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Not every good-looking, rich, or famous person, of course, is snared or deluded, but this is a dangerous world, and anyone who is at risk should be very careful, for these three life aims are, for most of us, whether we admit it or not, very attractive, and there are few of us who, though the opportunities may never come, do not have our secret dreams.

The root of attraction in all three is that inner, sometimes vigorously denied, sometimes disgustingly obvious waning and waxing desire for attention.  We like to be noticed.  Even when we might think we are above that, we secretly hope that someone will notice that we are above that. 

But so what? What’s wrong with wanting to be noticed? And what has that to do with the special three? The danger is that to the degree that we have them, these goals shape our character.  We do become ensnared and deluded. Not always, but enough. We are moved to regard ourselves as superior to lesser persons and to behave accordingly. It happens. You can think of public figures or even, maybe, friends who have been tragically affected by their particular desire(s). 

If, then, you fret about your appearance, think you simply must have more money, or worry that you are not popular enough, be careful. This is a dangerous world.