Dear Notch: “Boredom And Isolation” Are Dangerous Words

Markus "Notch" Persson lived the dream: He created something the entire world seemed to love and he sold it for $2.5 billion.

Then he embarked on the quintessential lifestyle of the rich and famous, purchasing that record-breaking $70 million mansion in Beverly Hills and partying with the A-listers. And yet, in a distressing series of Tweets, as summarized at Business Insider , the self-made man has revealed his current conundrum:

Boredom and isolation.

Mr. Persson, you don't know me and I don't know you. But if you're willing to listen, I believe I have the cure. My worthless Psychology degree isn't coming into play here, nor is my general respect for your accomplishments. Firstly, let me say that when I hear the words "boredom" and "isolation," a red flag immediately flies in my head. Such words are clearly marked signs on the long and lonely road that leads to terrible places like Depression-ville and Apathy-town. And of course, you're entitled; after all, what's left to do? You've conquered.

But the key to escaping this alarming funk is this: Life isn't defined by what you've done or what you've earned. Human life is about progress; continually moving forward. This has nothing to do with money, prestige, or fame. Rather, this has everything to do with you . My guess is you spend a lot of time just wandering aimlessly around that amazing home, gazing with increasingly bored and discontented eyes at the past. Because what you see are merely representations of what you've already done; you're constantly accosting your mind with the critically erroneous idea that there isn't anything left to do.

Markus, there's always something left to do. And you are in the enviable position to do whatever you wish. However, the only way you will once again find happiness is to embark on personal growth missions. Find something you love to do, or something you think you might love to do, and try it. Find a new passion. Find several new passions. As a creator, you mind craves activity, as does the human body. Write a play. Train for a marathon. Become a collector of something that stirs your soul. Above all else, don't stop . Your past success is great but it's hardly the end, and it certainly doesn't mean there aren't any other mountains to scale.

Pick another mountain and start climbing. In truth, this is what humans are supposed to do and happiness can only be found in the climb, as the view from the top of one peak only reveals more peaks. Some peaks might be out of reach but you'll never know until you try and it's in the "try" that you will find peace and perhaps even bliss.

Feel free to let us all know how the new climb goes.