The Myth of Selfishness
Briefly

The article draws a compelling distinction between little-P purpose and big-P Purpose, emphasizing that the former, rooted in personal joy and process-oriented activities, fosters greater happiness and influence. Little-P purpose allows individuals to pursue passions that resonate with them personally, without the anxiety often associated with big-P Purpose, which aims to drastically change the world. The author shares a personal narrative detailing how familial inspiration and enjoyment of mundane passions, like math, can lead to transformative life paths over generations.
When I talk about purpose, I often draw a distinction between two types: little-P purpose and big-P Purpose. Little-P purpose involves process-oriented activities-things that light you up and bring joy to your life.
Time and time again, I explain that little-P purpose is healthier and leads to more happiness, while big-P Purpose often creates anxiety and stress.
My grandfather loved math-not because it would save the world or make him rich, but simply because he loved it. This passion led him to become a CPA, a job he genuinely enjoyed.
Watching her father's joy, she absorbed his love for numbers. Children often try on their parents' identities, and my mother was no different. Math became her passion, too.
Read at Psychology Today
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