Schematic overview: purpose

StanceMissionMaterialismEnjoyable usefulness
SummaryOnly higher purposes are meaningfulOnly mundane purposes are meaningfulAll purposes are meaningful, when they are. Do things that are useful and enjoyable.
What it deniesValue of mundane purposesValue of higher purposes
What it fixatesValue of higher purposesValue of mundane purposes
The sales pitchFind and follow your true mission, and the universe resonates with youHe who dies with the most toys, winsThere is no scoreboard
Emotional appealExciting, personal, transcendent purpose lifts you out of mundanityGet what you want
Pattern of thinkingFantasy; non-ordinary methods for seeking the supposed true missionGrim self-interestFlow
Likely next stancesEternalism; specialness, true selfNihilism; ordinarinessNobility, intermittently continuing
AccomplishmentSacrifice all mundane purposes to eternal mission (saintliness)Exclusive self-interestRennaisance person
How it causes sufferingCan never find your supposed true mission; neglect mundane aspects of lifeCan never get enough; alienation from others and from authentic creativity
Obstacles to maintaining the stanceReasonable self-interestCompassion, creativity Is that it? No hope of completing purpose, so no hope for salvation or basis for self-congratulation
Antidotes; counter-thoughtsMundane purposes matter to meI do care about others, and about creative work
Intelligent aspectHigher purposes are valid; materialism is unsatisfyingMundane purposes are valid; mission is a fantasy
Positive appropriation after resolutionCreativity and generosity are aspects of enjoyable usefulnessMaterial satisfaction and accomplishment are aspects of enjoyable usefulness