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In my view, there is a uniquely American fiction that there exists for everyone some pursuit that both (a) will satisfy their passion and (b) be highly remunera

by danhak 6y ago

In my view, there is a uniquely American fiction that there exists for everyone some pursuit that both (a) will satisfy their passion and (b) be highly remunerative. Your job is to find that pursuit. And if you fail, I guess it's because you weren't earnest enough. I don't doubt that successful founders are highly motivated by the challenges of their work. But the suggestion that the point isn't to build a business and make money is, I'm sorry to say, typical of the self-serving retconning we are starting to see from those at the top. And that we have always seen from Silicon Valley: "Don't Be Evil," "We're Changing the World," "Facebook's mission is to make the world more open and connected." *Thanks to my mom, barber, third grade teacher, roommate, dog and barista for reading drafts of this comment.

11thEarlOfMar 6y ago
Not speaking for all Americans, but I've never believed that (a) and (b) are both out there if I can simultaneously solve them. I chose to give one preference and then did the best to support the other. It's an optimization activity that may or may not achieve satisfaction on either one. It's the outliers who become wealthy doing what they love. No illusions there. The other 'responsibility' we take collectively is to strive to create circumstances where the process of pursuing (a) and (b) is not impeded by society.
- rrdharan 6y ago
  I agree and don’t believe in the fiction either, but just because many or even most Americans do (or do not) believe in the fiction does not preclude it from being fair to describe it as “uniquely American” - in my mind OP was pointing out the origin of this worldview and the source of most of its advocacy and propagation, and I think they’re right?
- oblio 6y ago
  > It's the outliers who become wealthy doing what they love. No illusions there. More than that, even if you love your work, there will still be moments you hate it. That's why we get paid/need rewards. People generally love an idealized version of their work, where everything works the first time, there is no grunge work, people are pleasant and cooperate with you.

by danhak 6y ago

11thEarlOfMar 6y ago

Not speaking for all Americans, but I've never believed that (a) and (b) are both out there if I can simultaneously solve them. I chose to give one preference and then did the best to support the other. It's an optimization activity that may or may not achieve satisfaction on either one. It's the outliers who become wealthy doing what they love. No illusions there. The other 'responsibility' we take collectively is to strive to create circumstances where the process of pursuing (a) and (b) is not impeded by society.

rrdharan 6y ago
I agree and don’t believe in the fiction either, but just because many or even most Americans do (or do not) believe in the fiction does not preclude it from being fair to describe it as “uniquely American” - in my mind OP was pointing out the origin of this worldview and the source of most of its advocacy and propagation, and I think they’re right?
oblio 6y ago
> It's the outliers who become wealthy doing what they love. No illusions there. More than that, even if you love your work, there will still be moments you hate it. That's why we get paid/need rewards. People generally love an idealized version of their work, where everything works the first time, there is no grunge work, people are pleasant and cooperate with you.