The Meaning of Meaning

Many of you read my previous post on the Happiness Formula and asked why “meaning” was the lowest priority. Others asked about the definition of meaning. I bring you answers.

Priority-wise, it simply makes sense to take care of yourself before you start searching for a higher meaning. You aren’t much good to anyone else if you’re unhealthy, a financial burden, or an emotional basket case. Fix yourself before you turn outward. It’s best for everyone.

So what does “meaning” mean?

When you serve a purpose larger than yourself, you experience the sensation of having meaning. There are plenty of larger purposes from which to choose: You can save the whales, feed the poor, shelter the homeless, march for peace, serve your notion of God, whatever. The details don’t matter.

If your reaction to my explanation of larger purposes was “none of that sounds interesting to me,” then you haven’t finished fixing yourself. When you do, you will automatically look outward. It’s how humans are wired. We survive because, on average, the people who manage to satisfy their personal needs are changed by it. They become seekers of meaning. They ask, “What’s next?”

I remember when Dilbert hit it big and it became clear that I would never again have to worry about money. It was a wonderful feeling, but it didn’t last. I went from happy to hollow with no warning. The first moment that I could afford any car I wanted, I lost interest in having a nice car. I simply couldn’t see the point, if there ever was one. Success is surprisingly disorienting.

One day, about ten years ago, I was alone in my office, sitting on the couch and reflecting on the fact that I had managed to become rich and famous in my dream job. For the first time in my life, I had no goals. And for a goal-oriented guy, that’s an empty feeling. Success was supposed to feel good and stay that way. But it tricked me. There was a huge hole in my soul. I sat in my office and sobbed.

Then the change happened. It wasn’t something I thought about. It wasn’t an indication that I am a good person or a bad person. It was just some sort of chemical reaction in my moist robot head. It was natural.

I turned outward.

And in so doing, bit by bit, I found meaning. I found ways to use my success to make the world a little bit better. It’s surprising how often the opportunity comes up. It ranges from personal favors to investment decisions to my choices to continue making a comic and a blog post for you every day.

I start work before most of you wake up because I’m a part of something larger than myself, and it feels good. I don’t work because I want more money. I work because it makes you happy, and that gives me meaning. And the extra money I make can be used to make other people happy too.

I measure my success by how many people would attend my funeral if I died tomorrow. I try to make sure that number grows every year. It’s a theoretical number, since I’m very healthy and plan to outlive all of you. But it’s the best measurement I can think of.

Don’t worry if you aren’t ready to serve a higher purpose. Fix yourself first. We’ll wait for you. You’ll know you’re ready when serving the higher purpose seems easier than not.

Comments

[Memo G.]

I had forgot about this one and a friend reminded me about it. There is no doubt in my head that you are the perfect atheist, if that's what you are.

And I mean this in the best of ways. With a thinking as clear as yours, there's no need for God most of the time.

[kozel]

my name is kozel! are you?

[Rachel]

I am 43 this year. And I think it is a good number to be a permanent age. Like you, in my forties, I kind of thought there is nothing much left to do or learn - have been fairly successful in my career, travel the world over, do all the things I want to do, including failure! - but now, I think I do have the power to make things better for others, even simple ones, like visiting my Dad more often, or having a nice word with the office lady, etc. Bravo to success and happiness!

[Listo Cómics]

Hollidays started and I have time to read the posts I couldn't red before, and I liked this one.

Thank you!

[Joanne]

you know what? thank you...^^

[Drew]

As far as turning outward is concerned, I totally agree. It just seems natural to live for someone else, especially when we ourselves have managed to tackle our own demons and sort out our own mixed up heads. Thanks for a thoughtful post, Mr. Adams.

[Eddie]

Umm... Your a robot, of course there's a hole in your soul if you do indeed have one... I have a friend very similar to you..

[Turil]

Also, it sounds like you are at the Teal stage of development (stage #8 on the Integral/Spiral Dynamics/Maslow/Cronburg scale of things*). And that's pretty impressive!

*http://www.thewiseturtle.com/images/AQAL-spiral-wide.gif

[Turil]

Meaning is whatever is important to you at any given time. That can be taking care of yourself or taking care of others, or (if you are Enlightened) realizing that they are, in fact, the same thing.

[Charl]

All guys are goal-oriented, if you aren't, you're gay (not meant as an insult or derogatory).

[PeterS]

In business school we learn the Hierarchy of Needs to be better managers. If someone is a the bottom of the pyramid (in life, not the company) then their needs are different than someone at the top.
I explain the hierarchy like this:(not textbook!) Think of it as a pyramid, with the first layer on the bottom.
The first needs are Physical=> Health, food, shelter, sex
The second layer needs are Social=> friendship, love, acceptance by others,
The third layer of needs are Spiritual=> meaning of life, whatever inspires you
Money is not in the Hierarchy, but can buy you the first layer, and then could be used as a scorecard in the next layer. Athletes use this all the time as a measure of "respect" they are getting from their club.
People who have not met the requirements of one layer can not go up to the next
OCTAOE, but in general you can't give a person looking for Social acceptance more money and think that it will make them a happier person. [this is a problem in the US, many people think that the NEXT raise is going to be the one that fills their needs] Many very wealthy (and healthy) people are not happy because they don't realize the value (NEED!) of common friendship.

[Kevin Carson]

It sounds like you finally realized you were free to do all the things you wanted to do well for their own sake, without being hindered by the need to make a living. It doesn't necessarily translate into altruism. Most of us see work as a means to an end, a way to meet our material needs so we can do the other things we really care about--the stuff we'd look forward to doing if we could plan every day the way we wanted without a job hanging over our heads. In your case, you figured out that creative work, like drawing the next strip or writing the next blog post as well as you can for its own sake, was what you really wanted to do.

[Marj]

I look outward, yet i don't really know what it is i WANT. Therein lacks the 'meaning'. You make my day most days though.

Lots of love..

[jah_john]

Pick your favourite definition of irony:

1: Man crossing the street gets hit by an ambulance
2: Woman with huge bazoombas teaches 'Harassment in the Workplace' seminar, wears low-cut top
3: Cartoonist finds meaning trying to convince readers that they have no free will, no soul, and that God is a malicious fairy tale

My old favourite was #2 because it featured bazoombas.

[mpk]

ages, stages, sages... doing for others, whatever it may be, does help self esteem when the giving and doing is by choice.

Scott, I'm glad you've continued to give your thoughts and humor to the world.

Thanks so much.

[Yuriy]

Very inspiring, Scott. And yet.... have you ever wondered *why* humans might feel the need to have some sort of goal? Has it become hardwired to a certain part of the brain through evolution? Is it something that would come naturally to any intelligent being? Could we, by analyzing our own need for goals, come up with a way to be perfectly happy in a stagnant environment (and without any chemical "mood enhancers")?

