The quest for immortality has a long storied history. Leaders of empires, tyrants, those who have reached the apex of conquering life have in the past, been known to seek the “Elixir of Life”. Some have drank gold, being that it is a substance that does not get tarnished. In short, people likely consumed gold and other bizarre potions seeking out immortality or longevity and only ended up shortening their life as a result. Of course, one thing why this is no longer really a thing is due to it being a scientifically falsifiable proposition.
Religion on the other hand, grants one the illusion of immortality and is not falsifiable, thus its success. The desire for more, more than what is possible or feasible or practical infects us all or at least a vast majority. The pain or detriment that people may cause themselves in search for more knows no bounds, essentially.
Buddha states that the root of suffering is desire, in so much that constantly trying to achieve happiness through “more” is an unsatisfactory and ultimately empty goal.
Human nature seems for the most part to have an unquenchable desire for more. Some might call it, “The Disease of More”. The fact that religion is so successful in luring in those who cannot obtain more is evidence of this. It is no secret that those who have endured suffering find solace in religion, as the opposite of more has taken them to despair and it is quite easy to find the fantasy of “more” in religion.
Human nature is a double edged sword in this respect. We are very successful as a species due to this “Disease of More”. We are also very foolish as well, and some might not be able to find solace, ever. Bottomless pits of consumption we may be. The lesson of being happy with what you have of course, easy to preach, easy to claim, but how much of that applies? The religious can claim it much easier due to the belief of some eternal happiness awaiting them.