Writings: Obsession

There are two kinds of drives that push people. Some are driven by compulsion and some are driven by passion. Both are entirely obsessed, but I believe there is a difference between these two kinds of monomania. I will attempt to distinguish between the two, although perhaps true motivation will always be a blend of both.

Compulsion: goal-oriented and fundamentally fear-based, compulsion incites the neurotics and freaks of the world. Compulsion is conscientious, punctual, and dependable. Compulsion creates checklists, schedules, and 5-year-plans. It manifests as inferiority complexes and chip-on-the-shoulders, and is the industrious workaholic who measures his self-worth by hours of productivity. To the extreme, compulsion can become pathological, but in moderation a bit of compulsion may actually be necessary because, although compulsion is a freak, compulsion is self-reliant, responsible, and the antithesis of entitlement. In this sense, compulsion can be commendable, and society would be in a better state these days if more people were driven in this way.

Passion: brilliant and indulgently self-absorbed, passion consumes artists and visionaries. But really, it is a selfish genius. Passion disregards time, space, and rules. Passion cannot be planned or contained. It manifests as creativity and mania, and it is embodied by the musician and artist types and their need for self-expression. Passion is not for the self-conscious or cowardly. To the extreme, passion is insanity, a disconnect from reality. In moderation, passion is what makes living worthwhile. However, passion without discipline leads to chaos; there must be a balance.

Seems like obsession will always be a way of life whether I like it or not.