Now if we see the news and read books and see videos and go to school and spend an average of 5 years of our lives on the INTERNET, then there is almost no loss in just being present on steemit.

I think steemit is the best place to learn. Here is my point, all I ever did in school was try to pass exams and impress my lecturers who never really cared if I passed or not, I would even spend my hard earned dime to achieve this goal. Here on steemit I have learnt for free and made some good money too. What I have learned on steemit is not limited as there are great minds from different fields of life coming through on a daily basis. So I totally agree with you here sir.

To stay present on steemit without apparent gain, does take a measure of depth (substance, self-sacrifice, selflessness, love, character etc) but again being "present" (the first simplest obvious solution) may be all that we have needed for success here, moreso, than building gigantic infrastructures to seek whale-help or jackpot.

Another high level of truth here. Giving up means getting nothing while pressing on does not exactly mean getting it all but there is huge possibility that we might end up getting it anyways.

You have always been my best man without a wedding when it comes to living life. Stay strong for the community sir!