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Ask HN: Staying Focused on the Meaningful Stuff?

3 points by dannyism ↗ HN
I want to start a business because I think capitalism might be a great way to accomplish big, meaningful things, but I keep feeling like I'm getting obsessed with money and missing the point. How do you guys stay focused on the bigger picture?

7 comments

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tolerance
Are you in the market for something to believe in or do you already have something in mind? You haven’t disclosed what the meaningful stuff that you’re losing focus on is.
dannyism
I want to study human cognition (actually I already do), but there's no money in it. Yet, anyway.
tolerance
What meaningfulness do you feel can be found in human cognition in relation to a 'bigger picture'? What is the end-all, be-all that you imagine?
dannyism
Some parts of human intelligence can translate to machine intelligence (like how neurons inspired deep learning). Also, new ways of modeling and treating mental illness. Those are just the first two that come to mind.
tolerance
So what?

(I’m asking rhetorically, what I really want to know is why this is meaningful to you, but ask yourself that question as though I was being irreverent to your ambitions and let me know what comes out).

dannyism
Something is inherently cool to me about solving deep mysteries, I guess.
tolerance
You’ve got my attention now. I’ve been treading a similar path myself…what if the bigger picture involved a component that was indifferent (or fundamentally inverse) to intelligence?

Do you keep up with current events? Is there much to say in support of the intellect of the general public and is it worthwhile to technologically equip the ignorant with simulated rations of reason?

Why is it that those deemed to possess cognitive faculties of abberance seem to be the deepest thinkers & possess a greater capacity for zeal and determination than those we are supposed to believe possess more “normal” minds (as in their intellect and their conduct is deemed desirable)?

Is this a case you’re willing to confront? Or am I begging you to question.