What to Do? (Make good new things)
PG's essay gives an answer the timeless question of what one should do with their life. He offering a modern addition to the traditional ethical answers.
Core Principles:
- Help people.
- Take care of the world.
- Make good new things. ← The author's main thesis.
What does "make good new things" mean?
- It refers to original creation in the broadest sense: inventions, scientific discoveries, art, music, writing—anything new and worthwhile.
- It's a way of actualizing human potential through thought and creativity.
- It's not just about novelty, but goodness—things that are valuable, meaningful, or inspiring.
Why is this principle important?
- Historically, "what one should do" was answered by tradition, religion, and virtue ethics (be wise, brave, honest, just, etc.).
- But those answers were shaped by social roles with limited agency; they didn't imagine paths like becoming a scientist, artist, or entrepreneur.
- Today, more people have the freedom to choose their path. The modern answer must reflect that.
Who decides what counts as a "good new thing"?
- It's up to the makers. Many great works began in disreputable or low-status fields (e.g., Chandler and pulp fiction).
- If you're excited by a type of work others overlook—and can articulate what's valuable about it—that's not just acceptable, it may be exactly what you should be doing.
Moral framing:
- Helping people and the world is a duty-based "should."
- Making good new things is a self-actualizing "should"—a way to fulfill your potential.
- Ideally, the best work combines both: creations that help people and the world.