"The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
— The Holy Bible, John 14:17
Often we feel bad if we don’t obtain the recognition we believe we deserve and vice-versa. If others we consider not to be not worthy of good nature do well, we feel annoyed. Why is that?
Ponder that any feelings, good or bad, when associated with external circumstances, are just a fallacy of mind identification and ego.
In contrast, when you learn to respond to what is happening to you, allowing infinite intelligence to guide the path calmly, you get better at decision making, and suffering goes away.
This is why meditation, praying; journaling works wonderfully to put your mind at ease so you can proceed with your affairs with sound judgment.
"He who does not know what the world is, does not know where he is. And he who does not know for what purpose the world exists does not know who he is, nor what the world is. But he who has failed in any one of these things could not even say for what purpose he exists himself. What then dost thou think of him who [avoids or] seeks the praise of those who applaud, of men who know not either where they are or who they are?"
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book VIII.52
The beautiful thing is that nature doesn’t appreciate you more or less. Nature is just there. You can’t have a rose smell stronger for someone that is richer or to have the sunshine in a certain way for a person that accomplished more than another.
Genuine appreciation doesn’t come from others. Genuine appreciation doesn’t come from yourself being at peace with the Universe. Genuine appreciation comes from complete elimination of mind-identification, not allowing any external circumstances to be in your way. Continue to execute your mission, as everything good or evil shall pass, and soon, we shall all perish to the same fertile ground.
During your journey, you will undoubtedly encounter evil spirits, spoiled wealth, lazy work ethics, poor judgment, and it will be your choice as to how you will respond to them.
Ultimately, not needing appreciation from others is an absolute superpower. Presence is the key to freedom. Be grateful.
Several thinkers deeply influenced me as a professional investor and man. One of them is Charlie Munger. Charlie’s Almanack is a must-read for everyone.
I left ONEVC to start a new professional chapter. The ONEVC dream lives on, and I will continue to support all portfolio companies I worked with.
I had a surprise visit to the ER on Christmas. I thought I was having a heart attack and rushed to the hospital with considerable chest pain. I was scared.
