In Silicon Valley we talk much about the “minimum viable product” (MVP). But how can we cross pollinate this concept to living?
[Read more…] about Minimum Viable ThrivingThe Philosophy of Ego
Towards a new way of thinking about the ego:
[Read more…] about The Philosophy of EgoTrue vs False Passions
True passions: an unadultured passion you’ve had since you were a kid, teenager or high school/college student. For example my passion for working out, fitness, diet and nutrition, modding cars, photography, blogging, travel, new experiences, desire to become self employed.
False passions: passions society superimposes unto you — for example, desire for luxury cars, buying a home, money, etc.
Then it seems in life, one of the great steps towards self wisdom is learning how to distinguish between true and false passions, and to devote more time and effort towards your true passions, while becoming even more mercurial towards the false passions.
[Read more…] about True vs False PassionsYOU ARE THE CAMERA.
You are the camera, the tool, the instrument. You decide what to photograph and what *not* to photograph.
You don’t need to ‘buy’ a new camera if *you* are the camera!
Why Review Your Photos?
Photos not reviewed aren’t worth shooting:
[Read more…] about Why Review Your Photos?The Philosophy of Space
Typically we are taught: “The more space, the better”. But through my life experiences, I’ve found this to be patently false. More often than not (due to complex scaling effects) bigger, more space, more heavy, more stuff is worse.
In terms of space, let’s talk about living scenarios. The more space you got, the more difficult it is to light up and brighten, the more difficult it is to keep clean and vacuum, harder to reach or find your stuff, etc.
[Read more…] about The Philosophy of SpaceGood Homes Over Good Cars
If you have the option, always opt for a good home (your ideal apartment or living situation) over having a fancy car.
If anything, because we spend so much time at home now, being extremely picky with our living situation and abode is more important than ever!
Or in other words, optimize for your lifestyle over your material possessions, tools and things.
[Read more…] about Good Homes Over Good CarsExuberant, High Spirits
What do we desire? Exuberant, high spirits. Ideally, permanently elevated high mood and spirits.
[Read more…] about Exuberant, High SpiritsThe Philosophy of Rationality
Rational — ratio, to compute (reor). Comes from PIE (hreh) to think, which is a reanalyzed root of her- (to put together).
So in some ways, to be “rational” means:
Make decisions based on a “well put together” series of thoughtful reflections.
But this is to give too much credence to “thinking” or “rational thought”. It is of my belief that much of our “thoughts” are simply after-the-fact rationalizations of our “irrational” body-mind.
Thus, rationality doesn’t exist. It is simply a phantom or chimera of our bodily sensations. The mind and brain as the laggard behind our true decision making processes which actually occur in the body.
[Read more…] about The Philosophy of RationalityCertainty of Decision Making
Life is a series of decision making. But how do you know what the “best” or “right” decision is?
You don’t. But I’ve discovered for myself, the happiest I am is when I have deep certainty in the decisions I’ve made, which are typically more emotional and subjective than “rational” and “logical”.
Self Photography
All photography and art, knowledge and wisdom goes back to your self.
[Read more…] about Self PhotographySelf Knowledge
Know thyself
Oracle at Delphi
The only and most meaningful knowledge which can be more accurately ascertained — your knowledge of your self. Self knowledge.
TRUE DESIRES.
What is a “true desire”?
A true desire:
The self knowledge in knowing what is best for *you* and not others.
Seeking your own greatest personal advantage in life. The knowledge and recognition that your own virtues and vices are subjective… and which only (and should only) apply to you.
How “Logic” is Overrated
We are taught and trained that logic is supreme and irrationality is bad. But what if logic is overrated, and if we desire to live the best and most supreme life, we should harness our “irrational exuberance” to the extreme?
Strong Desires for Your True Preferences
Obey your desires, especially the strong ones.
And another thing:
Ensure that your desires at the “true” ones — don’t get suckered into desiring “false” things you don’t truly care for.
In other words, obey your strong desires for your true desires and true preferences. Ruthlessly shun false, fake, or the desires of others. And also ignore your “weak” desires.
Every Opportunity is a Photo Opportunity
Each moment in your day is the same and equal, which means:
Leverage each and every moment to make photos and to document and record it all!
What Does a Brighter, More Prosperous Future Mean or Look Like?
