coupland's Journal: First Thoughts on Buddhism

I disagree that whatever you do you should do for its own sake, and seek perfection in everything that you do.

Surely you don't kick a can around on the street for its own sake, there must be some greater purpose even if it's only to enjoy the sound. We wouldn't undertake anything at all if it was only for its own benefit. You don't shield your eyes from the sun so that your eyes will be shielded from the sun. You do it because the sun hurts your eyes and shielding them stops the pain. Everything we do must have a purpose above the act itself. Perfection in everything we do is similar, it is desirable only insomuchas it furthers a purpose. Any action that does not further a purpose is a wasted action.

If I raise my hand it's not for the purpose of raising my hand, it's to stop a blow before it reaches me. If I chop wood it's not for the purpose of chopping wood, it's to build a fire.