Ask HN: How to know if my ego is the greatest motivation on my carreer?

5 pointspedrodelfino4 comments

It's a good question. Perhaps the best question anyone can ask of themselves in relation to "why are you doing what you are doing?"

And the way to prove if it is true or not is by "reverse induction." Remove one-by-one all the supposed "fruits" (wealth, glory, honor, respect, celebrity, etc) of your labors. And determine if it is still really important to you. Or to Us.

Alan Watts ~ Egocentricity In Humanity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkhR9c17ibE

Isn't contribution to others also a "fruit?"

If we speak of basic human needs, contribution is close to the top. And, safety, acceptance, accomplishment, acknowledgment and even approval are all legitimate needs.

Ryan Holiday recently authored a book on Ego, here's a podcast where reads a brief selection > http://fourhourworkweek.com/tag/ego-is-the-enemy/

Great book, would recommend it to anyone struggling with this question.

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