Crack Addicts, and Serial Killers, and Billionaires, OH MY! The Common Thread Between Crack Addicts, Serial Killers, And Billionaires On the surface, violent serial killers, crack addicts searching for their next hit and insatiably greedy billionaires don’t seem to have very much in common, if anything at all. But they’re a lot more similar than we might think. What crack addicts, serial killers, and billionaires share is the fact that their actions are driven by a compelling need within them. And interestingly, although the choices they make in trying to satisfy this requirement might be very different, each one of them has the exact same need. The common motivation of all these seemingly disparate individuals is the longing to fill a gaping emotional void. It’s an emptiness that can only be filled with love and meaning. Unfortunately, these people are trying to fill it up in ways that will never work. The need for love and meaning is the most basic one we have. To thrive and not just survive, everyone must give and receive love, have a strong sense of belonging and feel like they’re making a contribution. Everyone needs these things, even if they don’t realize that they do. Only real love and real meaning will fill the void. No substitutions will suffice. If we pursue the real thing, we thrive. If we continue alternatives to drugs, violence or material wealth, the void grows deeper and wider. If we’re lucky enough to grow up with the love, validation, and care every human being requires, we’ll develop into healthy, emotionally intact adults who understand the importance of continuing to fill our lives with love and meaning. If we don’t receive adequate love, affirmation or care during our childhood, we’ll grow up with an aching emptiness inside us that cries...

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