[Glenn Chalmers]

Scott you are a genius, a good and inspiring genius. After reading your blog today I feel inspired, motivated and less like an idiot for not being able to focus on my "meaning".

The truth hit me like a bomb. First inward then outward. I wil write again in 6 months by when hopeully thanx to u I will be able to once again try outward.

[latsot]

"I arbitered because that idiot "Oli" seemed to call me an idiot. Scott claims that he moderates the posts so I bought that to his notice. Your sarcasm is wasted."

Not in the least. What comments Scott chooses to allow on his own blog is his own business, not yours. His motivations are nothing to do with you. Your feelings on his morality in allowing or disallowing comments are not relevant.

[nick]

Scott, I've been dealing with some of the issues with happiness in my own life. Not that I'm successful or have everything that I want, but I've started realizing that when I reach whatever goal I set for myself, the happiness and excitement will only last for a brief moment.

Someone pointed me to the book Stumbling On Happiness by Dan Gilbert. Gilbert is a psychologist who points out that our brain tricks us into thinking that we will be happy if we reach some goal, then rationalizes when it isn't that great, and sets up another goal, and on and on. Basically, there is no way to be happy getting that next big promotion, that brand new shiny car, or that McMansion.

I've been reading a lot about Buddhism lately. The highest purpose in Buddhism is to stop suffering in all beings, i.e. helping others. But Buddhism teachings say the best way to do this is to fix yourself first. You can best help people if you yourself have the right mindset and behavior. A bit dogmatic, but its essentially what you are saying as well.

[~C4Chaos]

Uncle Scott, sometimes you really can make me cry when no one is looking.

~C

[Lisa Chabot]

Scott, I think you were always turned outward--for years now you've answered email from folks in a very kindly manner, not to mention your more remunerative creative efforts, which have also been immensely cheering.

We're all somewhat turned outward, for determining our happiness; humans are sociable, by and large.

Still, a reminder like this is always appreciated.

I find if I just think on how much I have (not necessarily monetarily) I am sort of freed from a kind of chain of I-Need, and then I have more potential for giving to others. I'm not putting this well...uh, maybe if I mean to say, if I don't focus on how cranky and needy I am, I can find generosity in myself, and making connections like that feels better than filling my home with some more stuff.

Anyway, thanks!

[Patty]

Thank you.

[Steve]

Scott Thanks for all you work. Your blog and books have become a part of my life

[JST]

For what it's worth, I appreciate this blog a lot. I Recently thought about the fact that you post something every day and how hard that must be. I figured that it either came very naturally to you or you considered it an important commitment. I guess we know which now, so thanks!

[Squiggy]

You missed the whole point of your own post. The meaning of "meaning" is: "the phenomenon whereby one assigns a respresentational value to a symbol, usually a spoken or written word." Or something like that. And I didn't even look it up. Come on Scott, try to stay on topic.

[chesspiece]

You must take this further! This sentiment has been recognised and documented for 1000s of years by several philosophers but rarely successfully taught. (Which I am sure you are aware of). It is a lesson that is almost unteachable. e.g. Jesus was a great teacher but clearly the vast majority of his flock just don't get it. (Granted many good works are done without this understanding). It is almost exclusively obtained by self-realisation at the pinnacle of the hierarchy of needs. Sadly I needed that to understand it. After a year at my leisure by the sea I returned wanting for nothing except to serve. What a gift it would be to be able to teach this to children! Maybe you have that elusive gift dear reader! Use it!

[Tora]

Interesting post. You might enjoy reading a popular science book called "Happiness: The Science Behind Your Smile" by Daniel Nettle (Amazon.com URL below) which has an evolutionary psychology view of why success does not tend to make us happy.

(http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Science-behind-Your-Smile/dp/0192805592/ref=pd_bbs_10/002-8019241-5892836?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174985761&sr=8-10)

I'm glad you've figured out what makes you happy. Now if only my genetic research would cooperate, I'd have it solved for myself! :-)

[nw]

True that - all the rich peaople sooner or later get into that sorta thing - Angelina Jolie goin all the way to africa, Gates going filantropic etc.
Personally, I hope I don't reach that certain point in my life when I'll need to go to such lengths to feel better about myself and impose my supiriority in the matter of morality on others.
By all means one should do whatever makes him happy - but i respect filantropy when the subject is aware he's doing i for a selfish feeling he gets out of it. I can imagine that givin a 7 digit sum to some charity scores you high with a couple of hot chicks that are gonna be attending the banquete thus decreasing ones fuglynes factor visibility. So yah I can see myself resorting to such donations with that in mind.
But I get the feeling you consider this 'outwarding' as a type of maturing, and feel pretty smug about it. I can't help to lose respect to celebrities that turn to that. Gives me the impression they wonna prove to others that they're not only better craftsmen/actors/buisnesmen/comedians than me - but also a better human beings.
I ask myself whether they'd be doing the same thing if the camera's weren't there to capture it.

[Anila]

Nice to see u write something serious after a long time.
I mean though its reinvention of Maslow's Hierarchy, people needed someone to remind them of that. After all life is all abt reinventions! Kudos to that!

[Okgenuine]

Ya. Good post. Fascinating really. I think a lot of formulas would work, if we all weren't bombarded with violent images on the tv all day. That probably happens whether you're rich or poor because there's nothing else to do. Our 'hard psychology' is all screwed up. There's still lots of people who think porn and cussing are worse for people than violent images. Many of them religious who have no idea how psychology really works. They only really scare me when they act like psychology isn't real at all. Most of us aren't smart enough to create our own fun all day. I know I'm not. That's why I think the extraordinarally healthy rise to the top eventually, and the rest of us stay wherever we are and need to be entertained by them. It would be a good system if psychology were taken seriously. I only need enough money to eat and sleep properly, and be able to have hobbies, which brings me friends and everything takes off from there. The only other thing I want to say on here (and tx Scott for giving me a place to say it) is when people say something really negative on here, they should back it up with some deep thought. Otherwise, why say it? Opinions are what it's all about for me. Tx. Oh yeah, I'd attend your funeral if that's what matters to you.

[DJ]

Scott, PLEASE be careful. You could get lynched for this. I'm not joking. It's happened before.

Please take the advice of your biggest fan in the world (yours truly) and please delete this post and all the comments below it.

In the meanwhile, I'm wringing my hands, hoping no fanatic is reading this blog :-(

[Jefe]

Cheers mate!

[malignor]

Is there something wrong with me if I view "reaching outward" as working toward being a tyrant, worthy of history books?

[Esn]

Scott, what about the people who have meaning as their first priority, and find it difficult to focus on the other three things?

Are they doomed? I'd like to know what you think about that scenario... I'm sure you must've met some.

[smilerteg]

did you change your name to Pollyanna when I wasn't looking?

