Self interest, contribution and renewable energy

I remember a conversation with my mother when I was 11 or so. It was about self-interest and intrinsic motivation.

As I see it, only intrinsic motivation is a truly renewable source of energy. In that sense the challenges around renewable energy globally in my view have lots do with the fact that large groups in society are removed from their intrinsic motivators and our economic structure encourages outward consumption rather than intrinsically motivated creation.

I see there seems to be lots of confusion around self-interest and selfishness. As I see it self-interest is necessary to be able to be of lasting positive societal impact.

Without self-interest there will be a point of burnout. As I see it self-interest has the ability to unlock deeper and deeper layers of energy from within the depths of my being. To me there’s a tight interconnection between self-interest and purpose.

In my Buddhist movement we always speak about happiness for self and others. I recognise that self-interest and the connection to my intrinsic motivation is key to see something through against the inevitable obstacles. However, the moment I can share the thing, experience or rewards from the endeavour with people it appreciates even more and creates double benefit, once for me, but also for the people I shared it with.

The sharing aspect is profound. That is where self-interest turns into contribution and becomes truly sustainable. I remember the times in my life when I was having substantial solo-adventures in exotic places, but experiencing them on my own felt way less rewarding then having a micro adventure in the local abandoned quarry with my sons these days. The magic is in the shared experience and the sparkle it creates in our eyes.