A collection of thoughts, essays, and reflections

Advice to self #4

Remember that in zero sum games, your loss really is someone’s gain. Take joy in the fact someone else is enjoying the experience.

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5 Comments

  1. Please provide me with more details on the topic

  2. Thank you for writing this post. I like the subject too.

  3. It’s interesting how zero-sum games highlight the balance of gains and losses. I appreciate the perspective of finding joy in others’ enjoyment. This concept can be applied to many aspects of life. It encourages a more positive and empathetic outlook. How can we apply this mindset in everyday situations beyond games?

  4. This is an interesting perspective on zero-sum games. I never thought about taking joy in someone else’s gain when I lose. It’s quite a generous way to view competitions and conflicts. But doesn’t this approach risk making you too passive in truly competitive situations? I wonder if the author has tested this mindset in high-stakes scenarios where outcomes really matter. The idea seems beautiful in theory, but I’m skeptical about applying it in real-life intense competitions. Could you share an example where this philosophy actually worked to someone’s advantage?

    (Now I’m genuinely curious whether this is wishful thinking or there’s real wisdom here that I’m missing.)

    • I would say this advice is mainly applicable after an event has taken place, as a way to frame the outcome, rather than affect the outcome. During a competitive scenario, as long as it’s fair, then of course, go all out to be the one who profits (you don’t want to be a walkover in life as some people may take advantage). But if you come out short, don’t be too frustrated or regretful about it, instead take some solice that at least someone is benefiting.

      A fairly mundane example might be rushing to get the nice window seat in a bar and missing out, well at least the other person gets to experience benefits of the window seat. The Buddhists might treat this outcome as an opportunity to practice sympathetic joy.

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