[Laird]

I'm surprised that nobody else has mentioned children yet. Maybe the reaction to preceived success in us moist robots is supposed to be a trigger to have kids. The feeling that we have enough time/space in our lives for more than just ourselves.

True it's not innovative or far reaching, but to be a good parent isn't a leisurely pursuit. So maybe the way to put it is that I'm making a serious huge contribution to two lives rather than a small to many.

I love my work and other pursuits but my life would just seem wrong if, through whatever means, I became just a parent or not a parent.

Cheers!

[gr8hands]

Ah, Scott, at last you show the beginnings of wisdom.

But don't overlook the truth that you don't have to have taken care of yourself FIRST before looking outward. In fact, looking outward at the same time as looking inward will speed up the process, as well as make it more thorough.

Of course, all this flies in the face of your belief there is no free will -- without free will and its precursors/repercussions, you cannot actually be experiencing or choosing anything. You see, even your language betrays your inner beliefs regardless of what you type in your blog.

I am certain if you actually believed you had no free will, you would be able to write coherently without using the language of choice, etc.

[Leora]

This is priceless:

"PS: your funeral is going to have a massive turnout, Be prepared!!!!
--Posted by: Himanshu | March 26, 2007 at 06:48 AM"

One should always be well-prepared for one's own funeral, in the larger sense.

And I'm partway through your formula. I've already fixed myself, and just last week fixed my cat. My man is looking a bit nervous now, though.

[thereisnonamethathasenuffmeaningforme]

i think you should read the sirens of titan (kurt vonnegut)
and then i want you to tell me what you think of that.

your definition of meaning is on a very small human level.
i suppose if you tried to reach outward into god or the designer or whatever, you might become depressed.

[Ms. Pons]

Success is feeling good about yourself and what you do. Success doesn't mean having so much money ... but having so much feeling of passion for life... I think.

[Angry Lab Rat]

Wow, Scott. Thanks. This is perhaps the most poignant and sincere blog post I think I've read on your site. As a community activist, I can't help but empathize, even though I'm not exactly financially well off yet, and still overweight. Your argument makes some sense. Sadly, I'm not sure most people would be able to meet your criteria for achieving health, financial solvency, and emotional stability, in which case there wouldn't be much community volunteerism, but we can at least get close.

[Peter Fleming]

It never ceases to amaze me how so many people can read the same thing (in this case your blog entry), and have such different reactions. Some people were genuinely upset, some said thanks, some felt you were "holier than ..." and some only wanted to prove you wrong with exceptions. It is interesting that so many people with so many reactions to the same thing can co-exist on one tiny planet. I suspect those who say thanks may have at least 50% of your formula solved, and those who express outrage will never understand your formula. I especially enjoy that some take your last sentence as being smug, while some seem to interpret it as "Scott has confidence that I will be happy (i.e. fix myself) and then the "meaning" will come naturally in the near future", almost a statement of hope. I wonder if because I enjoyed the blog and the posts, instead of being outraged if that means I'm happy?

[ravi]

2 Words - Maslow's Hierarchy !

[Christine]

I love how people think you're a "dick" or have a big ego just because you see yourself this way.

Do it in whatever order you want to people! Do what works for you...but I'm thinking; if you're so good at it (person that called Scott a dick) then why would you need to call Scott a dick? If you're so happy and all...

Anyway, you are great Scott and what you share with the world is wonderful! But you don't need me to tell you that, do you? ;-)

[Josh]

This post exemplifies the critical difference between the religious and non-religious. A religious mind would take a different path than Scott. Your argument may be sound, but the goal is different. Your formula's goal was happiness. But how would health, money, social life, and meaning be rearranged if the goal was, lets say, knowing God (in whatever form he may be to you) more. Your order could very quickly throw money or health to the end of the list. Not that they're using any less organizational skills, but there are different aspirations.

The difference between religious and non-religious is not their arguments, it is what they are striving for (with exceptions of course).

[Doctor Dan]

So the equation in the previous post is wrong since happiness doens't seem to depend on its factors linearly. It looks like a logarithm is more accurate (to get another unit of Happy you need to double your health, money, social life or meaning). At least this is what this post hints at.

H = ln(h) + ln(m) + ln(s) + ln(M) = ln (h m s M).

This has another intuitive consequence: if any of h, m, s, M is 0 then H = 0.

I think it's cooler to write

e^H = h m s M.

Dan

[Poo-poo-bah-doo]

I'm a lazy slob.

[Jim of the West]

I, for one, would never attend your funeral. You would be dead, and could not appreciate the effort - I have no interest in gawking at non-functioning moist robots - and the only potential value, that of offering emotional support to surviving friends and family, would seem to be best served by strangers and outsiders respecting their privacy. Sending flowers with a note would perhaps be best. That said, if you feel this sentiment qualifies, then increment your counter by one on my behalf, for I would surely make that gesture on the off chance that I outlive you. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

[Andrew]

Thank you, Scott.

[ND]

Someone once said that you can't worry about feeding the hungry if you yourself are hungry. You have to feed yourself first. Then you can worry about others. It's surprisingly simple and seemingly obvious, yet many don't seem to get it.

[Daniel Courtiade]

Hi Scott,
Catching up on your blog as I don't get to read it every day but I enjoyed this one in particular. I wasn't sure whether to take it seriously at first due to the seemingly cynical nature of your blogs at first glance but now I see, you have a fair amount of time and experience to think about some of these matters of life apart from it's insanity i.e sex with a dead deer, what the hell is going on in the world?? It also stretches beyond your usual boundry of philosotainment.
My thought is that it is quite sad that only once a person has become really asthetically wealthy that he realises that money won't make you happy and as cleched as that is, you have given the general public a clear cut example of that.
So surely the poorest of the poor have the ability to be truely happy - this point seems to get rediscovered condinually? So then what makes us stubbornly choose the path of apparent unhappiness? Surely we serving the wrong greater purpose?
I am probably pissing in the wind by trying to be heard and I think I'll give this philosophy a try.
Can you also further explain your comment about "fixing yourself first"
Ciao for now

[Kiran]

"
Wow - we have the sole arbiter of what is appropriate and inappropriate on Scott's blog. Pleased to meet you. Make sure you steer us all in the right direction in the future, won't you?

Thanks
"

I arbitered because that idiot "Oli" seemed to call me an idiot. Scott claims that he moderates the posts so I bought that to his notice. Your sarcasm is wasted.

[Rossi]

Oh, I would be glad to attend to your funeral, if the purpose is to make you happy, but I could not afford the expenses without sponsoring, including a little journey to Disneyland, to make my wife, children and myself happy too.

[ramki]

Thanks for being around, Scott! And THANKS for Blogging and Cartooning!

