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| | Ask HN: What utility function are you maximizing in your life? | |
23 points by greenbay20 on Feb 3, 2020 | hide | past | favorite | 26 comments
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| | I’ve had a lot of trouble thinking deeply what I’m looking for in my life. I try to be very rigorous on most topics but on this one I can’t seem to find a logical conclusion or even a consistent one. Sometimes I’m optimizing for my happiness in the moment, other times I sacrifice instantaneous pleasure for long-term happiness (or so I think). Is there any conclusion/function that describes what you optimize for with your decisions?
Would love what other HNers who have thought about this have concluded. |
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I believe all wealth, knowledge, and safety comes from God, and the rest of the world is just the medium for it. So I try to not focus too much on financial planning, interview skills, trying to extract as much as possible from a job/client, or things like negotiation. I think these things will come; just focus on producing as much value as possible in this world.
I also try to avoid luxury and bragging. It's tempting for some to flex what they can offer, or enjoy what they earned. I'm reminded of the early Caliphs, who would turn down gifts from other sovereigns and take as little salary as possible, and donated all they had, because they didn't want to be held accountable for abusing their leadership role.
It sounds like a tough, monastic life, but maybe it's just a culture not many grow up in.
What if you could be happier on as little as possible, and feel secure? What if you didn't have to impress anyone? What if someone similar can be more successful, and you could sincerely feel happy for them? What if you could just go out there and help a complete stranger, and never ask for anything in return? Or just give away all your savings, because you can expect God to bring you more?
I'm not sure if happiness is the word for it, but there is a sense of peace and comfort.