{...Although, funnily enough, a person of good character is usually highly capable as well...}
Voila', you answered it already !!! No need to look further.
It's not funny, it's ESSENTIAL: character and skills/capabilities are two faces of the same coin.
You meet a LOT of folks from the most varied walks of life (enviable and most precious...); just compare the two types: the ones with few skills and their character (hope you don't meet many and if, preferably keep them at a distance) and the ones being living treasure-troughs of skills, knowledge, experiences, etc. What kind of character do they have ??? ...
As to the Stoics, pursuing highest possible knowledge combined with apex humbleness/complacency is top-notch; finally delving in contemplation is bliss ...
I think skills are important for daily life, but I think "always doing the right thing, telling the truth, and having a sense of wonder" like your friends suggested will take you in the right direction in life.
The header to the article is incomplete; it's true that Ayn Rand was a 'fiction writer', but she was a philosopher first. In any case, you may find this relevant to your quest.
PS> Between your parents and friends like Doug Casey, you won the lottery.
Anybody can be broken. An entire, very successful, “industry” has been devoted to that branch of “planned obsolescence” for a very long time.
(Plus & besides so-called domestication is one of the breaking bad processes.)
But Taleb’s “anti-fragile” ideas have merit.
A-F. Not AI. Not FI (fictional intelligene).
“For a while, all of my effort and focus was directed toward gaining tangible skills as fast as possible.”
Skills like mentioned take time. Rule-proving prodigy exceptions aside, less time perhaps ~ idiot savants & renaissance men … who are born, not designed/made ~ “slow is fast.”
There’s not much time but there’s plenty of it.
Devotion. Conscientiousness. Diligence. Craft/smanship. Honor. Integrity. Prerogatives-knowledge & embrace. Perfection may be impossible but striving toward it isn’t … if that’s who you (already) are.
Compare that to fast is “fast” hard sells … like Tim Ferriss pitches (or used to … he got himself banned from the league/ of extraordinary gentlemen/ when I read one of his early book offerings).
An intangible skill, then (sailing instructor) - or is it (intangible)?
Whatever legitimately/earned comes, if it comes, comes as ‘side effect’ if the preceding effort-doing is correct.
But correct preceding comportment does not guarantee or assure particular outcomes.
Wanting - appetite disorder - guarantees is where tenure & cartel & monopoly & patents & color of law &&& hydra-head rear.
Be a man. A mensch. Not a hindu*-cushy pin cushion. But again the rate limit is that you can only be what you already are.
If I could design ideal homo S’s I’d make sure that appetite disordered lunatics like Dr. Frankenstein & similar designers of “people” not to mention daftly deft notions like “Human Resources” & humanimal husbandry & Officer Friendly Bill Gates et al eugenics & “hygiene” notions never arose.
But wouldn’t a desire to design make me just another ‘stein of appetite disordered grog, too?
The stoic song. Many more can (& have, & do) sell it than can sing it:
Made me think of the Boy Scouts. Motto:
Be Prepared
Scouts Oath:
Trustworthy - A Boy Scout is honest and reliable, keeping their word and being someone others can depend on.
Loyal - They show dedication to their family, friends, community, and ideals, standing by those they care about.
Helpful - A Scout is ready to assist others without expecting reward, embodying a spirit of service.
Friendly - They are approachable, kind, and inclusive, building connections with others.
Courteous - Politeness and respect for everyone, regardless of differences, are hallmarks of a Scout.
Kind - They show compassion and care, treating people and nature with gentleness.
Obedient - Scouts follow rules and respect authority, understanding the importance of order and cooperation.
Cheerful - They maintain a positive attitude, even in tough situations, uplifting those around them.
Thrifty - A Scout uses resources wisely, whether it’s money, time, or materials, and plans for the future.
Brave - They face challenges and fears with courage, standing up for what’s right even when it’s hard.
Clean - Scouts value physical, mental, and moral cleanliness, keeping themselves and their surroundings in good shape.
Reverent - They respect the beliefs of others and often reflect a sense of duty to something greater than themselves.
{...Although, funnily enough, a person of good character is usually highly capable as well...}
Voila', you answered it already !!! No need to look further.
It's not funny, it's ESSENTIAL: character and skills/capabilities are two faces of the same coin.
You meet a LOT of folks from the most varied walks of life (enviable and most precious...); just compare the two types: the ones with few skills and their character (hope you don't meet many and if, preferably keep them at a distance) and the ones being living treasure-troughs of skills, knowledge, experiences, etc. What kind of character do they have ??? ...
As to the Stoics, pursuing highest possible knowledge combined with apex humbleness/complacency is top-notch; finally delving in contemplation is bliss ...
Good luck and perseverance.
I think skills are important for daily life, but I think "always doing the right thing, telling the truth, and having a sense of wonder" like your friends suggested will take you in the right direction in life.
http://fare.tunes.org/liberty/library/pwni.html
The header to the article is incomplete; it's true that Ayn Rand was a 'fiction writer', but she was a philosopher first. In any case, you may find this relevant to your quest.
PS> Between your parents and friends like Doug Casey, you won the lottery.
Who was it who said: "Character is destiny"? A nice read Max. Thanks.
“Unbreakable” is broken.
Anybody can be broken. An entire, very successful, “industry” has been devoted to that branch of “planned obsolescence” for a very long time.
(Plus & besides so-called domestication is one of the breaking bad processes.)
But Taleb’s “anti-fragile” ideas have merit.
A-F. Not AI. Not FI (fictional intelligene).
“For a while, all of my effort and focus was directed toward gaining tangible skills as fast as possible.”
Skills like mentioned take time. Rule-proving prodigy exceptions aside, less time perhaps ~ idiot savants & renaissance men … who are born, not designed/made ~ “slow is fast.”
There’s not much time but there’s plenty of it.
Devotion. Conscientiousness. Diligence. Craft/smanship. Honor. Integrity. Prerogatives-knowledge & embrace. Perfection may be impossible but striving toward it isn’t … if that’s who you (already) are.
Compare that to fast is “fast” hard sells … like Tim Ferriss pitches (or used to … he got himself banned from the league/ of extraordinary gentlemen/ when I read one of his early book offerings).
An intangible skill, then (sailing instructor) - or is it (intangible)?
Whatever legitimately/earned comes, if it comes, comes as ‘side effect’ if the preceding effort-doing is correct.
But correct preceding comportment does not guarantee or assure particular outcomes.
Wanting - appetite disorder - guarantees is where tenure & cartel & monopoly & patents & color of law &&& hydra-head rear.
Be a man. A mensch. Not a hindu*-cushy pin cushion. But again the rate limit is that you can only be what you already are.
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/An_argosy_of_fables/English_fables/Six_Men_of_Indostan
If I could design ideal homo S’s I’d make sure that appetite disordered lunatics like Dr. Frankenstein & similar designers of “people” not to mention daftly deft notions like “Human Resources” & humanimal husbandry & Officer Friendly Bill Gates et al eugenics & “hygiene” notions never arose.
But wouldn’t a desire to design make me just another ‘stein of appetite disordered grog, too?
The stoic song. Many more can (& have, & do) sell it than can sing it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2gKzAZH5UQ
Camus’ing on The Ultimate Question:
https://bigthink.com/personal-growth/the-meaning-of-life-albert-camus-on-faith-suicide-and-absurdity/