, for my next question, that it was trivial to modify what we want. Is there some objective meta-goal we really do need to pay attention to?
tut's quip holds the key:
But in general the answer is another question: Why would you want to do that?
But to expound on it a bit further, if I want to drive to Dallas to see a band play I can (a) figure out a strategy to get there or (b) stop wanting to go. Assuming that (b) is even possible, it isn't actually a solution to the problem of how to get to Dallas. Applying the same principle to all Wants does not provide you with a way to always get what you want. Instead, it helps you avoid not getting what you want.
If you wanted nothing more than to a...
ITT we talk about whatever.