On Ambition

“There’s always a point in which one’s desire to self-actualize (ambition) morphs into the desire to externally control (greed).” Lawrence Yeo

 
Lawrence Yeo beautifully illustrated the difference between ambition and greed in his essay The Many Worlds of Enough. First, he shows how our definition of “enough” can lead us astray because it keeps changing as we progress:

“You end up branching out into an entirely new identity as you progress toward any definition of Enough. Once this separation happens, these worlds can no longer communicate with one another at all. Enough is elusive because when you reach it, you’re no longer the person that once desired it.”

He believes the shift from ambition (“driven by self-actualization, or the desire to become a more capable person”) to greed (“when outcomes become your primary desires”) is a gradual one:

“You’ve entered the domain of greed when you no longer pursue an endeavor because you’re curious about it. It’s when the coldness of utility replaces the warmth of curiosity. Ambition morphs into greed when you stop listening to your inner compass, and start paying attention to what your actions may do for external things like your reputation.

Enough is what remains when you remove these desires for approval or praise. It’s when you conduct an honest audit of your needs, and understand what has been conditioned into you, and what is true to who you are.”

Yeo advocates a constant process of examination and self-awareness to recognize greed and discover an “enough zone” of equanimity.

“You must self-adjust your definition of enough, instead of having it forced upon you. Wisdom is in self-correction, while misery is in coerced correction. Identity change is best manifested through small, intentioned steps, and not through a massive, surprising event.”

Συνέχεια εδώ

Πηγή: neckar.substack.com