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What to Do

(paulgraham.com)
274 points npalli | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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ChrisMarshallNY ◴[] No.43526580[source]
> One should help people, and take care of the world. Those two are obvious.

From what I encounter, almost daily, I don't think everyone is on the same page, on that; especially amongst folks of means.

I have seen people without a pot to piss in, treat others -even complete strangers- with respect, love, caring, and patience, and folks with a lot of money, treat others most barbarously; especially when they consider those "others," to be folks that don't have the capability to hit back or stand up for themselves.

As to what I do, I've been working to provide free software development to organizations that help each other, for a long time. It's usually worked out, but it is definitely a labor of love. The rewards aren't especially concrete. I'll never get an award, never make any money at it, and many of the folks that I have helped, have been fairly curt in their response.

I do it anyway.

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copperx ◴[] No.43526766[source]
I am really curious about your ethos here. It seems to me there's nothing for you in it. either psychologal, social, or financially.

Is it more like a calling? a spiritual consolation?

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dartos ◴[] No.43526854[source]
> it is definitely a labor of love

Some people do things because they like doing those things…

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1. copperx ◴[] No.43527549[source]
> Some people do things because they like doing those things…

If that's the case, that means there's something in it for you, enjoyment.

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2. dartos ◴[] No.43527872[source]
Sure, why not.