There is so much in here that I vehemently disagree with because it is so contrary to my own experience and so at odds with your central thesis, that learnings from founders about ambition can guide us in living full, meaningful lives. Where do I start???
The self does not disappear, on the contrary. Producing something in the world, something authentically our own, manifests who we are. The self is manifested and accentuated by what we do because it allows us to see what is inside of us: what we truly believe and love. Our work reveals our beliefs and values, our aesthetics, our capabilities and shortcomings. This could be a company, but it can also be the child we raise, or how we make our house.
So: no, the self does not disappear. It manifests itself through the things we put out in the world and - allows us to recognize ourselves.
About mastery. I was a practicing microbiologist and I acquired mastery over my subject after 15 years of practice. Up until then, I always referred to *external references* to verify that I am doing things the right way. After that, I became my own point of reference. I would be presented with a new problem and I would find the answer internally, without needing to refer to others. That doesn't mean there's no longer any feedback, but it means that I feel completely assured of the body of knowledge and experience I acquired in my field.
I'm gonna have to read more, read again to add more, but this is a good start.
I think that we seek understanding differently. You turn inward, I turn outward. Of course, there's an interplay between the two, but the focus is different.
What is similar is that we pay attention. I pay attention to my response when I put on a new shirt, allowing myself to feel if it's a good fit or a bad fit, whether through shape or colour or expression of myself. Occasionally, I will push these boundaries, stretching them - wearing wilder colours or a less conservative style - and allow myself to grow.
Little by little, these experiences - not just shirts, but decorating a house, raising children, running my business - help me to delineate and define my sense of myself. It's very outwardly-focussed, through engagement with the world, but, like you, it only works if I pay attention.
Ok so I got so drawn into this conversation and personally felt like it was because I wanted to learn more. You both are speaking of things I don’t speak about often enough to know enough about. I feel like I learned so much in just the first 10 mins 😂 and this is why I continued to listen with intrigue and wonder. This truly stimulated my brain and I felt compelled self or not to comment.
I am really rather new here but I have started this really cool thing in my small corner of this world. I would be honored to ever get the opportunity to speak with either of you in an interview based style. If you want to learn a little more see below. Thank you for the stimulating conversation 🫶🏼🤷🏽♀️
There is so much in here that I vehemently disagree with because it is so contrary to my own experience and so at odds with your central thesis, that learnings from founders about ambition can guide us in living full, meaningful lives. Where do I start???
The self does not disappear, on the contrary. Producing something in the world, something authentically our own, manifests who we are. The self is manifested and accentuated by what we do because it allows us to see what is inside of us: what we truly believe and love. Our work reveals our beliefs and values, our aesthetics, our capabilities and shortcomings. This could be a company, but it can also be the child we raise, or how we make our house.
So: no, the self does not disappear. It manifests itself through the things we put out in the world and - allows us to recognize ourselves.
About mastery. I was a practicing microbiologist and I acquired mastery over my subject after 15 years of practice. Up until then, I always referred to *external references* to verify that I am doing things the right way. After that, I became my own point of reference. I would be presented with a new problem and I would find the answer internally, without needing to refer to others. That doesn't mean there's no longer any feedback, but it means that I feel completely assured of the body of knowledge and experience I acquired in my field.
I'm gonna have to read more, read again to add more, but this is a good start.
Well you know how I said, "the personal self disappears" is a misleading description of what meditative practice does to experience? This is why :D
Nothing I believe or have experienced contradicts what you've said here. If you'd care to know more about what I was gesturing at, here's a blog or two for you: https://sashachapin.substack.com/p/my-mind-transformed-completely-and
https://sashachapin.substack.com/p/last-year-my-mind-exploded-and-now
I think that we seek understanding differently. You turn inward, I turn outward. Of course, there's an interplay between the two, but the focus is different.
What is similar is that we pay attention. I pay attention to my response when I put on a new shirt, allowing myself to feel if it's a good fit or a bad fit, whether through shape or colour or expression of myself. Occasionally, I will push these boundaries, stretching them - wearing wilder colours or a less conservative style - and allow myself to grow.
Little by little, these experiences - not just shirts, but decorating a house, raising children, running my business - help me to delineate and define my sense of myself. It's very outwardly-focussed, through engagement with the world, but, like you, it only works if I pay attention.
Really enjoyed this conversation. I wish I had more specific comments and/or questions, but still processing. Thanks so much to you both!!
Ok so I got so drawn into this conversation and personally felt like it was because I wanted to learn more. You both are speaking of things I don’t speak about often enough to know enough about. I feel like I learned so much in just the first 10 mins 😂 and this is why I continued to listen with intrigue and wonder. This truly stimulated my brain and I felt compelled self or not to comment.
I am really rather new here but I have started this really cool thing in my small corner of this world. I would be honored to ever get the opportunity to speak with either of you in an interview based style. If you want to learn a little more see below. Thank you for the stimulating conversation 🫶🏼🤷🏽♀️
https://open.substack.com/pub/outtamydamnmind/p/i-am-just-getting-started?r=5f3u3l&utm_medium=ios