Jun 13, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
Paul! So good! My purpose and passion is reading & writing things like this. Thank you so much. The quotes were a great addition.
I think sometimes the idea of purpose can feel weighty to those who are on the hunt for it. When that comes up I suggest people let the idea go and, instead, follow their curiosity. Being curious and interested will lead you. Feeling good will lead you. And especially, as you said, learning to develop a deep, inner knowing.
Jun 15, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
This is a great newsletter, with an abundance of useful tips and suggestions, and I really donβt want to sound like a jaundiced, neurotic pain in the ass. Maybe itβs the Woody Allen or Norman Mailer in me (delusions of grandeur ?), but, as usual, my quibbling, querulous, contumacious temperament makes me turn the suggestions upside down:
A) I sometimes think that the happiest people donβt even think about a purpose or a cause or a North Star of goodness to guide them. Some philosophers have said that fully actualized man reflects, contemplates, etc., but I often think that the happiest people are often midget-minded simpletons who lead lives of merriment and happy obliviousness to lifeβs important issues. They are firmly tied to loving families who give them unceasing support, and they laugh on the inside of their homes, peering through their windows to jeer at the people on the outside, cold and alone.
B) One of the suggestions you list urges us to help others and be of use to society. Of course, that sounds great. However, I have always subscribed to Hegelβs thesis that every idea or feeling spawns its opposing point of view. And I know that I formerly tried to be altruistic, sacrificing and decent, and Hegel was spot on correct: After being Mr. Nice Guy, I became Mr. Bad Guy as I became convinced that all my generosity was an excessive, shameful waste. This is soooo obvious among the neo conservatives who had all once been adamant liberals: If you read guys like Norman Podhoretz, you can see that he wrote the same thing for the last 40 years of his life: I, Norman, used to be a liberal, zealously supported black demands for liberation, and I witnessed them destroy my neighborhood with crime and destroy my schools with affirmative action (which not only hurt students who were denied entry to various schools but also harmed students whose schools suffered by the degradation of scholarly pursuits)
Jun 15, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
David I agree with your first point.
I have met many folks who never contemplate purpose, donβt care about a North Star and are among the happiest I have ever met. They simply live life as it comes and seem to innately enjoy it. Sadly I am not one of those people, I am the kind that prefers to dig deep into my inner psyche and my favourite topic is why we humans do the things we do.
I wish I was one of those other people.
I have also met those who are numb, lazy or on autopilot. They are not the innately happy nor the contemplatives but those folks that simply get by with a life that seems to go unlived.
Donna, although I love to ponder and contemplate, I cannot stress too much how dangerous too much soltary thinking can be.
For example, some doctors say that "ideation" must be balanced by "reality testing." If there isn't enough reality testing, psychosis will result. Let me explain:
"Ideation" refers to thinking and producing ideas re the way life is lived, should be lived, how people are, etc.
"Reality Testing" means interacting with real people in the world to determine if one's ideas are valid or not.
Through reality testing, one determines if one's ideas are valid or not.
If there isn't enough reality testing, one false idea will lead to another and then another until one has constructed a vast edifice of delusions ala paranoid schizophrenia.
I am reposting something that was posted in the wrong place.
I was trying to respond to Paul Macko's comment which read, "Thanks for the comment, David. Some Pretty heavy stuff there. If I only knew what all those words meant..."
However the followiing post was separated from the post it responded to, i.e., Paul's above post, by about ten posts:
"If I am using fancy, shmancy words just to appear smart, I am making a big mistake.
My ideas are more important to me than my la di dah language.
I guess sometimes I get into the sounds of words -- I love strings of allitearation, witnessed by a sentence which referred to my "quibbling, querulous, contumacious temperament," -- and perhaps this distracts people from the ideas of my texts or even overshadows the ideas in their entirety.
