In the beginning of life, when we were infants, we need others to
survive, right? And at the end of life, when you get old, you need
others to survive, right? But here's the secret: in between, we
need others as well.
So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem
half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are
important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The
way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving
others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote
yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.
The culture we have does not make people feel good about
themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture
doesn't work, don't buy it.
If you're trying to show off for people at the top, forget it. They
will look down on you anyhow. And if you're trying to show off for
people at the bottom, forget it. They will only envy you. Status
will get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow you to float
equally between everyone.