We are often attracted to the wrong things, whether it be money, fame, or approval.
Interpretation
People tend to pursue superficial desires like wealth and recognition, which may not lead to true fulfillment.
In this quote, Robert Greene reflects on the human tendency to be drawn to materialistic and external validations such as money, fame, and the approval of others. He suggests that these attractions might mislead us and ultimately do not provide the deeper satisfaction that comes from pursuing more meaningful and intrinsic values.
In practice
During a motivational speech, to illustrate the dangers of chasing superficial goals.
In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike.
The moment people feel they know what to expect from you, your spell on them is broken. More: You have ceded them power.
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
The Nihilistic Troll might pretend to be acting in the service of some cause or leader, but don't be fooled. The cause and their supposedly strong convictions are simply a way to justify and provide cover for their abusive behavior.
Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.
On the day I swore to uphold the Hippocratic oath, the small hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I waited for lightning to strike. Who was I, vowing calmly among all these necktied young men to steal life out of nature's jaws, every old time we got half a chance and a paycheck?... I could not accept the contract: that every child born human upon this earth comes with a guarantee of perfect health and old age clutched in its small fist.
Within the heart of every person exists the flame of wisdom that transforms all suffering into kindling for the fire of creative energy.
When any fit of gloominess, or perversion of mind, lays hold upon you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaints, but exert your whole care to hide it; by endeavouring to hide it; you will dry it away. Be always busy.
I feel so strongly that deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex.
I've been traveling all over the world for 25 years, performing, talking to people, studying their cultures and musical instruments, and I always come away with more questions in my head than can be answered.
Without tact you can learn nothing.
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