If any of my ideas are unclear, please QUESTION me about it. If any of my ideas seem just plain wrong, please say so. If you point out the problematic patches in my prose, I will endeavor to illuminate the murkiness"
Jun 12, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
I found this post really useful. Thanks for that. I'm at that wonderful stage in life where I need to reinvent myself (yet again) career-wise. While my art is my passion, it doesn't pay the mortgage (or even the dog food bill for that matter.). It would be great if it did, but in today's hyper visually saturated world, I don't even think Salvador Dali could turn a profit. But that said, when it comes to earning a living, my pops always taught me to keep my feet in two worlds: One foot in a world that feeds the soul and the other in one that feeds the belly. Anyhow it's good to delve into these transformative books to help me ponder a new career path.
Jun 19, 2023Β·edited Jun 19, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
It has taken me a bit to get through your post, Paul. So much to think about.
Last night I had one of those 'moments' - I had been working on a post and I suddenly had this deafening thought - "What's the point of it all. It won't matter in 100 years." (or much sooner!)
I rolled out of bed from a sleepless night and, after a wake up tea, my husband said, "You write because it's in you, for the doing of it....not because you are on a quest. If one life is changed, you have made a difference."
It was good food for thought. I'm still chewing on it.
Nice! I think if you can make a difference, then that is an answer.
I always say "It's not going to matter in 20 years". (in perfectionist mode).
In 100 years, you better be the Beatles or someone like that, other wise...we are just doing the best we can with what we have to work with. But only if the thing is in our control, otherwise - Β―\_(γ)_/Β― As Archie from All in the Family used to say, "What's the pernt Edith?"
Jun 15, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
If I am using fancy, shmancy words just to appear smart, I am making a big mistake.
My ideas are more important to me than my la di dah language.
I guess sometimes I get into the sounds of words -- I love strings of allitearation, witnessed by a sentence which referred to my "quibbling, querulous, contumacious temperament," -- and perhaps this distracts people from the ideas of my texts or even overshadows the ideas in their entirety.
If any of my ideas are unclear, please QUESTION me about it. If any of my ideas seem just plain wrong, please say so. If you point out the problematic patches in my prose, I will endeavor to illuminate the murkiness
Jun 12, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
Excellent. I fully realize the importance of having a purpose, especially now that I'm retired and getting older. One of the things I do is write about this very topic. Thanks for this input, Paul.
Perfect! Love your story. I spent so many years. not thinking about this concept. Wish I had earlier, but I still am a just wing it kind of guy. Thanks...Β―\_(γ)_/Β―
Jun 12, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
Paul, what an informative summary post about such an important subject. I've added it to my "Read Again" file and scheduled it for a Restack next Monday.
Jun 12, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
Really enjoyed this one.
Figuring out that special intersection of what you are interested in, what you are talented at and where you can make a real impact is one of the main quests in life.
Jun 12, 2023Liked by π π π €π π π π π π
Purpose is something that I struggle with not because I have it, but because Iβm not sure if it will lead to happiness.
I like to think my purpose is writing. Iβve made a ton of progress over the last few years and get to start my MFA program in the fall. With that said, I canβt help but wonder if purpose is just a word we made up to make it through hard times.
I explored this in a piece I wrote, because it reminded me about my dog who just loves chasing sticks. Is purpose not our way of chasing sticks?
We all have self doubt. And just when we think we know something, the world challenges us. And the fact is that we KNOW nothing, LOL.
My theory: As you get older, and wiser, through experiences - you will eventually realize that what you seek and search for your whole life - happiness, contentment, bliss - has been within you all along! It is not something to look for - out there - it's inside us all. It's a mindset.
You just have to teach yourself how to make it surface. To pull it out.
Just as finding your purpose is a personal journey, so would be finding your happiness. It is hard to get this across in a comment. I wish you speedy success in this quest!
Paul! So good! My purpose and passion is reading & writing things like this. Thank you so much. The quotes were a great addition.
I think sometimes the idea of purpose can feel weighty to those who are on the hunt for it. When that comes up I suggest people let the idea go and, instead, follow their curiosity. Being curious and interested will lead you. Feeling good will lead you. And especially, as you said, learning to develop a deep, inner knowing.
Thanks for your comment! It sure is a heavy topic, and really does require a bit of work to uncover.
Seldom is it easy work, at least not for me!