What is the end of our money-getting, our entrepreneurial hustle, our investments and speculations, etc? The hope for a better tomorrow and brighter and more prosperous future.
But what does that even mean, and how is it manifested?
[Read more…] about What Does a Brighter, More Prosperous Future Mean or Look Like?How to Achieve Tranquility
I am currently in a state of deep and profound tranquility. Unperturbed, strong, calm, and zen.
Many seek tranquility yet never get it. Why not? And how can we gain tranquility? Some thoughts:
[Read more…] about How to Achieve TranquilityEach Photo You Shoot is Part of a Stream of Becoming
Photo by photo — each photo as part of a particle steam or wave. This means:
It isn’t about a single photo, single moment, or even a contained photo “project” or set.
All your photos as part of one continuum or stream:
[Read more…] about Each Photo You Shoot is Part of a Stream of BecomingSHOOT WITH YOUR SOUL.
What is the secret behind making immortal photos? Simple:
Shoot with your soul.
You cannot fake love and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to your photos. Shoot with your entire soul and being, and impute all your artistic faculties, skills, techniques and powers to make the most aesthetically beautiful and powerful images.
[Read more…] about SHOOT WITH YOUR SOUL.Love and Sacrifice
“Love without sacrifice is theft.” – Nassim Taleb
What makes love so great? The level or degree of sacrifice we put forth in order to verify that love.
The other night when doing the midnight shift taking care of baby Seneca — I remembered and thought:
If having a baby were so easy, the profundity and elevation of joy and love associated with parenthood wouldn’t be verified.
In other words, anything you get, do, receive in life which doesn’t require sacrifice or “skin in the game” isn’t meaningful. In simpler words:
The more we sacrifice for something, the more meaning it has.
Good Impulses, Bad Impulses
It seems modernity says impulses are bad. But there can also be great wisdom behind impulsive behaviors, especially when it comes to art.
Simple thought:
Impulses which come to our “base pleasures” are bad, or financial ones.
Good impulses are related to artistic thoughts, philosophical or poetic thoughts, or anything around your artistic creation!
Living an Entrepreneurial Life is the Best Life
Dear friends I am convinced:
If you desire to extract the maximum from existence, live as maximally a risky, entrepreneurial and adventurous life as possible!
Hypothesis:
Much of our boredom, ennui, depression and existential dread comes from a life and lifestyle which is *too* predictable, caged, domesticated and static.
How to Photograph Pregnancy
Going in reverse — Cindy heroically birthed Seneca Thien Anh Hanul Kim after an arduous 52 hour labor. For personal reasons, I wanted to keep the pregnancy photos “low key”, but now that Hanul is here and I also wrote about photographing his birth, I wanted to use this opportunity to review the last 9+ months of Cindy and pregnancy — and to reflect on this beautiful journey:
[Read more…] about How to Photograph PregnancyMexico Color Studies by Savannah Condon
Some lovely color photos and words from Savannah Condon, straight out of Mexico:
[Read more…] about Mexico Color Studies by Savannah CondonHow to Become a Happier and More Productive Photographer
How to Become a Thought Leader
A thought leader —
Someone whose opinion, thoughts and ideas sway and impact and influence the crowd and society.
For example, Elon Musk as meme lord of the internet and more recent Dogecoin advocate (I wonder when Elon Musk will tweet when you can buy a Tesla in DOGE?)
Simple ideas:
[Read more…] about How to Become a Thought LeaderWhy Photography is My Passion
Now that I feel like a billionaire, what is my final end and goal? Simple — photography.
Ever since the birth of my son, my priorities include Cindy, Seneca, and my photography — nothing else really matters to me. I will even let entrepreneurial matters go to the side.
[Read more…] about Why Photography is My PassionAs Long as I Keep Doing Photography, I’m Happy
To piggy back off of yesterday’s thought:
My simple answer to that:
For me, I already have everything I need. As long as I can continue to pursue photography with an earnest fervor, I’m happy.
Once You Become a Crypto Billionaire, Then What?
As Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and other crypto technologies continue to rally, the thought that came to my mind:
[Read more…] about Once You Become a Crypto Billionaire, Then What?Once you become a Bitcoin or Crypto Billionaire, *then what*?
The Photographer as Story Teller
As photographers we don’t just make photos, we make stories:
[Read more…] about The Photographer as Story Teller