The nobleman is entertaining. He shows off a painting he just completed. He demonstrates his archery skills to the children. He plays the lute, lifts weight, juggles and finally collapses in his armchair at the end of the day, exhausted.
''Once upon a time, there was a dissatisfied man, who was busy showing everyone how accomplished he was.''
The notion of dissatisfaction
Until they know better, people who have mainly been loved for what they do rather than for who they are seek love and satisfaction through accomplishments and a deep-felt wish for others’ approval.
During childhood, the recognition we all need has to come from our parents. When we are adults, it should come mainly from ourselves, from within. External recognition promotes good relations and boosts confidence but does nothing for our self-esteem and personal satisfaction.
The kind of recognition that contributes to our self-esteem comes from fulfilling our personal needs, not from achieving near impossible feats, which in fact only causes us to delay gratification (and thus cause more dissatisfaction and, ultimately, lower self-esteem).