Guys,
I won an award a week ago. I was named to be part of the Fastcase 50. You can see more about it here: http://www.fastcase.com/fastcase50-winners-2014/. It’s given to the most innovative people in law. Some others who have won it include: Lawrence Lessig, Ted Olsen, and many judges, law professors, and legal thinkers. I won because I’m trying to bring more transparency into the process of choosing a lawyer.
It’s awesome to be a winner. I’m about as competitive as they come. With such a competitive streak, it’s important I know what I’m competing for. It’s important I know what winning means for me. At various times in my life, winning has meant money, fame, prestige, knowledge, laziness, power. It’s not to say I’ve had all of those things, just that my definition of winning had those as a big component.
Obviously, with the Fastcase award comes a (small) bit of fame. It’s a nice feeling, but it doesn’t drive me.
What does drive me?
The truth is, I don’t know. I seek inspiration where I can find it, and I try to run with it. I’m inspired, most of all, by you guys. I love watching you grow and develop. I love seeing your happiness. Each of your happiness is such an inspiration, a gift from God, a motivator, a driver.
Transparency (in the law and elsewhere) has become something that drives me. Helping the little guy get what he needs from the big guy drives me.
It’s not all altruistic. Money motivates me. But not in the ways it used to. It motivates now so we can have a life we’re happy with, so you boys can be educated, so we can be safe, so life has some easy spots, and so we can experience the world.
My former unbridled desires, wishes, and needs themselves forced me into perspective. The desire for one thing over all others doesn’t eliminate the possibility of attaining it, but I do believe it eliminates the possibility of being happy with it. More only wants more more.
Gandhi says it much better than I in the seven social sins.
I love you guys. I hope you figure out what drives you and I hope you have the courage to follow it. Let me know how I can help.
Love,
Dad