We build our cars, we build our wealth, we build companies, and we build external things.

Why not focus on building ourselves?

You are the end product

The ultimate goal ain’t to make a bunch of money, or even that your children have a ‘better life than you’ (a modern notion). To my understanding, the ancient greeks NEVER actually even mentioned their children, wives, partners, etc. The closest mentions are of friends — but even this is a bit sparse.

The philosopher — an individual who wants to build himself and his own wisdom?

Why aren’t we allowed to build ourselves?

We aren’t allowed to build ourselves because to be ‘selfish’ is akin to being ‘evil’. Our self-building is generally seen as a means or a road to building something else — something external to us, and something beyond ourselves.

Why build yourself?

But this is my thought:

When you are building external things, you have less power. You have 100% control and power and autonomy over yourself.

I cannot disappoint myself. Why? It is all on me! All the weight is on my shoulders for myself and my own self-development (physical, bodily, mental, artistic, philosophical). Therefore no ounces of regret, mourning, pity, no excuses, no disappointments.