[latsot]

"Scott, That was an inappropriate post in your blog"

Wow - we have the sole arbiter of what is appropriate and inappropriate on Scott's blog. Pleased to meet you. Make sure you steer us all in the right direction in the future, won't you?

Thanks

[latsot]

Apologies for the long post:

"You aren’t much good to anyone else if you’re unhealthy, a financial burden, or an emotional basket case." -- Scott

I think you are over-generalising here. Medical science benefits directly from the unhealthy, for example. We learn how to cure disease partly from studying disease. Some ill people have been greatly valued throughout history. Van Gogh wasn't the most emotionally stable of people, but his vision and talent - perhaps partly due to his torments - touch millions and may do so for generations. My own grandfather was a financial burden on me for a number of years, but his being forced to live with me was for the most part enriching to my life - I didn't regret it and I hope he didn't either.

Darwin was unhealthy throughout much of his life but contributed in a spectacular way to science and to culture. Stephen Hawking is 'healthy' only in the very specialised sense that he is unexpectedly still alive but has done some decent work in physics - more than I am capable of.

On all levels, those who are unhealthy, a financial drain or barking mad can be of use to the rest of us, sometimes *because* of those 'failings', sometimes in spite of them.

Russell defines what he calls 'the good life' in terms quite dissimilar to but not entirely incompatible with yours. You (everyone) might enjoy reading his work, as much for his dry sense of humour and genteel if slightly old-fashioned prose as for his no-nonsense, relentlessly logical and unapologetically liberal approach.

I hesitate to define 'meaning' at all. I'm not sure I can agree that it always necessarily involves 'reaching out'. Some people argue that introspection is the key to meaning and I have some sympathy with that point of view. It works from the moral perspective too - understand what you're about, understand where your morality *really* comes from and perhaps you are in a better position to understand meaning and be a good person. Who knows?

For my part, I see no 'meaning' in anything in and of itself. But this doesn't make me feel sad or unfulfilled - quite to the contrary. It also fails to prevent me from trying to help others or from reaching outward. I suspect the reason that kind of thing makes me feel good is an evolutionary one. I see no 'meaning' in this though and no reason to invent meaning where it isn't needed.

It's interesting, by the way, how many congratulatory comments you get when you write something people seem to want to hear (e.g. there is something larger) and how many vitriolic ones you get when you say something they don't (e.g. there is no free will).

[Dilbert's Rabbi]

Scott,

You’re going to live a wonderful life and help a lot of people; your funeral will be well attended and your accomplishments may even merit mention in the national media… then what? What’s next? A hundred years from now, if you’re especially blessed, there will be SOME one, on SOME level, who will remember you for SOME thing. But what about YOU; where will YOU be?

You’ve clearly demonstrated that there is a purpose in life larger than ourselves… is it too much of a stretch to think that there’s something BEYOND this life? Think about it… http://www.wayofthemaster.com/

[nathan]

Jesus came on the scene and said something radical when He said, ‘Happiness is found in losing your life, in giving yourself away. Happiness is found in serving, not in being served; in giving, not in getting,’ (Matthew 10:39).

[Ron]

I work because it makes you happy.

[Kiran]

"Oli" posted:
"

"Hi Scott,

There is no need to get obscenely rich to get the outward orientation you speak off. Intelligence, deep thinking could be good substitutes to obscene levels of material prosperity to achieve that outward orientation.

Posted by: Kiran | "

Hehehehe Idiot.
"

Scott, That was an inappropriate post in your blog

[BobUK]

I'm reminded of a quote from a 19th century philosopher (sorry, can't remember his name) who said:

"Do good works in secret and be discovered by accident."

This is a rehash of the idea expressed in both the Bible and the Quran (and probably several other holy books as well - I'm pretty sure I've read it in the Bhagavad Gita too).

My point is that the cynical posters, such as Ed, Oli and Alexis, might like to consider that quote. If the idea appeals to you, then perhaps you are ready to look outward yourselves. However, if you think you need recognition and/or praise for your good deeds, or feel the need to complain when someone else mentions theirs as an integral part of their personal philosophy, then you need a bit more self-fixing.

And before you say that Scott isn't keeping his good works secret, remember he was expressly asked to explain his idea of meaning and that's what he has done. Scott's philosophy may make him self satisfied (and surely that is the point) but self centred - not a chance!

[doesn't matter]

diminishing returns applies to altruism.

[Mikester]

I'd just like to say that i would attend your funeral if you were to die tomorrow.... but as i'm in England and you are rich (which i'm not) i would need expenses money. As the funeral would be tomorrow i would have to travel 1st class so i am refreshed when i get there.

Please contact me to find out where you can send the money to.....

[latsot]

"I need a second opinion. Is there a sociologist in the house?"

You might be better off with an evolutionist.

[Marina-cat]

Just want to say that I'm one of those nearly extinct happy people...
Just a genuine happy, positive person...
Is it because I live in sunny, beautiful Spain? maybe...
But can't shove the grin from my face!

[Sarah Sunshine]

Scott - I've been a silent reader for a couple of years. Your site is one of the few I read every day. You usually either make me laugh, or make me think, or both.

This time I agree with much of what you said, although as others have said, looking outside oneself can definitely happen while still working on personal improvement. Life, by definition, is full of challenges, disaster and disappointment for everyone. I've noticed that I'm happier working on a project, especially if it helps someone else, too. It's really a selfish thing. But that doesn't make it bad - just human.

[Marco]

My favorite thing about reading your blog is witnessing the steady progression of the size of your ego.

[Himanshu]

This has to be the best time for you to write this post (or probably for me to read this at this time). I prefer not to get into any lengthy details but thank u for this post. It really cleared my mind over a few issues i have been screwing my brain upon.

PS: your funeral is going to have a massive turnout, Be prepared!!!!

[you'd what?!]

P.S. Reason I sponsored those two children when I was 17 was because I was at a Christian youth group concert, and when I saw the Compassion stand, all I could think was "what better way to show my faith than this? I can worship God with my voice all I want, but how much better to serve the poor, in the same way Jesus would?"

Wanted to add that because I don't want to attribute the credit to me for being some selfless philanthropist... its because of the impact Jesus has had on my life.

[you'd what?!]

At the age of 17 I signed up to sponsor 2 children through Compassion International. Best feeling ever.

(P.S. Scott, I hope you meant you had meaning in your life as well as the meaning you derive from writing Dilbert- right?)

[MrBongo]

Excellent post Scott....sends out good vibes.

My friends in New Zealand have a thing for this...it's called "lifestyle" - meaning, a lot of what they do (careers, etc) has to do with the quality of their lifestyle - i.e. being close to nature, enjoying family and good food and good wine.

Step back...slow down, work smarter not harder and take some time to enjoy the wonders of our planet, time with friends and you will bring greater peace into your life.

