What I Am Reading:
How to Live an Asymmetric Life
Graham Weaver's narrative unfolds as a profound exploration of both investing and life, with a focus on the four essential principles that shape an asymmetric existence: do hard things, do your thing, do it for decades, and write your story. Central to his message is the notion of the importance of writing one's own story – envisioning and pursuing dreams with unwavering determination. Living an asymmetric life, according to Weaver, means breaking free from fear and playing for the asymmetric upside in every aspect of existence.
In "The Lotus Eater," we meet Thomas Wilson, a successful bank manager in London who decides to retire and escape the demands of his former life. He chooses to live on the tranquil island of Capri in Italy, where he becomes captivated by the island's beauty and the carefree lifestyle of its inhabitants. As he indulges in leisure and abandons his responsibilities, Wilson's life takes on a dreamlike quality. The title references Greek mythology, where lotus-eaters consumed a plant that led them to abandon their ambitions and desires. Maugham's story explores themes of escapism, the allure of idleness, and the consequences of forsaking one's obligations.
The Hidden Brain Connections Between Our Hands and Tongues
The peculiar phenomenon of the tongue involuntarily sticking out during precision hand movements exposes the hidden brain connection between our hands and tongues. While it may seem unrelated, this occurrence is rooted in deep evolutionary history. Contrary to the idea that it's merely cognitive overload causing this, the explanation lies in the neural circuitry of the brain. Tongue and hand control are governed by different types of nerves, but their connection originates within the brain itself, likely in regions responsible for complex functions like speech and tool use.
The Stoics were right – Emotional Control is Good for the Soul
Stoic philosophy emphasizes emotional control and personal accountability. It contrasts empathy's biases and limitations, proposing Stoic principles as a better path to kindness and forgiveness. The text delves into the neural mechanisms of anger regulation and how Stoicism aligns with modern psychotherapy. Ultimately, adopting a Stoic mindset can empower individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience and emotional clarity.
What I Am Watching:
The Most Misunderstood Concept in Physics
Entropy is the tendency of energy to disperse and create disorder, and is intricately linked to Earth's existence. This video vividly explains the vital role played by the sun, which provides Earth with an invaluable stream of high-quality low entropy energy that allows for structure and temperature variations, fostering the conditions for life to flourish. It's a captivating journey into the science behind our planet's sustainability.
What I am Listening To:
"The Formula" Book by Albert-László Barabási
Too often, accomplishment does not equal success. We did the work but didn't get the promotion; we played hard but weren't recognized; we had the idea but didn't get the credit. We convince ourselves that talent combined with a strong work ethic is the key to getting ahead, but also realize that combination often fails to yield results, without any deeper understanding as to why. Recognizing this striking disconnect, the author, along with a team of renowned researchers and some of the most advanced data-crunching systems on the planet, dedicated themselves to one goal: uncovering that ever-elusive link between performance and success.
A conversation with Renaissance Technologies CEO Peter Brown
In this special episode, Peter Brown, CEO of Renaissance Technologies, talks about his career and building the hedge fund company. He also recounts how the firm navigated market crises such as the “quant quake” and the Global Financial Crisis, and describes how computer models and algorithms have long played a role in Renaissance’s growth.
