This reminds me of "The Darwin Economy" by Robert S. Frank (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12035503-the-darwin-econ...) where he proposes a tax on super expensive luxury consumption precisely because its main utility is social signalling. For example, spending $6 million on a sweet 16 party would have exactly the same utility as spending $3 million and paying $3 million in taxes on it, if everyone had to do the same. Probably more useful as a thought experiment than workable policy, but interesting to consider.
How to Escape the Modern Rat Race
91–95 of 95 posts
Re: How to Escape the Modern Rat Race
#92Earlier quoted context omitted.
I realized recently that I enjoy learning new programming languages, not even using them sometimes. I'll read all the tutorials and documentation, get it running on my PC, then find a new language I like more later and dump this one. Is that hedonistic, such that I learn simply for the joy of learning, and probably forget a lot of what I learned later? If so, then am I deluding myself into doing so for others somehow…
> Frankly speaking, your comment comes off a bit dickish to me, especially this part: Appreciate the feedback. I'm not trying to be a dick. I should have replaced "you" with "I" in my response. For those who've found themselves stuck in the rat race, including myself, I think it's important to answer the question: Why is wealth and social status a poor value system? My answer is: because wealth and social status are…
I find your reasoning very thorough, succinct, and easy to follow. Thank you for expanding. I am interested in what you have explored, for yourself, to replace the old world values with exclusively intrinsic values?
As an aside, the mindset you describe, of only focusing on that which one can control, is referred to in psychology as having an Internal Locus of Control vs an External Locus of Control.
Re: How to Escape the Modern Rat Race
#93The headline sounds like an old-school direct response advertisement --- https://swiped.co/file/american-rat-race-ad-by-ben-suarez/
Wow. This is fascinating. What is a direct response advertisement?
Also what is this site swiped? I haven't heard of it before.
Re: How to Escape the Modern Rat Race
#94Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Frankly speaking, your comment comes off a bit dickish to me, especially this part: Appreciate the feedback. I'm not trying to be a dick. I should have replaced "you" with "I" in my response. For those who've found themselves stuck in the rat race, including myself, I think it's important to answer the question: Why is wealth and social status a poor value system? My answer is: because wealth and social status are…
I find your reasoning very thorough, succinct, and easy to follow. Thank you for expanding. I am interested in what you have explored, for yourself, to replace the old world values with exclusively intrinsic values? As an aside, the mindset you describe, of only focusing on that which one can control, is referred to in psychology as having an Internal Locus of Control vs an External Locus of Control.
The event that kicked off my value exploration was my first startup failing. It caused me to realize that my rat-race values were dependent on outside forces and causing me substantial pain.
After reading Dweck's book, I focused on self-growth and learning as primary values. However, when my second startup hit a slog, I found myself losing motivation again. I realized, then, that I only chose self-growth and learning as a means to achieve status and wealth.
I began to question whether it was even possible to change my values. Perhaps rat-race values were so ingrained in me through my upbringing that it was too late to change. My question, then, was: Is it even necessary to have values? Wouldn't life be simpler without values?
I transitioned into a period where I tried to live without values. In reality, this meant my primary values were: momentary pleasure and emotional fortitude. That is, I tried my best to design life so that I was experiencing pleasure most of the time. And, in the face of hardship, I adopted a stoic attitude.
This, perhaps obviously, led me to a bad place where I lost motivation to continue working on my second startup, and withdrew from many of my social obligations.
Thankfully, I soon came to the realization that I have certain needs that my value system must support. Notably, I must make enough money to support myself. And, I must maintain a certain degree of sociability to stay sane.
After some consideration, I decided that my primary value going forward should be: devotion. That is, in whatever activities I endeavor, what ultimately matters to me is that I try my best. My goals in life will naturally change with time. Currently, my primary goals are making my startup a success and strengthening my relationship with my family. Later, it may be raising a family or contributing to society. Whatever my goals are, and regardless of whether I fail or succeed at achieving them, what ultimately matters to me is that I gave it my all. Devotion, as a primary value, passes the test of being within my control and also feels authentic based on my upbringing.
Re: How to Escape the Modern Rat Race
#95Earlier quoted context omitted.
Regardless of whether or not it accurately explains the term’s origin or true meaning, the Venn diagram seems to present the more compelling idea.
I disagree. The Venn diagram version positions satisfaction as contingent on things you cannot possibly control ("That Which the World Needs" and "That Which You Can be Paid For"). This is a recipe for perpetual unhappiness and dissatisfaction for most.
What you can control is what you do for a living. You can find jobs that are in the middle of that diagram. You can do multiple things that combine to make the middle of that diagram and so on.
Saying it's outside of your control isn't entirely true. However, I do get not everyone can get to the center of that diagram; for some people it is within their control and for some it is not. To blindly dismiss it as a lack of control is a form of learned helplessness, however small, which for many is a root that creates depression. If you're depressed, this may be something you want to talk to a therapist about.