[Agogo]

Adams meets Maslow
Happy Day
Keep up the good work/production of meaning ;)

[Daves not here]

Sometimes, serving that "higher purpose" first, is what fixes you.

Dave

[Dave]

Basically once you made so much money that another dollar was no longer important to you, you decided to justify your existence by changing your motivations (though not necessarily your actions). Wow that is incredibly shallow. I like it!

[Bob]

That's how the old Greeks came to be philosophers; only the rhich ones that had slaves hat the time and the willingness.

On a critical note, I would like to oppose the notion that is often stated by succesfull people: that they owe it all to them selves because they have worked so hard and so on .. You did mention that you had a lot of luck, but then you go and say that everybody can 'fix' themselves and become happy if they're not lazy and follow a few simple rules. I could say that is arrogant.

(Besides, what if you're a recreational whiner? Then you can only be happy if you're unhappy.)

[Narf]

Extremely well said and very uplifting. (Starting the day on a very nice note, so thanks).

BUT, I think a little dysfunction can go a long way in making the world a better place. I fight with insurance companies for a good part of the day. I have to get nasty, and play all kinds of mind games to get people the care the need. I often remind my victims at the insurance company on the other end of the line or letter that I understand they have their scripts and limitations on what they can and can't say/do, but that we have to go through the tortuous dance before I can tee their company up to take it in the shorts. Is it wrong and evil? I'd absolutely say yes. But would the people I save thousands of dollars for and get them the healthcare the need agree with me? I like to think no (And it lets me sleep at night).

Sometimes I guess we really do have to just focus on the ends justifying the means and forgo the luxury of being a person one can be proud of... :-(

[Naveen Sundar G]

It all makes sense if you think of it. But there are exceptions like Einstein. In Einstein's case he wasn't worried about money and wasn't that rich and chose to go after meaning in life. The same holds for Gandhi, Tesla, a lot scientist/engineers/inventors. It is these people who move civilization forward. People who go for meaning and only meaning. Though only some succeed. They find meaning for humanity as a whole.

[Michael]

Scott,

Whilst you tell it how you experienced it it definitely isn't the be all and end all.

Having a crap day and feeling like an emotional basket case?

Try going out of your way to do something nice for someone else. Chances are you would feel better.

I actually think looking outward is the best way to change what is inside.

[Joshua]

Wow, that was the sweetest "holier than thou" post I have ever read.

You don't necessarily have to be fully fixed before you start serving a higher purpose, though. Sometimes, just being a good person will rub off on people (and a person can do that before you finish kicking that smoking habit.)

I fully believe having a policy of "having a good reason before getting mad" is a step that would exponetionally improve the world.

Perhaps a good tagger to your theory is, "if you don't fully believe that the world would be at least a little better if more people were like you, you're doing something wrong."

Also, I'm sure there are people who had jam packed funerals, but weren't good people. Maybe success should be, "how many people cry at your funeral" that way some famous jackass can pad his numbers with people only there for photo ops.

[Matthew Kovich]

Awesome, Scott. Thank you.

"always the beautiful answer who asks the more beautiful question"
-E.E. Cummings

[Pauline]

OK, I have never commented here before, though I often visit, enjoy the writings and the comments. I have another way of looking at "meaning", ---I have, generally, always been a happy person despite some adversities, though I am thinking, fewer than most, but hey, that might just be the way I look at things. Dysfunctional family, alcoholic father, yadda, yadda, yadda, but I always thought my family's dysfunctions were rather great examples of "what doesn't work!" and made my life choices based on those observations, that is to say I took other routes whenever I could. I used to think about meaning in life, but don't really give it much thought any more. I accept that if I work to make myself happy, that is do what pleases me, it automatically spills over. Some good automatically comes from people who are happy, whether they are focused on specifically doing good deeds or not. Happy people aren't mean, evil, etc. It has been my observations that doing good deeds when you are not a happy person does not produce all the good that it could, nor does it "make" people happier. (part of Scott's theory that you need to "fix" yourself first) It is very difficult for someone to be truly happy and be mean or ugly at the same time. I think that all the beauty and wonder that is constantly around us, whether we see it or don't, is our "test." Happy people do see the beauty and wonder no matter what difficulties or challenges they are facing. So basically, when asked to volunteer, etc., I simply choose the ways that will make me happy to do that job, task, whatever. Bingo, I am happier, and have done some good, maybe, but it really doesn't matter. The only downside of accepting that your life has to have "meaning" is that it usually entails some sort of measurement of results, etc. and that is often counterproductive. I say if you enjoyed what you are doing and Scott obviously does get great pleasure out of making us laugh and think, then do it, just skip the part about what you might expect as your reward, the doing is it's own reward, pleasure to you--and yes "that is all there is." (somewhere the old Peggy Lee song just popped into my head, "Is that all there is?" and I now realize what a huge impact that song had on my thinking. I remember the first time I heard it, it haunted me for a very long time, it seemed so sad and filled with despair. I'll skip the booze but will still keep dancing-----because "all there is" IS enough, in fact it's all pretty wonderful.

[G]

I think I can relate that and the happiness formula to myself pretty well. It's a good fit.

I know I'm not as happy as I could/should be.

I'm not fit - I need to lose weight and stuff, but I'm working on that, so I feel kinda ok on that score.

Money's a huge worry - too much debt, too many outgoings, not enough incomings, spend too much trying to feel better which works for a while until I realise that I've just made it worse.

Social life - not much, though force myself occasionally (see above).

Meaning - well at the moment life is all about finding ways of sorting out the money thing and no matter how much I try or plan it doesn't work, so that can't be good. Don't know what I'd do if the other 3 things were all 'fixed' - I have all sorts of fine notions about voluntary/charity work, but I'll never know for sure will I?

So money might come after health priority-wise, but it's a huge chunk of the formula which I have a nasty feeling I'll be chasing til the end of my days....anyone want to give themselves some meaning by helping to 'fix' me? ;)

[Ed]

Not to be a dick, but you could have just written "I'm better than you, but keep at it sport, you'll get there someday!" Much more succinct and it conveys the basic idea of your post today.

[mishima]

i really enjoy your blog, and the dilbert comic that i get emailed to me every day. thanks for providing all this to me for free, i appreciate it : )

[JOHN THE BAP]

dear scott-
funerals are overated. invest in eternity. Jesus can save you from all that you are.

[Oli]

"Hi Scott,

There is no need to get obscenely rich to get the outward orientation you speak off. Intelligence, deep thinking could be good substitutes to obscene levels of material prosperity to achieve that outward orientation.

Posted by: Kiran | "

Hehehehe Idiot.

