@Shwetha I’m trying to think of various differences. For example, I’m now of the opinion that spontaneity is one of the major differentiators between fun and work.

And thank you for the big words on the book, am so glad it is useful for you

@Harshit That’s awesome, good for you!

Wonderful topic for this blog. .

and kudos to your effort . . Your book on Python is still half read by me. Will surely get back. and you make me think and feel that I too can write code, which during and after leaving college which did not go into my head. Thanks for keeping my spirits up. . Keep up the good work. . All the best. .

Yes. One realizes its importance even more by experiencing felicity (a general sense of well-being to perfection) on a daily basis.

[Swaroop] But then the question is whether it is possible to ignore external conditions most of the time?

Presuming by ‘external conditions’, you are referring to the following passage of mine:

“”"
[...] Deadlines cause boredom (to me) because one is no longer writing code for a personal sense of achievement – rather one is aiming for some external goal (usually defined by the employer).
“”"

then you are effectively asking: is it possible to ignore external conditions (such as deadlines, or goals imposed by one’s employer) most of the time?

No. There is no ‘ignoring’[1] required in maintaining a state of felicity. To explain: it is the /feeling/ of boredom/frustration/sadness that must be minimized (to the point of extinction). Feelings that arise in response to these triggers (external condition is just one of the triggers).

[Swaroop] And how do you retain that state of felicity – is it purely a factor of your own interest

Yes. From the words of Richard, one has to have the goal of becoming happy and harmless as number one goal in life. But, IMO, one can start form where one is.. slowly increase one’s interest in retaining the felicity.. as more and more felicity eventuates (see below).

[Swaroop] … or is it a matter of concentration?

Assuming one has the sufficient intent (if not as a number one goal), then it is only a matter of having attentiveness running near-constantly. With attentiveness to one’s own sensations, feelings and thoughts running near-constantly, it is easy to spot moments when the ‘drop’ in felicity occur (eg: during the times boredom ‘begins’ to occur). With the acknowledgment of the drop, combined with the investigation of the trigger of that drop in felicity, one gets back to feeling good.. to feeling excellent.. to feeling perfect.

[Swaroop] How do we tackle “boredom”?

See http://actualfreedom.com.au/actualism/vineeto/selected-writings/investigatefeelings.htm

See here for an example of how this is done: http://actualfreedom.com.au/actualism/path2.htm#Investigatingemotions

[1] ignore: To refuse to take notice of; not to recognize; to disregard intentionally, leave out of account or consideration, shut ‘one’s eyes to’.

@Ranjan The problem is maintaining the commitment – that’s the holy grail!

@Gowri But what if you had a commitment to drive your kids everyday for 15 km for a dance class or something like that, where does that fall under?

@Angie Well said! The spontaneity is a stark difference.

@t3rmin4t0r Another excellent point – the stakes involved. I guess that’s why we are more relaxed when working on our pet projects!

@Chait True

@The_Other_Swaroop Why didn’t you like it?

I see among my friends that pressure from clients, tight deadlines because of poor planning, lack of freedom to pursue their interests at work are some reasons they are not able to enjoy the work.

If I try playing pool for a million dollars and it’ll suddenly stress the hell out of me.

Play it for just two a game and I wouldn’t mind losing one.

I don’t think commitment will work in all cases – I have a commitment to play with my kids but its definitely fun because I want to do it. I have a commitment to wash the dishes but its definitely work because I have to do it.