"To live as a god not subject to any rules, you end up living as a monster." Lack of empathy, even from the clergy. It has a name, and it isn't "Ivan".
At work, I am respected, people listen to me, I am well compensated, and I mostly decide how I spend my time. I stride through hallways confidently. At home, nobody cares. I'm just dad/husband. Respected, sure, but also laughed at and blamed for things. I usually don't take it personally since I know, that's just how it is.
Unlike what you did, many people in your situation would find a way to work more and more, dinners with clients, big deals, and thus avoid the unpleasantness and potential failures of home life. I remember you wrote that you were home for dinner often, which is a testament to your determination to not fall into that trap.
There is a phrase in performance psychology - True mastery is doing two opposite things at once. Here I am just trying to live my best life!
Very insightful analysis, David. This ties in with the tech bros’ promise that their tech, especially AI, will give us all a frictionless life. Frictionless is their holy grail, so they assume it should be ours as well. In the friction, the struggle, lies meaning and growth. They’re missing the entire point and it’s killing us — and our planet.
Thank you David. I’m clearly not a member of the ultra wealthy, but I’ve certainly been self-centered at times and put out by what are essentially minor inconveniences (when the world has too much real suffering). Reading today’s piece made me think of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” I need to work on myself.
I appreciated your reflections about the role of encountering friction in developing personal character, and in making important memories with other people. I hope to have the courage and humility to bring relationships and their frictions into my little life.
Thank you, also, for the description about the Nanosaur game in the footnote. It sounds like it was a fun game for you and your son.
Rosebud. Remember Citizen Kane? These stories and themes are constant reminders to us all. For us non-oligarchs the message is don’t fret over first world problems. I’m happiest when with my family, volunteering, helping out.
I’m surprised an Atlantic writer was invited to Campfire. Did Bezos know he would write about the experience?
BTW Musk’s awkward way of showing heartfelt thanks to an applauding audience was not a Nazi salute.
I don't believe the author is an Atlantic employee. I read the article a while ago, but I believe Bezos (or someone on his team) discovered his writing elsewhere, and the author himself was surprised at the invite. They decided to go because, why not?
Re: Musk, if it wasn't a Nazi salute, it certainly was taken that way by other Nazis. And Elon's anti Semitism has shown itself in other ways.
"To live as a god not subject to any rules, you end up living as a monster." Lack of empathy, even from the clergy. It has a name, and it isn't "Ivan".
this one resonated with me. Thanks Dave.
At work, I am respected, people listen to me, I am well compensated, and I mostly decide how I spend my time. I stride through hallways confidently. At home, nobody cares. I'm just dad/husband. Respected, sure, but also laughed at and blamed for things. I usually don't take it personally since I know, that's just how it is.
Unlike what you did, many people in your situation would find a way to work more and more, dinners with clients, big deals, and thus avoid the unpleasantness and potential failures of home life. I remember you wrote that you were home for dinner often, which is a testament to your determination to not fall into that trap.
There is a phrase in performance psychology - True mastery is doing two opposite things at once. Here I am just trying to live my best life!
Great comment. This is another reason why having kids is a blessing. It’s humbling.
Coincidentally I am reading Ivan Ilyich right now. I am down to the last pages. It’s a poignant read. And a great cautionary tale.
Very insightful analysis, David. This ties in with the tech bros’ promise that their tech, especially AI, will give us all a frictionless life. Frictionless is their holy grail, so they assume it should be ours as well. In the friction, the struggle, lies meaning and growth. They’re missing the entire point and it’s killing us — and our planet.
Thank you David. I’m clearly not a member of the ultra wealthy, but I’ve certainly been self-centered at times and put out by what are essentially minor inconveniences (when the world has too much real suffering). Reading today’s piece made me think of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” I need to work on myself.
I appreciated your reflections about the role of encountering friction in developing personal character, and in making important memories with other people. I hope to have the courage and humility to bring relationships and their frictions into my little life.
Thank you, also, for the description about the Nanosaur game in the footnote. It sounds like it was a fun game for you and your son.
Rosebud. Remember Citizen Kane? These stories and themes are constant reminders to us all. For us non-oligarchs the message is don’t fret over first world problems. I’m happiest when with my family, volunteering, helping out.
I’m surprised an Atlantic writer was invited to Campfire. Did Bezos know he would write about the experience?
BTW Musk’s awkward way of showing heartfelt thanks to an applauding audience was not a Nazi salute.
I don't believe the author is an Atlantic employee. I read the article a while ago, but I believe Bezos (or someone on his team) discovered his writing elsewhere, and the author himself was surprised at the invite. They decided to go because, why not?
Re: Musk, if it wasn't a Nazi salute, it certainly was taken that way by other Nazis. And Elon's anti Semitism has shown itself in other ways.