This is a great newsletter, with an abundance of useful tips and suggestions, and I really donβt want to sound like a jaundiced, neurotic pain in the ass. Maybe itβs the Woody Allen or Norman Mailer in me (delusions of grandeur ?), but, as usual, my quibbling, querulous, contumacious temperament makes me turn the suggestions upside down:
A) I sometimes think that the happiest people donβt even think about a purpose or a cause or a North Star of goodness to guide them. Some philosophers have said that fully actualized man reflects, contemplates, etc., but I often think that the happiest people are often midget-minded simpletons who lead lives of merriment and happy obliviousness to lifeβs important issues. They are firmly tied to loving families who give them unceasing support, and they laugh on the inside of their homes, peering through their windows to jeer at the people on the outside, cold and alone.
B) One of the suggestions you list urges us to help others and be of use to society. Of course, that sounds great. However, I have always subscribed to Hegelβs thesis that every idea or feeling spawns its opposing point of view. And I know that I formerly tried to be altruistic, sacrificing and decent, and Hegel was spot on correct: After being Mr. Nice Guy, I became Mr. Bad Guy as I became convinced that all my generosity was an excessive, shameful waste. This is soooo obvious among the neo conservatives who had all once been adamant liberals: If you read guys like Norman Podhoretz, you can see that he wrote the same thing for the last 40 years of his life: I, Norman, used to be a liberal, zealously supported black demands for liberation, and I witnessed them destroy my neighborhood with crime and destroy my schools with affirmative action (which not only hurt students who were denied entry to various schools but also harmed students whose schools suffered by the degradation of scholarly pursuits)
David I agree with your first point.
I have met many folks who never contemplate purpose, donβt care about a North Star and are among the happiest I have ever met. They simply live life as it comes and seem to innately enjoy it. Sadly I am not one of those people, I am the kind that prefers to dig deep into my inner psyche and my favourite topic is why we humans do the things we do.
I wish I was one of those other people.
I have also met those who are numb, lazy or on autopilot. They are not the innately happy nor the contemplatives but those folks that simply get by with a life that seems to go unlived.
I do not wish to be one of those.
Donna, although I love to ponder and contemplate, I cannot stress too much how dangerous too much soltary thinking can be.
For example, some doctors say that "ideation" must be balanced by "reality testing." If there isn't enough reality testing, psychosis will result. Let me explain:
"Ideation" refers to thinking and producing ideas re the way life is lived, should be lived, how people are, etc.
"Reality Testing" means interacting with real people in the world to determine if one's ideas are valid or not.
Through reality testing, one determines if one's ideas are valid or not.
If there isn't enough reality testing, one false idea will lead to another and then another until one has constructed a vast edifice of delusions ala paranoid schizophrenia.
If it wonβt play out in the real world itβs not very useful thatβs for sure.
Thanks for the comment, David. Some pretty heavy stuff there. If I only knew what all those words meant...
I am reposting something that was posted in the wrong place.
I was trying to respond to Paul Macko's comment which read, "Thanks for the comment, David. Some Pretty heavy stuff there. If I only knew what all those words meant..."
However the followiing post was separated from the post it responded to, i.e., Paul's above post, by about ten posts:
"If I am using fancy, shmancy words just to appear smart, I am making a big mistake.
My ideas are more important to me than my la di dah language.
I guess sometimes I get into the sounds of words -- I love strings of allitearation, witnessed by a sentence which referred to my "quibbling, querulous, contumacious temperament," -- and perhaps this distracts people from the ideas of my texts or even overshadows the ideas in their entirety.
If any of my ideas are unclear, please QUESTION me about it. If any of my ideas seem just plain wrong, please say so. If you point out the problematic patches in my prose, I will endeavor to illuminate the murkiness"
I found this post really useful. Thanks for that. I'm at that wonderful stage in life where I need to reinvent myself (yet again) career-wise. While my art is my passion, it doesn't pay the mortgage (or even the dog food bill for that matter.). It would be great if it did, but in today's hyper visually saturated world, I don't even think Salvador Dali could turn a profit. But that said, when it comes to earning a living, my pops always taught me to keep my feet in two worlds: One foot in a world that feeds the soul and the other in one that feeds the belly. Anyhow it's good to delve into these transformative books to help me ponder a new career path.
