On Philosophy and Satisfaction as the End

I wonder how many philosophers found satisfaction while pursuing their quest. Most of these, if not all of these, were grasping for something. Their writing had some purpose. Some embarked on a grand scheme to build up cosmic systems; others set out to solve a particular problem. There were many forms of motivation, but there was always a reason (even if it wasn’t fully understood). I wonder how many philosophers viewed their work itself as a means of satisfaction. I wonder if the value of their philosophy could be weighed by the satisfaction it gave them. If so, how many were “short-changed” in their efforts? If they were buying satisfaction, and if that satisfaction was too expensive, then perhaps they could have purchased the same with less effort. Worse, how many of them paid a horrific price but never acquired their end (satisfaction)?