Finding Meaning in Life's Zigzag: Embracing the Journey
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Chapter 1: The Illusion of a Straight Path
As a child, my perception of the world was decidedly linear. Everything around me seemed to follow a straightforward trajectory.
In education, for instance, you begin in first grade, advancing to second, then third, and so on. This progression mirrors our physical growth; we develop a bit each year, getting stronger.
Martial arts also embody this linearity, rewarding practitioners with colored belts as they ascend through ranks. Even in video games, the character you control gains abilities with each level achieved. However, the reality of life is that it rarely follows this straight line.
There's no assurance that your income will increase annually or that promotions will come as expected. As we age, our social circles tend to shrink as well. Life is characterized by its ups and downs, forming an endless series of zigzags.
This divergence from what we’ve been taught can lead to feelings of disappointment and anxiety. Yet, there’s a silver lining that becomes more apparent as I grow older.
These zigzags bring meaning in their own unique way, connecting us with experiences we might not have pursued independently. Such diversions are natural and can yield invaluable wisdom and opportunities through serendipitous encounters.
You can observe this concept in the lives of philosophers, entrepreneurs, and scientists alike. A notable example of this zigzag was pivotal in one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the twentieth century.
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Einstein and the Path of a Raindrop
In a recent discussion, Danish science writer Tor Nørretranders revealed that a raindrop often finds the most efficient way down a hill through a path that is rarely straight. Instead, it meanders slightly left and right while moving downhill.
Nørretranders emphasizes the inherent richness of this winding route. However, if an engineer were to manage the raindrop’s journey, it would likely become overly complicated, with trenches and machinery forcing it down a predetermined path.
This reflection brought to mind Albert Einstein. In Walter Isaacson's biography, it’s noted that Einstein developed many of his groundbreaking ideas before fully committing to physics. At that time, he worked at a patent office in Switzerland.
His job required him to synchronize clocks throughout the nation using a machine that transmitted a light signal. As he worked, he daydreamed about this light ray, envisioning himself traveling alongside it. He imagined that as he caught up, the light would appear stationary, a notion that contradicted contemporary scientific understanding, causing him considerable distress.
This internal conflict led Einstein to the conclusion that while the speed of light remains constant, “time is relative, depending upon your state of motion.” This realization ultimately culminated in his famous equation, E=MC², forming the basis of his theory of special relativity.
Isaacson highlights that Einstein was a visual thinker; his position at the patent office, which many would deem unremarkable, was, in fact, ideal for him. There was a richness to his zigzag path, and he is not alone in this regard.
Entrepreneur Ryan Holiday didn’t always identify as a philosopher. He left college at nineteen to assist author Robert Greene, then became a marketing director at American Apparel, eventually writing two marketing books before focusing on Stoicism.
Similarly, Joe Rogan’s unconventional route to hosting one of the largest podcasts globally began with martial arts, which built his confidence to pursue comedy. This fortunate mix of experiences paved the way for his unique podcasting journey.
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Chapter 2: Embracing Non-Linearity
Takuan Sōhō, a Japanese monk from the late 1500s to early 1600s, once stated, “When one practices discipline and moves from the beginner’s territory to immoveable wisdom, he makes a return and falls back to the level of the beginning.”
Despite being a lifelong Buddhist monk and never wielding a sword, Sōhō profoundly influenced the samurai class. He often discussed mental readiness and techniques to sharpen one’s mind, revealing parallels between the monk’s teachings and the samurai’s ethos.
In his book The Unfettered Mind, he illustrates how a novice might outshine an intermediate swordsman. While the latter focuses on technique, the beginner reacts instinctively, showing that progress is not always a straightforward ascent; it can involve steps backward before moving forward.
Renowned investor and programmer Paul Graham echoes this sentiment in his article Superlinear Returns. He notes that sometimes the rewards from projects exceed the effort invested, as success compounds over time, akin to interest. Graham explains that this can happen in two ways:
“It can compound directly, in the sense that doing well in one cycle causes you to do better in the next… Or work can compound by teaching you, since learning compounds. This second case is an interesting one because you may feel you’re doing badly as it’s happening… But if you’re learning a lot, then you’re getting exponential growth nonetheless.”
This understanding fosters an environment in Silicon Valley that tolerates failure, as long as valuable lessons are learned, paving the way for future success. Graham also emphasizes the distinction between “work” and a job—work encompasses the creations you build while a job is merely a means to earn a paycheck.
The zigzag journey enriches your skill set, enabling you to perceive the world from various angles that a straight path would not allow.
Thus, we see the parallels in Einstein’s explorations alongside the beam of light, Ryan Holiday’s evolution towards Stoicism, and Joe Rogan’s eclectic journey to becoming a podcast titan.
The Richness of Life's Zigzag
Reflecting on my own life, I realized that about a decade ago, I felt disheartened by my situation. Frustration grew, coupled with anxiety about the straight path I felt I had missed.
Today, however, my perspective has shifted. Although my life hasn’t followed a direct upward trajectory, those zigzags have led me to fascinating experiences.
The winding path introduced me to individuals I would never have encountered otherwise and imparted skills I wouldn’t have sought. The straightforward route would have overlooked martial arts, writing, and philosophy.
As Takuan Sōhō pointed out, I have often needed to regress before advancing. Graham’s insights about the richness of the zigzag have expanded my skill portfolio, equipping me with tools I’ll carry throughout life.
In essence, the indirect journey has shaped me into who I am today. This is a valuable consideration whenever disappointment arises in life. We may have lost sight of the straight line, but what treasures have the zigzags gifted us instead?
I'm certain you can identify numerous rewards, friendships, and lessons gained from your own path. I certainly can. The raindrop’s journey brings an unexpected richness, and when we reflect on its blessings, the anxiety tied to the missed straight line dissipates.
This is why embracing the zigzag is far more significant than adhering to a straight path.
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