Sounds like your dad had the balance thing figured out! Thanks for the comment. Your creativity and talent is like gold. Stay gold!
It has taken me a bit to get through your post, Paul. So much to think about.
Last night I had one of those 'moments' - I had been working on a post and I suddenly had this deafening thought - "What's the point of it all. It won't matter in 100 years." (or much sooner!)
I rolled out of bed from a sleepless night and, after a wake up tea, my husband said, "You write because it's in you, for the doing of it....not because you are on a quest. If one life is changed, you have made a difference."
It was good food for thought. I'm still chewing on it.
Nice! I think if you can make a difference, then that is an answer.
I always say "It's not going to matter in 20 years". (in perfectionist mode).
In 100 years, you better be the Beatles or someone like that, other wise...we are just doing the best we can with what we have to work with. But only if the thing is in our control, otherwise - Β―\_(γ)_/Β― As Archie from All in the Family used to say, "What's the pernt Edith?"
If I am using fancy, shmancy words just to appear smart, I am making a big mistake.
My ideas are more important to me than my la di dah language.
I guess sometimes I get into the sounds of words -- I love strings of allitearation, witnessed by a sentence which referred to my "quibbling, querulous, contumacious temperament," -- and perhaps this distracts people from the ideas of my texts or even overshadows the ideas in their entirety.
If any of my ideas are unclear, please QUESTION me about it. If any of my ideas seem just plain wrong, please say so. If you point out the problematic patches in my prose, I will endeavor to illuminate the murkiness
"and perhaps this distracts people from the ideas of my texts or even overshadows the ideas in their entirety"
I do love a nice turn of phrase, but if I don't know what the words mean, then it doesn't distract from what you want to say - it obfuscates it.
Excellent. I fully realize the importance of having a purpose, especially now that I'm retired and getting older. One of the things I do is write about this very topic. Thanks for this input, Paul.
https://jimgeschke.substack.com/p/gracefully-aging-defiantly-raging
Perfect! Love your story. I spent so many years. not thinking about this concept. Wish I had earlier, but I still am a just wing it kind of guy. Thanks...Β―\_(γ)_/Β―
Paul, what an informative summary post about such an important subject. I've added it to my "Read Again" file and scheduled it for a Restack next Monday.
Thank you, Joyce! Appreciate the Restack π
Really enjoyed this one.
Figuring out that special intersection of what you are interested in, what you are talented at and where you can make a real impact is one of the main quests in life.
I imagine it's in the big three:
1) Why - what's my purpose?
2) Who - who am I loving and being loved by?
3) How - what's the highest expression of myself?
Looks like you nailed it, Matt! Thanks for the comment!
Wow Paul, this is a great post. Thanks for the reminder to step up to purpose.
Thank you, Barb!
Great post, Paul!
Thanks for commenting, Priya! π
Purpose is something that I struggle with not because I have it, but because Iβm not sure if it will lead to happiness.
I like to think my purpose is writing. Iβve made a ton of progress over the last few years and get to start my MFA program in the fall. With that said, I canβt help but wonder if purpose is just a word we made up to make it through hard times.
I explored this in a piece I wrote, because it reminded me about my dog who just loves chasing sticks. Is purpose not our way of chasing sticks?
I donβt know
https://open.substack.com/pub/mikedegen/p/lessons-from-a-dog-sticks-051823?r=9v196&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Thanks for the comment Mike! We all struggle with everything. We all have imposter syndrome. (https://pau1.substack.com/p/imposter-syndrome).
We all have self doubt. And just when we think we know something, the world challenges us. And the fact is that we KNOW nothing, LOL.
My theory: As you get older, and wiser, through experiences - you will eventually realize that what you seek and search for your whole life - happiness, contentment, bliss - has been within you all along! It is not something to look for - out there - it's inside us all. It's a mindset.
You just have to teach yourself how to make it surface. To pull it out.
Just as finding your purpose is a personal journey, so would be finding your happiness. It is hard to get this across in a comment. I wish you speedy success in this quest!
A lifetime of work learning to look within.
Awesome! Thank you, Mitchell.
"Embrace the Journey" ~ Mitchell Allen