Coherence

In post n.1 of this blog, I stated that I built it to start making something entirely of my own. In fact, for a long time I have said that my dream job is being an entrepreneur because I see it as the figure in society who turns ideas into self-sufficient realities.

Recently, I had the chance to meet with two co-founders who proposed I join their just-started venture. I reflected on it for a bit but decided it was better to remain in my big tech consulting company for at least a year to learn the leading best practices, have a structured work schedule, etc. Then, I had another call with one of the two co-founders who underlined that, for what I told them my passions were, it was not a really coherent decision, also in light of the approach of minimizing regrets outlined in this post. This made me reevaluate the opportunity, and I ultimately decided to join the startup.

It was an occasion to think more deeply about the underlying motives behind my initial decision. At the unconscious level, there is always a tendency to satisfy our need for safety, opposite to the other, less powerful, need for variety. It made me resurface a sharp quote from Nassim Taleb:

The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.

It was a powerful learning opportunity because I was able to experience the feelings that emerge when trying to leave stability for uncertainty. Also, it was a turning moment for this blog because, if one doesn’t try to follow, even if imperfectly, the life philosophy he writes and shares, the philosophy itself loses meaning. Then, even the most down-to-earth words become abstract constructs, as Seneca reasons below:

What we hear the philosophers say and what we find in their writings should be applied in our pursuit of a happy life. We should hunt out the helpful pieces of teaching, and the spirited and noble-minded sayings which are capable of immediate practical application - not far-fetched or archaic expressions or extravagant metaphors and figures of speech - and learn them so well that words become works.

P.S. Those who had a drink with me before will understand the meaning of the post cover: a toast to good habits! 🍐