It’s an important life decision what we spend our time doing. Nowadays, my focus sits solely on Geopolitics Explained. But sometimes, I stumble across a story worth telling over here. I hope you’re all well.
I’m sure many of you have seen the frequent quotes that circulate on Substack Notes. CS Lewis, Dostoevsky, Marcus Aurelius, Emily Brontë, and the list goes on. At a point in history, these people were alive, and they, too, asked questions of themselves: What should my “work” be? These quotes I see are an example of their work.
As individuals, we still ponder these questions of purpose, direction, and the path we’re on, as countless people have done before us. I’m sure, since it’s a seemingly human condition, that Lewis, Dostoevsky, Aurelius, and Brontë did also.
But they dove into their philosophy or their writing, regardless of what others thought. Even artists like Vincent Van Gogh, who during his life was unrecognised for the immense talent he had. But did he stop? No. He persisted because he was lucky enough to find his calling. If you’re lucky enough to have found yours too, you should fight for it, regardless of what others think.
I mention these philosophers, artists, and writers in this story today because I’ve recently taken an interest in philosophy as a result of these quotes I see here on Substack. Since most of the quotes I’ve seen have been ones from Dostoevsky, I decided I’d search for one of his books on Kindle.
To my surprise, I didn’t have to search for long until I found a collection of Dostoevsky’s complete works. For this grand collection, littered with absolute gems for life, I paid £0.36.
£0.36 for a book that reflects an entire life’s work. He lived for 59 years. That’s a lifetime of writing, thinking, and trying to capture it in words.
But even if your work is forgotten or undervalued, the real victory lies in the daily pursuits of what fuels you. The price put on your life’s work won’t last, but as is clear with Dostoevsky, the ripple effects you have on others will.
I guess I was inspired to write because if you’re lucky enough to have discovered a passion that positively fuels you, inspires you, and fills you with excitement, you should pursue it. I’m sure one day, long ago, Dostoevsky struggled with this tussle we all face, and now his book is worth 36p. But that doesn’t matter. He spent his entire life doing what he loved, and the positive effects of his life and its quotes are still seen today for those who seek them. He chose to do the work he couldn’t ignore, and why shouldn’t you? Purpose and passion matter more than how much the world values your work. Legacy and external valuation are secondary to the joy of living for your purpose.
Maybe one day, you might have a book that collects your entire life’s work. Maybe it will sell for 36p. In my eyes, if you were doing what you loved, that’s a win.
All my love,
Dylan.