Comment by Jason_Dusek on Lost Purposes · 2007-11-26T06:06:28.000Z · LW · GW

It's not okay for organizations, corporations, or governments to be misdirected and focused on surface matters; but it's not uncommon, either. Musashi was unique for his insight -- with little training, he defeated masters from an early age, all because of clear perception. (He was later defeated by a man who, in a dream, saw that the jo staff (arm pit height staff) would allow him to defeat any man in Japan.) Perception like that is exceptional. A clear sense of purpose is a gift.

How does one cultivate this? The constantly feel the sharp distinction between success and failure -- as Musashi must have -- is one way. Are lives are gentler than that; I'm not sure what we moderns can do. Education does not seem to help.