[Oli]

It seems to me like your purposes with meaning would destroy the world

Save the whales - Starve the Chinese
Feed the poor & Shelter the homeless- encourage thelazy
March for peace - Allow millions to be killed by evil dictators
Serve your notion of God - Fly a plane into America

http://ramblingsofanofficeworker.blogspot.com

[Alexis Argyris]

Hi, I'm one of the countless people who you "make happy". Everyday I read your cartoon and blog and most times marvel at your humor and spirit and common sense and this strange feeling that your words might very well be my words, if only I was as gifted and hard working as you are.

But (I'm sure you realize that I only said all these good things above, so that I may now continue with my "but" thing...). Today's post, although I fully agree with it, left a very strong taste of self centeredness in my mouth. Especially the last part "..if you are not yet ready, don't worry, we will be waiting for you". Come on! Even if absolutely true, how is one supposed to feel about such a statement? Say "thanks"?

So, I think that you certainly missed this one, although your intentions were undoubtedly excellent. But don't you worry, tomorrow, as usual, we'll be waiting for you (sorry, I couldn't resist).

[Zeddicus]

I was thinking that maybe you could include the happiness formula as a chapter in one of your Dilbert books. Though I suppose that if you did that nobody would take it seriously... pity.

[Karima]

Can I be a part of the people that you made happy with you extra-money?

PS : I love your work, and I hope I can attend your funerals someday :)

Your biggest fan from Paris,
Karima

[helixapp]

When I serve a purpose larger than yourself, I feel so tired.

[MediumRare]

Beautifully written!...unless this is one of your "you bunch of morons! ha ha! I tricked you into following this crap" sort of posts...

I almost thought you couldn't meaningfully write any more...er...excuse the pun :-)

[Kevin Kunreuther]

Listen:
The affirmations experiment I began seems to work ...
So ...
I'll be sheep and try out the formula. Obviosly this will take awhile. A good long while.
If I find it appears to work for me, I'll happily package and distribute it, attribute it to you of course, and make more people feel happier.
Meanwhile, I have to hope the world doesn't blow up in the meantime because one group of assholes hates another group of assholes, and I wind up being the sphincter in the middle who gets violated.

[Stuart - Velkairiwyth]

Random Question:

At what point did you start drawing Dilbert with Flatscreen monitors? Did you but one yourself or did you just slowly integrate it in? Ive got some old and new comics pinned up at my semi-cubicle here at work, and notice theres some with CRT and some with TFT monitors drawn in :)

Yep to keep it on topic, my meaningness is randomness. A random lifestyle keeps it interesting and fun :D

-Velk

[Amena]

agree with harriot! reminded me of maslow too..:) very much.

Its very natural i guess.

And thanks to the author for all the other posts too.. makes for good reading and also makes life a lil more worth living(??). :)

[shiva]

Well i always thought passion for work should be there somewhere? is there something i am missing

[Daniel]

Hi Scott, just read your post and what you described sounds just like how i feel right now! I spent the last god-knows how many years doing GCSEs, A-Levels, a Degree and an Masters (UK qualifications) finally earning a job on one of the best graduate schemes in the UK. I spent so long striving to get where i thought i needed to be, now i'm there i'm completely lost! I'll prob never worry about money again, but now i've realised how unimportant that ever was. Coming from a poor background it was always deemed the paramount goal. I now always scour the net/books and life trying to find some kind of meaning, but to no avail! Every day I spend in this corporation I see your cartoons come to life and it worries me! It's always good to read things like your post to realise that it's not abnormal to feel like this! I feel a lot better recently as i think i've turned a corner but it's taken almost two years to get here! You're right though, start looking outward and everything else falls into place!

[Lily Tinkle]

"Don’t worry if you aren’t ready to serve a higher purpose. Fix yourself first. We’ll wait for you. You’ll know you’re ready when serving the higher purpose seems easier than not."

Scott,
The kindness shown in that sentence truly reflects
the mindset of someone who has turned outward. I can think
of many styles in which your key points could have
been written that would have revealed a different
basis of your outlook on life (arrogance, self-satisfaction, didacticism, I'm sure you and your readers can think of others ad infinitum) .
The clarity and breadth of your thinking always
impresses me, but today your blog has also uplifted
me. I wish for you a similar moment of elevation
(described by anthropologist Jonathan Haidt as "a
warm uplifting feeling that people experience when they
see unexpected acts of human goodness, kindness,
and compassion") today.

[Ceris Pseudo]

Interesting perspective Scott. I've been reading your blog since it started 1.5 years ago and I've really enjoyed your different sense of humor. You almost make some good points, especially about the basic ideas for the happiness formula. However, I would say that one doesn't have to totally fix themselves to have a greater meaning. Indeed there are many who choose greater meaning (helping others, religion, serving in some organization) as a way of "finding themselves" or at least doing some self-improvement. Given that no one is truly perfect (and many would say they could always improve), I would say that meaning is something that is more integral to life than many would think - that is to say, meaning can be very closing related to the other areas of your happiness formula and doesn't necessarily need to be dead last.

[Cherrie]

OMG, like, you totally said it way better than, like, I ever could! *flicks hair*

Seriously though, you did say it concisely and I admire you for that. I'm glad you're famous, because then you can reach out to more people and that number-of-people-at-funeral can grow faster.

I have found that it's quite feasible to keep looking in and out, in and out and gradually decreasing the in/out ratio to a comfortable equilibrium (but still oscillating about it), while "fixing myself"... it's sort of more efficient, I find. =)

OK I haven't read all of the comments on your blog, but you could refine your happiness formula (oh yeah, isn't plural of formula formulae?) as a weighted average of the factors you discussed. This 'weight' accounts for the prioritisation (as, I guess mathematically, adding terms in different orders is really the same thing). The total weight would equal unity of course. say,
Happiness = sum (weight-of-factor x factor-accomplishment-index), where weight of all factors = 1

By this formula, there is no upper limit to happiness (if either the number of factors and/or the factor-accomplishment-indices were potentially limitless, although the former being limitless makes more sense)... which makes sense because for some reason, people seem to think happiness is conserved in the world, which isn't necessarily true, is it?

OK I told you I wasn't concise.

[Jacob]

Scott,
I think that this may be your best post ever. Very touching. In this material world, many people cannot distinguish between being wealthy ($$$) and being rich (happy with their lot) and this post should help clarify that for some people and hopefully change their worldview for the better.

[Maya]

No words to tell you how impressed I am with your writing :-))
Sure will fix myself n join you at the 'purpose' level soon enough!
I really love your posts;this one was very much insightful and enlightening.Thanks so much for writing/blogging and keeping me and more like me happy:-))

And I do hope you publish that 20-page book.I will surely buy it and ofcourse,pass it on to all I care.It's a promise:-))

[Jessie]

I like this post. It's meaningful and i am moved....Thank You for sharing.

[Sayantan Sen]

i would surely come for your funeral...

could you tell me about it atleast 2 months in advance...i need to get my holidays sanctioned...

[T.G.]

