Networking

I hate networking.

That's a bit harsh. Let me try again. I despise networking. Um, I abhor networking. No...uh...I loath networking.

Hmm. How about I return to the beginning?

I hate networking.

As an Island (explained more fully in my post "Bridges and Islands") I can safely say the effort expended to leave my forest (I'm a temperate Island, not a tropical one) and step out onto my gravel beach (I don't like sand) to build signal fires to the Islands across the social sea, though undeniably worthwhile, is also absolutely resented by me.

I complain about this now because of my continued study of Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Chapter Two has been one long argument for the divine endorsement of mutual obligation, both as an act of service and a wealth-building tool.

I'm aware of the power of networking. I've listened to experts in various fields espousing the necessity. I've listened to various practitioners espousing the necessity. I'm reading the good rabbi's explanation of how it is a reasonable act of service to my fellow humans whose side benefit happens to be good being done for me in return.

I just hate it.

It's as though being an Island dooms me to either doing something I hate (being personable) or becoming something I'm not (a Bridge). As though my own innate personality type is insufficient to promote my general welfare, which may very well be true.

Any chance you're seeing the point of my rant? I have more. Shocking!

I resent mutual obligation. I don't care to be beholden to anyone, and I don't care to have someone beholden to me. This is, according to Rabbi Lapin, selfish and unrealistic on my part. He doesn't accuse me personally. His point is all people are designed to give to one another. When we actively seek to do good for our neighbor, we will have good done to us in return, if not by that neighbor then by another.

He also says the best place to build wealth is in a city surrounded by people. The more people you know, the more good you can do for those people.

I am not a social person. My idea of Heaven is a small house in the middle of a thousand acres.
Topeka is too big for my taste, and it's pretty tiny for a state capital. I don't want to live in a city. I don't want to attend social functions and service clubs and chat up the locals with a mind to help them out. I can't even help myself, which should be obvious by now.

It's not that I don't agree with him. He is not telling me anything I haven't heard already, except the Jewish cultural rationale for these beliefs. That's new to me and remains fascinating.

My hissy fit (and don't doubt it is one) is a direct result of not wanting to hear this. If I hear it, I will eventually do it. That's how I'm built. And I don't want to do it.

I suppose I'm having a Jonah moment. Leave me alone, Lord. I'd rather sit in the fish than preach to the masses.

I'll get spit out at some point. No doubt I'll blog about it.