Sketch for a Theory of Persistent Passions (vii)

a certain degree of privation is necessary for motivation

just as longing and desire too are often strong calls to action

so the key to persevering, is focusing on trajectory and not position

because even the achievement of a set goal won’t give quite the same satisfaction as that from the pursuit of a passion

In the net

In a social network economy
Where the business model for major platforms is arbitraging users’ attention
And where stakeholders benefit from app user addiction
Which means users’ attention has to be captured perpetually for the value proposition to flourish
In such an ecosystem, one feels there’s justification for the concerns

When user attention is bought by big tech and instantly sold to advertisers with the highest bids
In a social media market where arbitrage opportunities are always open
And where they are in fact preserved and propagated

But at what cost?
What are the consequences of hacking users’ neurocircuitry to intercept rational thinking and sound judgement?
What will happen to a civilisation whose decisions about what to seek from life
What to enquire about the world
And even how to utilise time are influenced by forces not commonly understood?
And how will online data privacy be guaranteed to users of products that are paradoxically meant to deliver highly personalised service?

A Penning on Persistence

Diversification is indemnity against poor decisions
Typically when our flawed judgement leads to the pursuit of momentary convenience
Through avoidance to pay just wherewithal for certainty or confidence

—

Clarity of vision is reinforcement in times of despondence
When we dolour in difficulty without a dollar or patience
When faced with derailment from the course and obstacles test our persistence

On Loot, Life & Love

(on loot and life)

whether eking out an existence with no income and struggling to succour your kin
or sitting on top of the world without worry or longing for anything
never chase money or make it the objective of your efforts or the propeller for your dreams
lest they never take flight and find yourself trapped in a world where you won’t find fulfilment

rather, wake up each morning
motivated to make the most of your time by adding value to your sphere of influence
that way instead of eluding you – wealth will warm to your intent and stay close
because like a satellite in orbit one has to balance momentum and the force of pull before things can start happening
so stay motivated, appreciative, and consistently grinding

(on love)

be worthy of loving with a purpose
and never settle but rather rejoice in the choice
to start a family or companionship of convenience and comfort
so that in marriage, friendship or amour
there’s never love lost

Normalise (No More Lies)

For most, there’s a fine line between customs and standards
But there always comes a time when we’re forced to confront the stark yet seemingly subtle contrasts
And really begin to notice flaws in some of the constructs that govern our lives

And often when we begin to perceive that things don’t fit together smoothly
Especially where it concerns religion, culture and politics
Common sense tends to typically kick in as we are forced to face the reality
Which makes things actually start to fit together more naturally

Also we learn that when evolutionary processes outpace the natural tempo of gradual assimilation and adaptation
Patterns of thought are disrupted and established practices contradicted
To the point that significant mind frame adjustments have to be realised
In order that we can be galvanized into action that’d hopefully help us normalise

The Engine of Enrichment

if market performance is the ordinance

and exchange price is formulated speculation

we ought to seek facts and analyse sentiment on that basis before making decisions

but if sources of information flows are compromised

and know-how is manufactured or the application of it is at best swing and miss

if trust can be established on infinite variables making credibility nearly impossible to assess

how does one factor in the odds and risks

and who are the nemeses if not the market makers or participants?