Thick and thin in both cases, without purpose, is still hedonistic.
Learning calculus sounds more magnanimous than checking notifications, but what's the purpose? She says you're better off after a year, but in what way?
What if the person checking notifications is waiting on a delivery for a soup kitchen. and the person learning calculus just wants to brag about it or talk down to others because of their credentials?
The purpose matters more. You have to have a purpose. Both "thin" and "thick" desires can be very meaningful with purpose. Even desiring a donut with a lonely neighbor can be better than a year learning calculus -- with the right purpose.
The issue with her approach is it assumes virtue in collecting diplomas (or activities that lead to them) : learning math, languages , getting a masters. It's still feeding the ego using this thick/thin framework.
But if you don't have a purpose, that's just as vain as showing off your car or your watch. It's just another embellishment.
Learning calculus sounds more magnanimous than checking notifications, but what's the purpose? She says you're better off after a year, but in what way?
What if the person checking notifications is waiting on a delivery for a soup kitchen. and the person learning calculus just wants to brag about it or talk down to others because of their credentials?
The purpose matters more. You have to have a purpose. Both "thin" and "thick" desires can be very meaningful with purpose. Even desiring a donut with a lonely neighbor can be better than a year learning calculus -- with the right purpose.
The issue with her approach is it assumes virtue in collecting diplomas (or activities that lead to them) : learning math, languages , getting a masters. It's still feeding the ego using this thick/thin framework.
But if you don't have a purpose, that's just as vain as showing off your car or your watch. It's just another embellishment.