Living On the Border Between Chaos and Order
>I have recently realised that to live a meaningful life one must constantly work on achieving objectives that are right on the border between possible and impossible.
>If a goal is too easily achieved, there is no motivation to pursue it. Same if it is too difficult. The right goal is one that is theoretically achievable but would take all of one’s efforts to accomplish.
>Human beings are aiming creatures. It appears that our bodies have evolved to throw projectiles at targets. Even psychologically, the direction in which we have evolved is clear — not having (or failure at) a worthwhile goal causes negative emotions.
>The fact that life suddenly becomes filled with meaning as one establishes a high aim suggests that it is the right thing to do. Nature incentivizes high objectives.
>Further, it is fascinating that encouragement in the form of fame or money (or both) is received by those who create order out of chaos for the benefit of the group. Not only that: the larger the beneficiary group, the larger the fame and money.
>To me, all of this is a hint (albeit not a very clear one) about the proper way to orient oneself in life. To lead a fulfilling life, one should endeavor to achieve something that is both extremely difficult and extremely valuable (to all of humanity, both present and future) at the same time.
