If you are feeling down or unmotivated, asking "what's the point of doing anything?", it helps to connect with your ancestors.

Dr. Martine Rothblatt unpacked it on The Tim Ferriss Show better than I could. Here's an excerpt from the powerful conversation. It's possibly the most motivational three-minute speech I have come across

It should start at 1:47:52 . Here's the transcript , but it just doesn't have the same effect.



Connecting with my own ancestors is something I have subconsciously been doing. And Martine crystalized it into words.

I have been watching lots of old movies and listening to old music from my parents' and grandparents' generations. One benefit of that, in addition to experiencing the cultural richness, is that I can connect more deeply with them. Not just as parents/grandparents, but as humans.

Going further back in time and looking at my own ancestors from East Asia, I have found it hard to resist the draw of ancient Chinese philosophy and arts. It is not just a pure form of curiosity. There is more to it. Studying ancient works is an intimate conversation with my forebearers.

In these moments of connection, I feel the urge to get my act together in this multi-generational relay.

What do I owe to them? I owe it to them to make the absolute most possible out of my life and that’s what I’m going to do.