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Passion is what inspires people to do all kinds of things - healthy and unhealthy. But without passion we might as well just be worker drones leading a meaning

Passion is what inspires people to do all kinds of things - healthy and unhealthy. But without passion we might as well just be worker drones leading a meaningless existence. The richness of our culture as a human race is all due to passion, for better or worse. As far as the USA, feel like Europe, South America and many other places are known as more passionate cultures. Perhaps it is not as pragmatic as some other communist societies, but I don't think the USA is on the top of the "passion" scale.

crazygringo 15y ago
I lived in Brazil for many years, and I can tell you -- for most people, if you told them you were "passionate" about your job, they'd look like you like you had mental issues. It's almost like, in the US, if you said you were passionate about doing your taxes. When I said that passion seems like an American thing, I should have limited it to say with regard to your income-producing work. On the other hand, in Brazil, being passionate about football, and passionate about women -- now that's a given. But as for: > without passion we might as well just be worker drones leading a meaningless existence Do you really think so? Can't you enjoy a beautiful garden, without being passionate about it? Can't you love you kids without saying you're "passionate" about them? Can't you enjoy a fine meal with fine wine, without having a passion for food and wine? I think you can do all of these things, and find great meaning in your life. Why do you have to have passion, for something to be meaningful? I don't see the connection at all.
- nitrogen 15y ago
  Passion could be viewed as the most extreme form of interest, motivation, and enjoyment. If you aren't passionate about something, you're missing out on the full depth of human experience.
  - crazygringo 15y ago
    I think that's a good definition, and that's my whole point -- passion is so extreme that, almost by definition, it means your whole life balance is out of whack, and other things are suffering as a result. And sure, I might be missing out on the full depth of human experience, but I also don't know what it's like to be insane, or be manic, or addicted to cocaine, nor do I think it's worth the price to pay. I'd rather forego all those "extreme" things, whether they be manias or "passion" about a cause, and just stick to normal, balanced human happiness. And this cultural norm which is very prevalent in the US, which says you're supposed to be passionate about things, frankly just annoys me. I don't think it's healthy, and I don't think it's something we should be encouraging in people. I guess "follow a nice balance of things in your life, and be happy" just doesn't have the same ring to it as "follow your passion".
    - darien 15y ago
      Your username crazygringo contrasts against your personal philosophy in a big way.
      - crazygringo 15y ago
        Ha! Hmmm... crap. Am I passionate about things but in denial about it??? But I did pick that handle a looong time ago... when I was younger and crazier...
- jakejake 15y ago
  Well I bet those football players are passionate about their job and no Brazilians look at them like they're crazy!

crazygringo 15y ago

I lived in Brazil for many years, and I can tell you -- for most people, if you told them you were "passionate" about your job, they'd look like you like you had mental issues. It's almost like, in the US, if you said you were passionate about doing your taxes. When I said that passion seems like an American thing, I should have limited it to say with regard to your income-producing work. On the other hand, in Brazil, being passionate about football, and passionate about women -- now that's a given. But as for: > without passion we might as well just be worker drones leading a meaningless existence Do you really think so? Can't you enjoy a beautiful garden, without being passionate about it? Can't you love you kids without saying you're "passionate" about them? Can't you enjoy a fine meal with fine wine, without having a passion for food and wine? I think you can do all of these things, and find great meaning in your life. Why do you have to have passion, for something to be meaningful? I don't see the connection at all.

nitrogen 15y ago
Passion could be viewed as the most extreme form of interest, motivation, and enjoyment. If you aren't passionate about something, you're missing out on the full depth of human experience.
- crazygringo 15y ago
  I think that's a good definition, and that's my whole point -- passion is so extreme that, almost by definition, it means your whole life balance is out of whack, and other things are suffering as a result. And sure, I might be missing out on the full depth of human experience, but I also don't know what it's like to be insane, or be manic, or addicted to cocaine, nor do I think it's worth the price to pay. I'd rather forego all those "extreme" things, whether they be manias or "passion" about a cause, and just stick to normal, balanced human happiness. And this cultural norm which is very prevalent in the US, which says you're supposed to be passionate about things, frankly just annoys me. I don't think it's healthy, and I don't think it's something we should be encouraging in people. I guess "follow a nice balance of things in your life, and be happy" just doesn't have the same ring to it as "follow your passion".
  - darien 15y ago
    Your username crazygringo contrasts against your personal philosophy in a big way.
    - crazygringo 15y ago
      Ha! Hmmm... crap. Am I passionate about things but in denial about it??? But I did pick that handle a looong time ago... when I was younger and crazier...
jakejake 15y ago
Well I bet those football players are passionate about their job and no Brazilians look at them like they're crazy!