Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 3: The Path of Action

Bhagavad Gita 3.39

āvṛtaṃ jñānametena jñānino nityavairiṇā | kāmarūpeṇa kaunteya duṣpūreṇānalena ca ||

Knowledge is covered, Arjuna, by this constant enemy of the wise, which takes the form of desire and is a fire that is never satisfied.

Modern context

Desire is called a fire that is never satisfied. Anala, a word for fire, is traditionally explained as 'that which never says enough'. Feeding a craving does not end it. Each new purchase, each further hour of scrolling, each extra helping raises the level at which we feel we have enough. Desire is called the constant enemy of the wise because a wise person sees the harm even while enjoying, and so is never fully at ease with it. Satisfaction comes when the wanting quietens, and getting more does not quieten it.