I wasn’t built for the grind, but I did try to improve myself to death during my 20s. The alternative was becoming a monk or a Quaker, and I needed to see if the Western way works. It led to profound dissatisfaction and disillusionment.
The only way, as you say, is to take inspiration from within and ignore the outer noise. Wisdom doesn’t shout or pound fists. It’s quiet, peaceful and content, and it can only come from within.
I’ve thought a lot about this because for several decades I pursued the goal of reaching some undefined state of accomplishment and recognition. I never got there. At the heart of this drive is boredom. Blaise Paschal wrote four centuries ago, “Sometimes, when I set to thinking about the various activities of men, the dangers and troubles which they face at Court, or in war, giving rise to so many quarrels and passions, daring and often wicked enterprises and so on, I have often said that the sole cause of man’s unhappiness is that he does not know how to be quiet in his room.” I’m no longer bored and find little temptation to pursue a life of burn-out, even as I am working harder than I ever have.
I wasn’t built for the grind, but I did try to improve myself to death during my 20s. The alternative was becoming a monk or a Quaker, and I needed to see if the Western way works. It led to profound dissatisfaction and disillusionment.
The only way, as you say, is to take inspiration from within and ignore the outer noise. Wisdom doesn’t shout or pound fists. It’s quiet, peaceful and content, and it can only come from within.
Thanks for the good read.
I’ve thought a lot about this because for several decades I pursued the goal of reaching some undefined state of accomplishment and recognition. I never got there. At the heart of this drive is boredom. Blaise Paschal wrote four centuries ago, “Sometimes, when I set to thinking about the various activities of men, the dangers and troubles which they face at Court, or in war, giving rise to so many quarrels and passions, daring and often wicked enterprises and so on, I have often said that the sole cause of man’s unhappiness is that he does not know how to be quiet in his room.” I’m no longer bored and find little temptation to pursue a life of burn-out, even as I am working harder than I ever have.
Great observation on the influence of boredom - curiosity as a drive leads to much more fulfilling outcomes in a natural way.