The Fly in the Ear of the Bull

In an interview I heard on the James Altucher Podcast, Yuval Noah Harari made this comment,

“In a way, a terrorist is like a fly that tries to destroy a china shop. The fly is so small and weak. It cannot move even a single teacup. So how does a fly destroy a china shop? The fly finds a bull, gets into the ear of the bull and starts buzzing. The bull becomes so enraged that it loses its temper and destroys the china shop. This is what happened in the middle east over the last 15 years,” Yuval said.

Since then I have found another story about a little fly and a bull. The moral of the story was about one’s self-perceived importance. When the fly attempted to get the bulls attention by buzzing in its ear and landing on it horn the bull simply said, “Little fly, I don’t care if you stay or leave. You are so tiny that your weight does not make any difference to me, so please be quiet and leave me alone.”

Most of us believe so strongly in our self-importance, including me, that we often become disillusioned by life. We start thinking, saying and doing all that is not really necessary nor important as it comes to living a life with passion and purpose.

Like the fly, we spend our energy and time buzzing around hoping we will be heard, feeling that we are all important, trying to satisfy the ego. Everyone else is either doing the same or living a calm and content life doing what they love.

The buzzing is heard here and there and occasionally the ego is satisfied but in most cases we crave more. This forces us to do more, buzz more and in the process miss out on more. More of what life is really about. More of what is truly important.

I am not declaring that we should not buzz, share our message, express our thoughts or do what we love. We just have to put our self-importance in perspective to the reality of life and in doing so we will find more joy in the buzz, more joy in doing what we love without any attachment to expectation of outcome.

In regards to Yuval’s comment if we want others to pay attention to what we think, say and do. If we wish for others to take action and have influence over their lives, we must speak in a language and with a tone that they resonate with. The intent must be positive, not negative.

When the action we take is about creating positive change and having impact in the world that benefits the progression on humanity as a whole then it is worthwhile action. We mustn’t get attached to the outcome but rather enjoy the process.

We can seek to influence others for self-gain or to generate mass hate just as we can for collective benefits and mass love. To do so we just need to pull on the strings that majority of people value. No matter the intent of the fly when the message we share touches the hearts of the masses we can generate powerful results.

In summary find joy in what you do. Spread and share the messages that you are passionate about. Seek to make impact in the world that matters to you. And regardless of the results it is the process that will bring the greatest rewards. Such a way of life will bring fulfilment, happiness and meaning.

Some will appreciate what you have to say, others will not. Some may even support you on your journey while some may attempt to sabotage your attempts. This shouldn’t affect your level of self-importance or happiness if what you do is something you are passionate about and has positive value.

When many agree with what we believe and share our values that is when massive action and change may follow.

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Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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