Living abroad and/or living a simpler life doesn't necessarily mean being on a discovery mission, although it can. It has often been falsely interpreted that everybody who decides to go and live abroad, maybe on a desert island, is still trying to find himself or herself. Some people however, have very consciously determined that they wish to escape the rat race. Other travellers have decided that they are just happier when perpetually travelling. On the other hand, maybe you belong to one of the "Brilliant Masses"?
"The Brilliant Masses are composed of none less than the many great people of our generation, the bright, the talented, the intelligent, the resourceful, and the creative - far too many of whom are operating at quarter speed, unsure of their place in the World, contributing far too little to the productive engine of modern civilization, still feeling like observers, all feeling like they haven't come close to living up to their potential."
"The Brilliant Masses are mostly intellectually motivated, so if they cross over and get involved, their commitment is conditioned on being respected, and on a minimum of unnecessary idiocy, and on winning/succeeding. They like being cerebral. In their tribes it's cool."
"Being guided by the heart is almost never something an intellectually motivated person chooses to do. It's something that happens to him - usually something painful."
Did you pause when you were reading that? If so, then you will love the source, Po Bronson's excellent book, What Should I DO With My LIFE? which the Financial Times lauds 'inspirational.'
Bronson recounts over 50 personal life stories from individuals around the globe in this, "The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question." Many of those decided to take the road less trodden.
If you have ever found time to contemplate what you should do with your life, then this is a must-read book. You may end up living abroad and you may not, but you will be enlightened. It doesn't answer any questions though. You have to do that yourself.
I thought that Bronson's term Brilliant Masses was very catchy, so just before posting this, I decided to check Google. It appears that others found his book before I did, as Greg Belshe also liked this quotation.
