>Feel intense pull to go into the world and obtain material

OK, and?

>>18064963
Nothing feels better to me than knowing I am above others.

I don't get that satisfaction out of besting those that are nothing.

I believe it's a part of my essence to hate and feel superior. It has been modeled that way through evolution. Why should I turn down what I really am? It's not healthy to live the life of a failure and pretend I'm above it all.

>>18064963
Don't fight it. Just remember that you may eventually fall, but you can always get up. Otherwise that energy is something I'm envious of.

>>18064967
I wonder if there's anything wrong with wanting to beat others down just to gratify myself.

When I'm feeling particularly delusional, it's my belief I'm smarter than a large portion of the known world.

That's how you become successful. What's the problem?

>>18064973
Sounds to me like you're a typical human being with a big ego. If you do nothing to change, you'll be totally normal. Otherwise you can read some philosophy or something, idk.

The last half of book 4 of Marcus Aurelius' Mediations helps me a lot when I'm feeling really egotistical, self-centered, and important.

>consider, for example, the times of Vespasian...

>>18064981
I can't help but wonder if philosophy is just a tool to content ourselves; at the same time, I can't deny that the "goal" I feel like striving for is just as empty.

I believe a combination of both is what's "best".

There's no need to go against the grain.