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For the record, I was careful about what I wrote back in response to Adrian. He and I were good friends in college; since then he's been a little too interested

For the record, I was careful about what I wrote back in response to Adrian. He and I were good friends in college; since then he's been a little too interested in my life. I don't really see my kids or car as signs of a less adventurous life. My kids are remarkable and have changed how I look at the world. Meanwhile, my car is just a car. It doesn't define me, nor do I get excited about new models. It's simply a means of getting places. What Adrian doesn't know--and I feel little need to point out to him--is that I've done some pretty interesting things over the years. I quit a job that paid well, and then lived on almost nothing ($6,000 in the first year). Doing so was tough, but as a result we've been able to do a lot of new things. We wrote a book; built some interesting sites, communities, tools; met a bunch of neat people; rallied some folks around a cause; yadda yadda yadda. Next year, we're going to try our hand at making a film. I've never done that, but I really want to try it out. We've continually pushed our company in new directions, and out of our comfort zones. Along the way, we've succeeded a bit, and failed a bit. For some people, this wouldn't be interesting. For me, though, it's a kick. We come up with an idea; we act on it. As a result, I mostly get to do what I want, when I want. I don't think my life is amazing, but I do generally feel pretty good about it. Additionally, I'm not asking others to live the same was as me. I just think these are discussions worth having (particularly when folks tell me how much they hate their jobs).

zainny 14y ago
"For some people, this wouldn't be interesting. For me, though, it's a kick" In a nutshell, this is why I find your assertion that most people live "lame ass lives" quite callous. A lot of the things you've listed as "interesting" things you've done in your life sound to me kinda dull and pointless. But that's fine - it's your life and if there is anyone to say "Fuck Em" to, it's people who pass judgement on your life. For the record, I ran a successful company at 22, made a lot of money and have traveled extensively. But those experiences I've had are no more valuable than your experiences with your kids on the My Life Is Amazing, Look At Me Index (MLIALAMI). I know one guy who is ridiculously thrilled with his life as a professional Starcraft II player. And another who is an amazing mathematician who loves his work and who probably wouldn't trade places with any of us. Happiness and satisfaction in life isn't defined along a one dimensional axis or measured by variation from the beaten path. Want to travel the beaten path? Loving it? Keep doing it, and fuck anyone who says your life is lame.
- karjaluoto 14y ago
  It isn't so much that I'm calling certain lifestyles lame, it's just that I've met so many folks who are very unhappy with the choices they've made--and paradoxically offended by those who don't choose the same path. Whether you love a life of Starcraft II, travelling the world, or living in the suburbs, is of little difference to me. My point is simply that folks shouldn't feel obliged to follow the same path as the status quo.

zainny 14y ago

"For some people, this wouldn't be interesting. For me, though, it's a kick" In a nutshell, this is why I find your assertion that most people live "lame ass lives" quite callous. A lot of the things you've listed as "interesting" things you've done in your life sound to me kinda dull and pointless. But that's fine - it's your life and if there is anyone to say "Fuck Em" to, it's people who pass judgement on your life. For the record, I ran a successful company at 22, made a lot of money and have traveled extensively. But those experiences I've had are no more valuable than your experiences with your kids on the My Life Is Amazing, Look At Me Index (MLIALAMI). I know one guy who is ridiculously thrilled with his life as a professional Starcraft II player. And another who is an amazing mathematician who loves his work and who probably wouldn't trade places with any of us. Happiness and satisfaction in life isn't defined along a one dimensional axis or measured by variation from the beaten path. Want to travel the beaten path? Loving it? Keep doing it, and fuck anyone who says your life is lame.

karjaluoto 14y ago
It isn't so much that I'm calling certain lifestyles lame, it's just that I've met so many folks who are very unhappy with the choices they've made--and paradoxically offended by those who don't choose the same path. Whether you love a life of Starcraft II, travelling the world, or living in the suburbs, is of little difference to me. My point is simply that folks shouldn't feel obliged to follow the same path as the status quo.