I was watching a show called the world’s greatest challenge where teams have to trek across Fiji in a gruelling 11-day race. I was struck that almost everyone who was interviewed said that they were doing this to inspire others. It struck me as completely bizarre and completely in line with this trend of ‘I want to be a thought leader / influencer / inspire others’. I’m not yet sure where this trend is coming from, but it seems new – I cannot figure out if it’s a genuine need, false modesty or a flex. In previous times, people did this to raise money for some kind of charity (a higher purpose) and also a way of raising money.
Maybe the the greatest charitable need is the ego.