This is great. I really enjoyed it. The part that you clipped about Buddhism and ego is not how it is generally taught. Buddhism points at something more fundamental which is self-grasping based on the mistaken belief in a real, independent, and permanent self which creates concepts like “me” and “mine” which causes a great deal of our suffering. In any case, this is a really eloquent articulation of the ways that we voluntarily amplify our own suffering - including this Buddhist weighing in first thing in the morning on my ego-amplification device before I have even sat up in bed 😊. I really enjoyed it. Thank you ❤️🙏
I dislike you. Just kidding, you're the best. And you are dead on about our ego-reinforcement devices and culture that the devices reinforce. It's an ugly cycle.
Well said. My only quibble is that I enjoyed "The Courage to be Disliked" and don't see the book as giving license to hecklers or other egocentric misbehavior. It's more about the smartphone and our era of instant gratification. Our modern struggle is how to stay focused on what really gives our lives meaning and purpose - friendship, creativity, nature, acts of service - vs. the increasingly powerful allure of cheap dopamine fixes.
I think you're an amazing writer and amazing at stand-up comedy, but I think this was the best piece I've ever read of yours! thank you!
Thanks so much, Mike! Truly appreciate that.
This is great. I really enjoyed it. The part that you clipped about Buddhism and ego is not how it is generally taught. Buddhism points at something more fundamental which is self-grasping based on the mistaken belief in a real, independent, and permanent self which creates concepts like “me” and “mine” which causes a great deal of our suffering. In any case, this is a really eloquent articulation of the ways that we voluntarily amplify our own suffering - including this Buddhist weighing in first thing in the morning on my ego-amplification device before I have even sat up in bed 😊. I really enjoyed it. Thank you ❤️🙏
I dislike you. Just kidding, you're the best. And you are dead on about our ego-reinforcement devices and culture that the devices reinforce. It's an ugly cycle.
Well said. My only quibble is that I enjoyed "The Courage to be Disliked" and don't see the book as giving license to hecklers or other egocentric misbehavior. It's more about the smartphone and our era of instant gratification. Our modern struggle is how to stay focused on what really gives our lives meaning and purpose - friendship, creativity, nature, acts of service - vs. the increasingly powerful allure of cheap dopamine fixes.
That's fair. I didn't read it. Just always found the title to be rather hilarious within our current zeitgeist. Like a permission slip to be a jerk.
“Stop playing the victim card!”
Not to be that guy, but…..*gestures wildly at the first half of your article.*