I strongly believe that all the problems in the world are caused by people with to much "meaning" in their lives. Please, anyone feeling a strong surge of meaning ... go to the psycologist and fix yourself before you start harming people. (yes i am a cynic, but just an amateur one)

[Joanne Hopwood]

Wow. That is a wonderful post, and one I will hide away and read now and again to remind me that what you say is so true.

Nice one Scott. I think you should write that book - if you can explain the 'how to get there' with as much clarity as you have explained the 'where you are aiming to be' it will be a best seller (better yet, Wiki it and we can hand out a web address instead of buying the book for people, lol).

[le Big Mac]

Scott, I am a fan but I have to grouse with your essay this week. I guess I am standing alone as being uncomfortable with all this warm fuzzy California self-congratulatory pseudo-Buddhism. I've been in NYC too long.
It enrages me to see these spoiled, self infatuated One Percenters - the ones who own Everyone and Everything else-whine about how having too much money has ruined them, left them alone and empty, etc. Bob Marley said, Give it Away (mon). Really - a grand or two to someone who needs to switch from a dead-end career, or leave an abusive spouse, or pay medical bills. There's no shortage of qualified candidates. Maybe an essay contest to determine the most deserving?

I have to get an argument to all this "moist robot" stuff off my chest - Malcolm X. Here is a man who started as antithesis to everything his life would finally represent. He was in modern parliance, the thug/gangsta with the guns n' hoes who inevitably got caught and sent away. He was supposed to languish there, get paroled and go right back.
But something happened.
He garnered an understanding of who he was, in the dark isolation of a jail cell, with no encouragement from anyone to be anything but who he was expected to be by racist society of that time. He changed. And he transformed himself, essentially, from a destructive force to a force of positive change. And Scott, if you argue that he had teachers like the writers of the Koran and cult leader Elijah Muhammad (trust me, I'm sticking up for his civil rights work and not his religious attitudes) well, aren't you contradicting the notion that we all have pre-ordained views of life that we simply act out on instincts we don't understand? History doesn't support that that was the case.
As long as we're off topic, another example in today's world is the military. The Change is Forever is truth in advertising. Stories abound of fat recruits who become athletic and slim, mousy quiet cadets who master the art of intimidation. Regardless of whether you like the military or not, it's power to change people forever is demonstrated over and over. And that's my two cents.

[larry horowitz]

That's a very insightful and profound reflection, Mr. Adams. It actually made me happier just by reading it, knowing that others think that way (as well as me) and reminding us that most likely the majority of us are rooting for and wanting to help each other.

Question: can fulfilling a higher purpose or turning outward (however you want to say it) be as simple as providing a good life for your own family or does it have to be more altruistic?

[God]

You, sir - you are a fart.

[Sameer]

Scott, a book idea for you - seriously - "Handbook for how to deal with success". Maybe the market for that is small, but then you can price it really high.

If you can help manage the way other successful people deal with their "success mid-life crisis" by inducing them to go for that higher purpose, the world will surely be a better place.

[Darren]

Scott, I thought this was a cool post.

Reminds me that the poor are better than the rich, because atleast the poor can dream of becoming rich.

And I've determined in my mind that mediocrity is the greatest achievement. That is, to pursue a measure of success while lacking the ability to attain it. In my example, people compete, but as none of them are skilled enough to separate themselves from the others, they are forced to mingle. So, despite their efforts to win and to overcome, they are stuck socializing with the people they compete against but can't convincingly defeat. And by doing so they inadvertently meet their social needs that they never acknowledged or took strides to deal with.

This is why being mediocre is better than being the champion: The champion searches for greater challenges and 'worthy' opponents. He purposely distances himself from those that he used to compete against because, as the champion, he figures that they aren't worth the time it would take to defeat them. As he improves, the number of 'worthy' opponents decreases until, if he is able, he becomes the best. Then he's screwed! All of a sudden he's surrounded and everybody is trying to knock him off the top.

this is my proof that people are fickle and ultimately self-destructive?? Most people find what they need for a happy and meaningful life through failing to be what they want to be and failing to accomplish the things they think will make them feel fulfilled??? Weird....

then you own up to the fact that moderate wealth doesn't accomplish anything truly meaningful? Garrr... Why don't more people figure that out before they end up being rich??

you probably think I'm old... Maybe I should be...

Darren

[Bob]

You know, I've always told myself I would get more involved in the larger issues that interest me, as opposed to observing them passively, when I was in my 40's and started to have a positive net worth. Hmmm.

I'd like to express my thanks for your blog posts. They brighten my day.

[jerry w]

The Six Long Term Mistakes of Mankind

1. The delusion that your personal gain is made by crushing others.

2. The tendency to worry about things that you cannot change or correct.

3. Insisting that a thing is impossible because you cannot accomplish it.

4. Refusing to set aside your trivial preferences.

5. Neglecting development and refinement of your mind, and not acquiring the habit of reading and studying.

6. Attempting to compel others to believe and live as you do.

One other thing to consider: "A crowded elevator smells very different to a midget". Not on topic, but so damn funny.

http://boskolives.wordpress.com/

[Dale Flannery]

Thank you Scott.

We appreciate and value you as a person.

(And I apologise for not making some incisive or divisive witty observation in repayment)

[Penny]

Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this story. And write that book, Scott...your publishers will help you flesh it out to 200 pages or so.

[Crazycardfreak]

That makes me feel much less selfish. All I do lately is work and study for me, so I can get a degree and support myself. I never thought the selfishness would last beyond the good paycheck, but now I'm much more sure of that.

[Peter Thomas]

Been following along for a while but never commented here before. After reading this just had to. Scott - I really think you have made a difference. I hope the best is yet to come :)

P.S. "God's Debris" and "The Religion War" have been a great influence. Thank you.

[Vibhu]

Thanks for the post Adam. Made my week :)

I Like the line :
"When you serve a purpose larger than yourself, you experience the sensation of having meaning"

[LJND]

My father was a minister and used to preach this exact sermon, nearly word-for-word. Which of course tells us that meaningful life is something that can be distilled, through all the yammering that is religion - awesome, awesome post.

[Xyfbzi]

If you do things for meaning, then why don't you publish the happiness formula? It wouldn't sell, but you'd make people happy.
Is continuously striving for something what humans do, or is it what our society makes us want to do?

[Vladik]

Scott,

A few years back my best friend's grandfather passed away (peacefully, old age). At his funeral there were over 500 people. That's 500 people that took the necessary time out of their day to drive in, fly in or find some other way to come pay their respects to this man. I'm sure that was a fraction of the lives that he touched, but nevertheless an enormous fraction at least!

Since that day when my friend told me, I have myself thought of my measure of success as the amount of people that would attend my funeral if I was to pass away tomorrow. Its quite intriguing to find someone else (the only other person I know to date) who measures his success in the same way.

