15. Networking

"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our
fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions
run as causes, and they come back to us as effects."

-Herman Melville


Whether we like it or not, connectivity is the reality of our world.

We don't live in a vacuum, and we can't function as an island.
No matter our level of self-sufficiency, we still must depend
on others in various capacities to accomplish our goals.

We might need powerful references to attain a job, or
to get our foot in the door. We might need a computer tech
to make our dream realized. We might need contacts in
other arenas to provide information and ideas in our own field
or department. The more fingers and ears you have, the better
equipped you are to handle things.

No matter what the presentation of a successful man that he
is self-made, that is only a part of the tale. There are many
along the way who assisted and led and tutored him into success!

Henry Ford was famous for a scene in which he was being
criticized for being illiterate, and he pointed to his phone and
noted that 'all he had to do was push any button on that phone
and get an expert in 20 different fields. Including spelling!'

It doesn't matter how it gets done; only that it gets done.

We all have need of resources, relationships, connections,
and networks that will provide us with help along the way.
Even if you feel you have nothing to offer in return initially,
there are folks who can help. The time for you to scratch
their back may come later, or they may simply take an
interest in helping someone who's sincerely trying.

You can't know the answer unless you ask the question.

Put pride to the side and start taking steps to build up your
network of friends, connections, and tutors. You can never
have too many friends.

3. Self-Interest

We're taught from early on that ego and
self-interest are bad things, and that we
are to share and allow others access to
what we have.


Nothing could be more wrong and more
self-destructive.


This is an attempt by the ruling people
and institutions to break the will of its
populace from early on...to inject the fear
of self-care so that we will all be nervously
working on adhering to the 'greater good.'


We are brain-washed by government, religion,
parents, schools, the police, and others to
submit to the will of others for all things.

-Don't worry for self.
-Don't seek for self.
-Be subservient.
-Be weak.
-Be willing to do without.
-Be afraid to speak up for self.


There is nothing wrong with being self-interested;
in fact, it is the only means of surviving that we
possess. But the individual who knows themselves and
is bold is a threat to the power structure.


Once you already have the money, you can be
allowed to keep the money. You're one of the network
then. But until you have it, those that already have it
don't want competition, and you are the enemy.

Self-interest is not a 4-letter-word. It is the key
to our survival. Embrace it utterly.