Comment by Brian Ritchie on January 31, 2015 at 8:30pm

Really great to hear from you Jack. I think I get what you mean about finding enough inspiration or purpose to stick with something. I also have something I'm passionate about. However, sometimes I fear that it may not be a passion so much as an obsession. I'm hoping that it is the former and not the latter. Can't wait to read your book!!!

Comment by Jack A. Langedijk on January 31, 2015 at 10:29pm

Hi Brian...I hope your day has felt happy...you know someone once taught me something about the difference between obsession and passion....they told me obsession is all about self gratification but passion is about a desire to share...I mean look at the word...PASS--I -ON.....its about passing something of yourself to others....hope that sheds a little light as it did me!!

Comment by Brian Ritchie on February 1, 2015 at 11:18am

I like that view Jack. There is definitely a goal of sharing in my project so I think I'm on the right track from that perspective. Another issue, regarding obsession is sticking with something (that may be impossible to achieve) with so much dedication and commitment that it produces only negative outcomes. How do you know if you're on the track of eventual success (like Edison and Turning) or whether you're chasing an impossible goal? I guess one has to navigate down a path, passionately, but also be aware of the possible requirement to change direction or even give up on a goal.

Thanks for your comments!

Comment by Amanda @Kamazooie on February 1, 2015 at 11:41am

Thanks for sharing your motivation with us Jack and thanks for the book review Charles!  Enjoy the Superbowl or whatever you're doing this weekend everyone!

Comment by Jack A. Langedijk on February 1, 2015 at 1:47pm

 Hi Brian.... I smiled out loud reading your response...wishing to send you a hopeful smile fo encouragement. Your mention of Edison and Turning made me wonder what you are doing...because...wow if your on the path to that kind of scientific discovery---good luck...because they faced more failure than most in a life time in trying to achieve what they were working on...yet scientific goals are different types of goals- than self expression and ideas(like writing a book like I did)....for in science like in math...most scientific results that are based on formula's and principles- that have very black and white results... and of course Turning and Edison might have been passionate to share their discoveries because they wanted to help people...they believed what they were working on would help society...and that is a great way to pass your self on to the world...I hope what ever you are working towards fulfills you with purpose and worth...for what more would one want from a life?

to all out there...have a wonderful weekend with  ....open arms of hope!

Comment by Charles Dimov on February 2, 2015 at 10:59am

Thanks so much for this post, Jack. Not only was 'Because' an inspirational story to be read, your words on authoring the book seem equally inspiring. I like the concept of purpose that you raise. In fact, it is great to read this thought, as many of my projects are driven by a purpose or another. 

After having read the book, I am starting to understand from where various references came. What a delightful perspective - thanks :-).

Also - great discussion, Brian. I know the feeling about whether a mission is your passion or on the edge of being an obsession. It seems to me that every major revolutionary discovery or invention was called an obsession before becoming a success... after the success point we look back upon it as driven passion to create that success. So we should choose to look on our projects as driven passions, to make what we focus on - a real success :-) Jack your authorship is a great example of this point. 

Comment