Thanks for writing all your great posts.

Regards,
Vladik

[Billy B]

Your idea of meaning is meaningless, to me. I just don't see how you are making the world a better place. Other than picking on the dilbert zone that is. Not that I think it's doing much good, they are still going strong.
Billy B

[jim]

I still think it's kinda pompous for you to tell me my priorities. Reminds me of the guys I used to work with who said everything would be wonderful if we all followed the golden rule. You know the one - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Well, God forgive me, but there are problems with that rule. For example, assume there is a work-a-holic boss out there that just lives for work. Likes to put in 60+ hours a week minimum. S/he loves it when his/her boss gives him/her more work. Loves it. Now, assume that what matter to you most is spending time with your family. You're not interested in climbing the corporate ladder. You want to put in 40 good/great hours of work each week and that is it. Now put the two together. The boss does to you want s/he would want done to him/herself. Yuck.

Please don't prioritize for me. You don't know me. If you want to give me a test that sets my priorities...that's something different. And...i'm guessing your priorities change like mine do. After getting married and having kids, things change. Formulate that.

[j-ster]

Reading your blog makes me happy in many different ways. Thank you.

(^_^)

[john]

I measure my success by how many people would attend my funeral if I died tomorrow. I try to make sure that number grows every year.

This is easy....just owe a large amount of money to
as many people as possible, then and even your bank
manager and taxman will turn up....

[Sheilah D]

Hi,

I enjoyed your posting. I believe we are all born for a unique higher purpose. The problem is that few of us are ever really able to realize that calling. We get caught up in too many of the mundane aspects of living and never get the opportunity or time to find our unique higher purpose. Such a dream of self-actualization is hardly a delusion of grandeur: it is a tribute to the positive potential inherent in all of mankind.

I wish you the best of success.

[Andy]

oh man, this is one of the best serious posts in a very long time, I really enjoyed this one.

I'd never thought about it like that...

[Pablo Lore]

Hey Scott, very good post. (as always I should say)

I LOOOVE your writtings (or whatever it's spelled), I laugh everyday since I found Dilbert, and I laugh the double since I found this blog.

Please continue writting forever, you make me very happy!

I think I have meaning, but I'm not fixed... Can this be? I don't have money (but I do have social life and health), I'm very dependant on my father (ok, I'm 18 so that's not so crazy), but I really need a job.
But I do care about doing something more, like you said have menaning. Does that mean that I'm a monster? Or that I don't really need money? Or simply... it happens sometimes???

Keep with the good work. (and forgive me for the language, I promise someday I'll go to English classes)

[Rosie D]

I saw this site and immediately thought of your blog Scott. It has a interesting view including that T-rex's were herbivores and Neanderthals were "humans with abnormal bone growth due to very advanced age and flood-cloud-related rickets".

http://objectiveministries.org/kidz/

[Eduardo]

Excellent! In the meantime while we are waiting to become rich and famous we can enjoy the journey by giving little things, whether it be gifts, a favour or our time. Here's a little poem I wrote to remind me of what is important..

a kind gesture
a smile
a gentle touch
to a wounded soul
your insignificant effort
can mean so much

to the lonely
to the depressed
whose feelings are so intense
your karma echoes
you changed their world
and your psychic reward
will be immense

(lets not tell my drinking buddies, I wrote that)

[Kanon]

Thanks to you my work now has meaning :)

[Bill]

On behalf of all us po' working folks who haven't "fixed" ourselves into billionaires yet: Thanks a bunch!

Now if you people who ARE "fixed" would quit supporting the politicians that give tax money (you remember taxes? Those things po' folk pay, or get shot?) to every kleptocrat regime on the planet, maybe we'uns could fix ourselves a little faster.

If you were working on the elimination of Aid To Dependent Dictators (or Aid To Archer Daniels Midland, or Aid To Halliburton... there are thousands of worthy causes), I could believe that really you had found meaning. As it is, I think you've just found complacency.

Maybe I'm totally off base... what IS the Dogbert World Peace Foundation doing nowadays? If you're secretly working to make FDA "protection" optional for terminal cancer patients, or to keep Blackwater's orcs out of Iran, or to cut our tax level down to that of "Communist" China, then I'll shout "hurrah" with all the rest.

But realistically, I'll bet you just drift along with the herd, like most rich folk... most of you don't make any more difference than those who aren't "fixed".

[graeme blake]

Scott,

Very good post. Makes me certain that you must write that book/pamphlet. Don't be dissuaded by thought that it wouldn't be a commercial success due to its shortness; it would help bring happiness to some peoples lives, therefore serving the meaning you've found for your life.

[Amber]

I've been reading your blog for months. For the first time, I actually like you.

[Chen]

"Fix yourself." I like that. And after that I guess you start to want to fix others.. I'm looking forward to that step, then.

[BillF]

Admittedly, I also have a secondary goal of making people desire to want to know more about me; as a way of helping discover more about myself.

It's why I leave comments on Blogs. I hope that the author reads something that makes him/her say, "what makes this guy tick?"

[RIP ... eventually]

If you go suddenly, against your plan, I’ll assume it was a Dilbert-style foul-up with upper management ;)

[Peter G.]

This is the extent to which we have free will. It isn't in our moment-to-moment behavior, you're right about that. But it IS in this search for meaning and other long-term thought processes. Our brains learn to recognize patterns in sensory data by forming predictive models. These models are iteratively refined by testing them against new sensory data and changing them as needed. This ongoing process can't be monitored, predicted, or forced. It defines who we are, and the decisions we make as a result are as much "ours" as anything can be.

. png

[Richard]

Scott, I was just about to say this theory had already been developed as "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" when I saw Dany's post. The theory goes back to 1943 and is taught in psychology and, in the past 20 years, in marketing.
This "looking outward" you refer to equates to "self-actualization" in Maslow's theorem.

[sam]

But I do enjoy your blog.

[Lisa]

Hey, Scott, thanks for posting my comment--only you've attributed it to Joseph Cooper. If I had actually asked for a hug, I would have hyphenated "soft-centered."

[Lucas]

I work because it makes you happy

Thanks, Scott.

And dany, I totally agree. It's Maslow all over.

[sam]

What a fascinatingly oxymoronic way to live for a man that does not (correct me if I'm wrong) believe in meaning. Could Scott Adams' happiness be more accurately defined as fostering the illusion of meaning, just so long as "meaning" doesn't demand more of you than you demand of it? Because finding real meaning can often hijack the other three pretty quickly. Just ask Dietrich Bonhoeffer or Nelson Mandela.

[wrench]

That's the smartest thing I've ever read about the effects of success and explains a great deal about certain behaviors of successful people.

[Melanie]

Thanks for the reminder! I love your blog!

Actually, there are several chemical supplement