Why the Best Things in Life Are All Backwards: The Paradox of Effort and Reward

Why the Best Things in Life Are All Backwards: The Paradox of Effort and Reward

Drown-proofing, a technique used to survive in dangerous situations, teaches us valuable lessons about the paradoxical nature of effort and reward. The first lesson is counterintuitive - the more we struggle to stay afloat, the more likely we are to sink. To successfully navigate the water, we must allow ourselves to sink to the bottom of the pool and use the momentum to propel ourselves back to the surface. Similarly, the second lesson teaches us that panicking only leads to burning more oxygen and increases the risk of drowning. Emotional self-control in times of extreme danger is crucial for survival.

These lessons from drown-proofing can be applied to many aspects of life. Most activities do not follow a linear effort/reward curve because they are complex and require adaptation. When we examine studies on work productivity, we find that our peak productivity lasts only for the first four to five hours of each day. This inverted curve, where more effort leads to less success, challenges our conventional understanding of productivity.

Aldous Huxley, in his writings, captures the paradoxical nature of effort and reward. He suggests that the conscious will to achieve something often hinders our success. Proficiency and results come to those who have mastered the art of combining relaxation with activity, of doing and not doing simultaneously. This paradoxical approach to life is not limited to physical actions but extends to our psychological experiences as well.

Our psychology is built on paradoxes because conscious efforts to create a desired state of mind often lead to the opposite outcome. Chasing meaning, freedom, and happiness may only move us further away from attaining them. To achieve what we desire, we must give up the desire itself. Just as in drown-proofing, we must let ourselves sink to the depths before we can reach the surface.

In the pursuit of collective intelligence, Alexandra Elbakyan, the founder of Sci-Hub, challenges the barriers to human knowledge development. Despite the legal controversies surrounding Sci-Hub, its purpose is noble - to connect one brain to another through research papers. Elbakyan's actions have earned her recognition, even being included in Nature's list of people who mattered in science.

Sci-Hub serves as a tool to bridge the gap between brains, allowing information to flow freely. Elbakyan's belief in the power of knowledge led her to create Sci-Hub and fight against copyright laws that hinder the distribution of academic papers and books. Her goal is to fix these laws and enable the free exchange of information on the internet.

In the paradoxical nature of effort and reward lies the key to unlocking our full potential. We must lean into the fear and uncertainty, just as we do in drown-proofing, and trust that when we reach the bottom, we will be propelled back to safety. To apply this paradox in our lives, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the paradox: Recognize that sometimes, the more you try, the less you succeed. Allow yourself to let go of control and find the balance between effort and relaxation.

2. Let go of desires: Instead of chasing meaning, freedom, and happiness, focus on the present moment. By giving up the desire for these things, you may find that they come to you naturally.

3. Connect and share knowledge: Like Sci-Hub, strive to bridge the gaps between brains. Share information freely and encourage collective intelligence. Break down barriers that restrict the flow of knowledge.

In conclusion, the paradox of effort and reward challenges our conventional understanding of success. Lessons from drown-proofing and the actions of individuals like Alexandra Elbakyan show us that sometimes, the best things in life are all backwards. By embracing the paradox, letting go of desires, and fostering collective intelligence, we can unlock our true potential and find success in unexpected ways.