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What Hacker News says
- Agreed. The King James version especially is full of "Huh, so that's where that phrase came from" moments. If you like literature at all, definitely read The Book.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Bible
In terms of literary quality, I especially recommend Ecclesiastes and the Gospel of John.
- "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" - Jesus
A good solution to your problem might be to develop a different understanding of the meaning and purpose of life. "Normal" American culture is selling you a false bill of goods IMO.
You could start by reading the Bible. Start with the Gospel of John and Romans. The ESV is a great translation and they have a study bible that is helpful.
Listen/read good preachers/teachers who can help you understand what life is really about: John Piper, Tim Keller, and R.C. Sproul are all great places to start. Each of them have podcasts available.
John Piper has a book called "Don't Waste Your Life" that is available free online and would likely be applicable to your situation. Tim Keller has a book on marriage that might help put your relationship troubles in perspective.
Finally, find a good church and start building relationships with people. Get advice from those who are wise and godly. Any church affiliated with 9 Marks ministries or following their advice on church priorities is likely a good place to start.
This won't be a popular suggestion, and Christ doesn't promise his followers an easy or happy life (just the opposite). But he does offer a meaningful life, wisdom to understand what is wrong with us and the world around us, salvation from sin and judgement (which are the biggest threat to us), and hope for better times yet to come.
One of the things the Bible teaches is that, in significant ways, we are all complete failures at life. But Christ lived and died to offer us redemption from that failure. To give our lives value, regardless of how little "success" we have. No...to redefine "success" and give us something actually worth living for.
- The Gospel of John.
A palpable sense of mystery is maintained from start to finish, but it arguably does better than any other book in the Bible at giving a deep look into the person of Jesus as he was seen and believed in by the early church. Additionally, there is a subtle sense of humor as the gospel author clearly enjoyed language and word plays and describes multiple misunderstandings that occur because of the ambiguity of language.
Probably more than any other book, this book has shaped me on a personal level.
(If you're going to read it, I highly recommend a modern translation such as the ESV, NKJV, or HCSB.)
- I don't post much on Hacker News but on this one I must. Happiness is not found in money, job, or having a successful startup. Men, on their deathbeds never wish they had worked more or made more money, but they do wish they had spent more time on what is really important: family and their children. You say you barely see your children. I suggest choosing a job or position that allows you to see your wife and children a lot more and cutting your expenses drastically if that would help. I'm sure with your reputation you won't have trouble finding remote contract gigs that would allow you to work at home.
I'll separate this next thought from the previous because I think you can take the previous suggestion will still work good in your life without taking the next suggestion, although they work best in combination.
Take some time to look at nature and your body. Ask yourself if it takes more faith to believe that it all happened by chance or to believe that there is a God that designed it all and created it. I'm not going to try to say anything else to try to convince since I know the HN crowd and I know no amount of debate will accomplish anything.
I hear in you a hungry heart for something to meet the deepest desire of your heart. I believe we were created by God and for Him and until we find Him we will never be satisfied. Being the owner of Google, Facebook, or anything does not satisfy that need. Having a wonderful wife and great kids doesn't. Having a challenging and interesting job won't do it. Money definitely won't -- look at the depravity you see in some of the world's richest people.
You ask "Where should I turn?". My answer: if what I have said rings true at all in your heart, turn to Jesus. Start by reading the Gospel of John in the Bible. Turn to your Creator to find the answers as to why you were created. He is real, and He is very interested in meeting the deepest desires of your heart.
And whether you take my advice or not, I truly hope you find answers to your questions.
