Each inclination is a chain. It binds us to the objects which we need for satisfying it. And the more we satisfy it the more we become dependent on it through habit and also get numb towards the pleasure. Whoever wants to be happy therefore should not chase after satisfaction of his needs but strive for having as little needs as possible. Kant recommends along with Epicurus a modest life: Don’t deny yourself delights, don’t live in complete asceticism, but be content with little and simple delights, enjoy other pleasures from time to time when there is an opportunity, but don’t make yourself dependent on them.

Quote: 0:08

The positive path towards happiness: Get what you require: 0:38

The negative path towards happiness: Require little: 19:10

Modesty instead of wantoness: 26:21

People should be able to do without, but not actually do without everything: 38:36

Whoever is dependent on things is immoral and unhappy: 1:04:14

Kant's advices: 1:35:26

- Abstain from futile desires: 1:36:13

- Think how many live without whatever is a need to you: 1:39:54

- Don’t let habits turn into inclinations through habit: 1:46:31

- Always keep some pleasures in prospect for later: 2:08:18

- Don’t sacrifice the whole for a part: 2:22:20

- Keep in mind that every gain is a loss and the other way around: 2:30:54

Conclusion: 2:41:24

Thanks: 2:45:16

The posture of modesty Kant discusses mostly in his lectures on moral philosophy: https://www.archive.org/details/kantsgesammeltes271imma | https://archive.org/details/kantsgesammeltes272imma | https://archive.org/details/kantsgesammeltes0027kant_s1s1/mode/2up and in his handwritten estate on moral philosophy: https://www.korpora.org/Kant/aa19/ (I am not aware of any English translations).

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