Writing and the Ego

People write for different reasons. Recently I joined Medium’s Partnership Program. I have heard that some writers make thousands of dollars a month publishing on Medium. For me, however, money is not the motivator. I write primarily for my own enjoyment. I am not a “bestselling author.” But I am known internationally and my book, “The Zen Teachings of Jesus,” has been translated into German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese. It has also won a book award. My book has not made me rich. But when I visit professors in the theology department, I can often find my own book on their bookshelves. I may not be good in making money. But writing is something I can do relatively well. I have no problem writing on a wide variety of topics — spirituality, religion, finance, science, math, health and sexuality. I am curious about everything under the sun. I also enjoy getting feedback from people. Publishing a piece of writing is like speaking to the universe and the universe speaks back to me. It is a kind of dialogue. The responses I get from my readers often generates additional insights on the topic and give me new inspiration. It is an infinite feedback loop. Writing always makes me feel like being on top of the world. I agree with Aldous Huxley that “an intellectual is one who found something more interesting than sex.” In my writing, I often play the role of the contrarian or a “devil’s advocate.” It is fun to exercise one’s critical thinking skills to contradict conventional wisdom. I love taking down people on their high horses. But more importantly, I write to learn, reflect and organize my thoughts…