In Search of Meaning
Two books have a profound impact on me, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and The Alchemist.
The central theme of the books is a quest for meaning in the world. They take different journeys to the discovery of meaning, through inimitable prose. I highly recommend both books.
I recently left much that I held dear, in terms of city, employment and many friends in a larger quest to find meaning in my own life.
To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.
The Alchemist
As a child I wanted to be able to do something memorable, that had an impact on the future of humanity. This led me to a range of ideals, from scientist, to teacher, to engineer.
My current believe is that my path to significant meaning is the creation of an organization that in turn creates meaning. Guy Kawasaki put it like this:
If you make meaning, you will probably make money. If you set out to make money, you won’t make meaning and you probably won’t make money.
I’m not there yet. I have not even figured out what sort of company I should create or what type of meaning it should strive for. The important part is to take the first steps along the path, the rest will become known through action.
For now, I’m largely focused on self improvement and being able to enrich the lives of those around me. Beyond here lies the realm of possibility.
May 15th, 2006 at 11:42 am
This is pretty much why I am a teacher. Although I still struggle continually to have a significant enough impact (in my opinion) on the world around me.
Perhaps being an only child means I require constant feedback. I suspect I will not find out the truth until I die and attend my funeral.
Most older teachers will tell you they will not find out the long term impact (if any) they have had on a student until years later. When said student bumps into them down the street and tells them.
I am currently enjoying ‘training the trainers’ as I feel that will have a more significant and imediate effect. I am a big believer that everything moves in a set direction (maybe with a little help) and I am excited to follow along beside and see where I end up.
It certainly doesn’t mean I will not keep trying to have as big an impact as I can along the way.
Geoff A