These Are The 2 Paths To Happiness - Naval Ravikant
Happiness comes from being content with what you have, while success often comes from wanting more. There are two ways to find happiness: either by getting everything you want or by not wanting much in the first place, like the ancient philosopher Diogenes. Many people believe that being happy makes you less successful because you lose the drive to achieve. However, it's also possible that happiness changes what success means to you, leading you to pursue bigger, more meaningful goals. It's often easier to achieve your material desires than to give them up. Once you achieve success, the goal is to become free from the constant need to win, either by moving on to new challenges or by enjoying the process itself. Most good things in life involve some short-term difficulty for long-term gain. However, it's important not to become addicted to suffering, but rather to enjoy the journey. Success, especially financial success, can solve many problems and provide a sense of accomplishment, but research suggests that extreme events like winning the lottery or becoming disabled only temporarily affect a person's baseline happiness. The key is to enjoy the journey, as that's where most of your time is spent. To be truly successful, you need to choose your desires carefully and focus your energy. Fame can bring benefits like status and opportunities, but it also comes with a high cost, including loss of privacy and constant scrutiny. The most rewarding kind of fame is earned through doing good things for many people, rather than being famous for no particular reason, which often feels empty and fragile.
Key Vocabulary
Individuals who exhibit extremely irrational, foolish, or eccentric behavior, often to a degree that suggests mental instability.
Examples:
- The artist's latest exhibition was so bizarre that some critics dismissed it as the work of lunatics.
- Only lunatics would attempt to cross the desert without adequate supplies or preparation.
- He called the decision to invest in such a risky venture pure lunacy, a move only lunatics would make.
To formally declare one's abandonment of a claim, right, or possession, or to give up or repudiate a belief, practice, or way of life.
Examples:
- The prince chose to renounce his claim to the throne for a life of quiet scholarship.
- After years of following a strict diet, she decided to renounce her rigid eating habits and enjoy food more freely.
- To achieve inner peace, some philosophies suggest one must renounce material desires.
The authority to represent someone else, or a person or thing that acts on behalf of another.
Examples:
- The board member appointed his assistant as his proxy to vote in his absence.
- Online surveys are often used as a proxy for public opinion, though they may not always be perfectly accurate.
- In the negotiation, the ambassador acted as a proxy for his government, conveying their official stance.
A position of high regard or idealization, often implying that someone is admired to an excessive or unrealistic degree.
Examples:
- It's unfair to put anyone on such a high pedestal; everyone has flaws.
- She refused to place her romantic partners on a pedestal, preferring to see them as equals.
- After his groundbreaking discovery, the scientist was placed on a pedestal by his peers.
Exercising power in a cruel, oppressive, and arbitrary way, characteristic of a tyrant.
Examples:
- The new manager's tyrannical demands made the workplace an unbearable environment for the employees.
- Historically, many rebellions have been sparked by the tyrannical rule of an unjust monarch.
- She found her older brother's tyrannical control over the television remote quite frustrating.
The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Examples:
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for maintaining one's physical wellbeing.
- The company implemented new policies to improve the emotional wellbeing of its staff.
- Spending time in nature significantly contributes to overall mental wellbeing.
Made a witty remark or retort.
Examples:
- When asked about his secret to success, the entrepreneur quipped, 'I just keep showing up.'
- She quipped that her alarm clock was her least favorite morning companion.
- After a long meeting, he quipped, 'I think my brain just ran a marathon.'
A secondary result, often unintended but sometimes anticipated, of an action or process.
Examples:
- Increased focus is a positive byproduct of regular meditation.
- The development of new technologies often has the byproduct of creating new industries.
- A healthy diet and consistent exercise lead to a strong immune system as a welcome byproduct.
A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
Examples:
- The unexpected resignation of the CEO caused significant turmoil within the company's leadership.
- After the storm, the city was left in a state of turmoil, with power outages and damaged infrastructure.
- Personal turmoil can often make it difficult to concentrate on daily tasks.
Expensive or showy clothes or decorations.
Examples:
- The attendees arrived at the gala in their finest fineries, glittering with jewels and silk.
- She admired the historical portraits, noting the elaborate fineries worn by the aristocrats.
- Despite the king's vast wealth, he preferred simple attire to ostentatious fineries.
Having strong preferences and being selective, often to the point of being difficult to please.
Examples:
- When it comes to selecting a new book, I'm quite choosy and only pick ones with compelling plots.
- She's very choosy about her coffee, always preferring a specific blend and brewing method.
- Being choosy about your friends can lead to more meaningful and supportive relationships.
Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.
Examples:
- It would be disingenuous to claim credit for a project I barely contributed to.
- Her feigned ignorance about the company's financial troubles seemed disingenuous to the reporters.
- The politician's apology felt disingenuous, as he continued to defend his controversial policies.
A minimum or starting point used for comparison; a fundamental level or standard.
Examples:
- The doctor recorded the patient's baseline vital signs before starting the treatment.
- We need to establish a baseline performance level to accurately measure future improvements.
- His baseline expectation for a vacation was a quiet beach, anything more was a bonus.
Of words or a speaker, fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow.
Examples:
- He offered a glib apology that did not seem to convey any real remorse.
- Her glib remarks about the complex issue showed a lack of understanding.
- The salesperson's glib assurances about the product's quality made the customer suspicious.
A powerful desire for something.
Examples:
- After a long day of work, she had a strong craving for a warm, comforting meal.
- His craving for adventure led him to explore remote corners of the world.
- Despite his efforts, he couldn't shake the craving for chocolate.
People who overcome and take control of a place or people by military force.
Examples:
- The ancient texts describe the legendary conquerors who established vast empires.
- History often remembers conquerors for their military prowess and territorial expansion.
- The conquerors imposed their language and culture on the subjugated lands.
Placed or arranged in a straight line, or brought into agreement or cooperation with a particular group, cause, or position.
Examples:
- The company's goals are perfectly aligned with the team's individual aspirations.
- It's important that all departments are aligned on the new project's objectives.
- Her personal values were always aligned with her professional conduct, ensuring integrity.
People whose behavior or appearance is unconventional or eccentric, often in a way that is considered strange or unsettling by others.
Examples:
- The art festival attracted a diverse crowd, including a few delightful weirdos with unique costumes.
- He embraced his reputation for being a bit of a weirdo, enjoying his unconventional hobbies.
- The small town had a reputation for its quirky residents, often referred to affectionately as weirdos.
To avoid something by moving quickly, or to evade a question or responsibility.
Examples:
- He tried to dodge the difficult question by changing the subject.
- The driver had to quickly dodge a fallen tree in the road.
- She managed to dodge the rain by ducking under an awning just in time.
A small sample of food or drink, or a brief experience of something, given to allow one to assess its quality or nature.
Examples:
- The chef offered a taster of the new soup to gather feedback from customers.
- The introductory course served as a taster for the full academic program.
- Before committing to a full membership, she enjoyed a taster session at the new gym.