*looks up stoicism* Uuuuuuhhhh, I like this stuff. <3
Yeah, the point isn't obviously in the cricket, the point is the metaphor of wanting something and getting it or the desire itself to get it being actually the greatest obstacle in getting it.
I think that one has to achieve some sort of happiness without in order to be able to not need it and therefore "not want it". The point is not actually not wanting it, it's just the indifference to the outcome. If you get it, cool. If not, also cool. Whether you get it or not does not influence your degree of happiness at all.
Budism also teaches that desire causes suffering and that freedom from desire is enlightenment. And if you aren't trying to actually get it, there is no need to "try", no need to maybe pretend, you can just be yourself, go about your business, do whatever you want to do. Obviously it is important that all of this is taken from a positive perspective.
I am referring to "it" the whole time, and that "it" can be anything, but mainly it is something that is supposed to bring you some degree of happiness. There are a few philosophies that teach you that there is no happiness in chasing a goal and getting it. Some claim that the journey is the goal and that the process itself should already make you happy. The goal itself is only the cherry on top.
I believe that it goes even deeper. I believe that happiness can be achieved without any of that. Then even the process itself becomes actually the cherry on top of everything which, by comparison, should make that "static happiness" actually so massive that there is nothing comparable out there.
I think that concept of being able to get something only by not wanting it, is one of the greatest mindfucks life has to offer. Constantly we chase after illusions that we think will bring us happiness. Some do, but it doesn't last and then we think yet again "No, wait, if I get this instead, I'll be actually happy." Most people spend their entire lives like this. Of course, then the question whether there is any point to anything at all is raised. I guess not. Sure, that may sound nihilistic, but does there have to be a point? When are people usually having the most fun? Usually when they are doing something that has no real point. If you joke around with friends, is there really a point? When you read a book, is there a point? Realistically no, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it if it makes you feel good and if you like doing it. But it shouldn't be the source of happiness, it should be yet another cherry on top.
Anyway, this is how I see things. Most of my close friends follow this kind of philosophy, hence why Teo was messing around when he came up with this quote. I laughed my ass off because it describes it so accurately, but is so simple.