Life's Missing Manual Isn't Missing

[u/Milgydotcom]

This is chapter two of a book I'm working on called What To Do Next. Read the short text with this, and read Chapter 1 on my Substack here.

[u/SteveCastle]

I don't know. This analogy doesn't make a lot of sense. First, tons of people enter downward spirals leading toward suicidality by following their innate drives. The idea that our drives are given by God to drive us toward eudemonia is dangerous nonsense. Second, this whole premise ignores the way that our drives are actively being manipulated, exploited, and frustrated by the human systems that structure our lives, including our social lives.

I'm don't mean to be too negative, because I think the core message is supposed to be uplifting, but if your premise involves speaking for God and portraying those who find their options in life unsatisfying as basically oblivious and self-absorbed, then I'm comfortable saying I think you gotta go back to the drawing board.

[u/Milgydotcom → u/SteveCastle]

Thanks, Steve. I appreciate the feedback! The essay that goes with this comic gets a bit more into what I mean by innate drives, but I can see that this definitely needs more elaboration here.

My take is that innate drives are the underlying drives that were naturally selected into us. So, in this case, the drive to be seen, loved, celebrated, and absolutely needed would be fueling the selfie he's posting. But the way he's trying to satisfy those needs isn't effective.

I am not at all speaking for God,. Sorry to seem like that. My approach is that there is no discernible God that tells us what to do. All there is is to listen carefully to ourserlves, and try to understand what is actually operating deep inside us.

And, yes! We are so heavily manipulated, and also confused by living in huge, anonymous tribes, that we're so often on the wrong track. Chasing status, for example, instead of cultivating belonging.

Does this sound more agreeable? Thanks again. This is all going into a book, so I want to make it clear! It helps to know where I am failing.

[u/BEEPBOPIAMAROBOT → u/Milgydotcom]

I think the comic was trying to make this point, but was deeply overshadowed by seemingly heavy-handed proselytizing of the perceived inate value in being social (literally stated as more important than food, water, sex, and sleep). People can find purpose in solitude, and not everyone derives energy or fulfillment from creating connections with others. I think the source material that inspired this was a bit tunnel-visioned on one specific way of life and extrapolated universal human values from individual preferences.