# More than Mac & Cheese By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-08-22 Suppose one can perform highly sophisticated and nuanced tasks from years of experience and training. Now, suppose one is only asked to do the most trivial tasks by comparison. For example, say one hires a Michelin Chef and asks them to make Kraft Mac & Cheese. Even if one is paid at their skill level, being asked only to do trivial things feels like a waste and potentially insulting. If one laments this to their colleagues, family, or friends, they will likely receive advice to keep doing it because at least the money is good. Economically, this is the right choice. It maximizes one's earning potential for considerably little effort. Yet, it still doesn't sit right with most individuals. This speaks to several things. First, a purely economic view of the world is incomplete and false. There is much more to the human condition than making as much money with as little effort as possible. This doesn't mean it isn't a factor, just that it isn't the only factor. If anything, our societal norm places too much weight on this because today's default advice is to keep doing it for the money. Many stories tell us the opposite, but today they are crutches, not stairs. Second, people want work to be meaningful. One does not become a Michelin Chef to make as much money as possible working at McDonald's (assuming this is possible). While this feels extreme, it happens all the time in organizations. Humans can do many things, but one is often relegated to operating within a box. This box may enable great monetary wealth while eroding one's soul. One will likely find some miserable people who say money gives them purpose and meaning. Measuring where one stands from such a perspective is too easy, and someone will make more. Other value systems are much harder to measure and compare to others. However, the benefit of an intrinsic, self-actualizing value system is that one stops caring about where one stands in the hierarchy. One is free to do as one pleases. This is dangerous, but at least one can choose it. As one progresses in this direction, one must choose their path through thoughtful and honest reflection. Later on, one should consider whether they are part of the problem. Is one asking competent and capable people to do trivial things that minimize their purpose and self-actualization? Resolving this situation is solidarity in action. #### Related Items [[Solidarity]] [[Work]] [[Skills]] [[The Human Condition]] [[Economics]] [[Value]] [[Self-Actualization]]