We're all the same. And different.
Amidst the billions of species on our earth, we’re the ones that evolved advanced intelligence. But the current state of the world can doubtlessly call our smarts into question.
My recent interactions have deepened my understanding of the beauty of our human experience: A close friend reminded me of the ultimate freedom to choose how we respond in any situation. A wise teacher has shown me the power of compassion and ahimsa (non-harming). And in collaboration with skilled facilitators from around the world, I've witnessed the transformative effect of embracing polarities.
From climate emergency and the AI alignment problem to escalating human violence, staying optimistic can feel like a Herculean task. Yet, there’s hope on the horizon.
Stories and Shared Realities
A misunderstanding with a friend, resolved through a heartfelt conversation, reminded me of the power of connection and the pitfalls of assumption. Our narratives often diverge from reality, leading us down paths of delusion. Thankfully, I chose to voice my concerns, deepening our bond in the process.
Viktor Frankl's insight, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom,” is a profound reminder of our capacity to navigate life's challenges with resonant choice.
For instance, you might get cut off in traffic and simply shrug it off, while your friend might chase down the offender in a fit of rage. Similarly, something that triggers you today might not affect you at all a year from now. Our thoughts shape our reality and irrespective of the circumstances, we choose to adopt whatever attitude we wish.
The Meta Crisis and Our Response
Christopher Columbus reveled in his mistaken belief that he had discovered India. Similarly, I once clung to the belief that Paul from ‘The Wonder Years’ was Marilyn Manson, until I was eventually set straight. Today, where deepfakes and fake news blur the lines of reality, discerning fact from fiction is an ever-growing challenge.
For example, all of these things are true:
We find ourselves in a liminal space, suspended between a world that's ending and another yet to be born. The meta-crisis, this time between worlds, demands that we confront our discomfort and contradictions with a blend of reason and empathy.
Horace Walpole's observation, "This world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel," reflects our current predicament. We're invited to imagine a post-tragic world, where beauty and understanding transcend suffering, and where creative possibilities emerge from opposing forces.
The confluence of so many threats converging, the meta-crisis is both ecological devastation and digital dystopia. It’s a crisis of mind and war. It is each crisis alone and all of them at the same time. Philosopher Jonathan Rowson describes our daily experience as one where the world seems to be unraveling. We must go about our days, checking email, and picking up dog poop with a meta-crisis looming in the background.
In this Truman Show-esque reality, where everyone's voice clamors to be heard, we're left to question how we define and present ourselves. Without a clear 'performer,' we're tasked with scripting our narratives anew, finding our footing on an ever-shifting stage.
The meta-crisis not only challenges us but presents an opportunity to envision a world beyond tragedy. In this envisioned future, cooperation and empathy are more than ideals; they form the bedrock of our approach. Here we refuse to put lipstick on the pig but instead confront problems at their core. Amidst the complexities of our times, a robust undercurrent of hope persists – a testament to humanity's inherent goodness and our unwavering capacity to progress through collaboration.
Ahimsa
When media critic Douglas Rushkoff finally left Twitter, he did so after seeing a tweet of a dead baby. Reading the debate in the comments brought him to tears, as he witnessed someone needing to know the nationality of the baby before deciding to grieve or not to grieve He exclaims, “The inhumanity in people's responses to horror has been overwhelming.”
There’s no prerequisite to living by the principles of Ahimsa. You just need the intention and devotion. Ahimsa is an age-old Indian concept emphasizing nonviolence and compassion towards all forms of life. It's a journey of inner transformation, where empathy becomes our guiding force. In these times of conflict and confusion, ahimsa reminds us that there are no winners in war, only shared loss and enduring trauma.
The concept applies just as much to ourselves as it does to others. Being compassionate toward yourself means quietening negative self-talk, accepting yourself as you are, and creating space for continuous self-renewal. The invitation is to incorporate Ahsima into our lives. Because being generous in our actions, words, and thoughts - sends benevolent ripples out into the world.
The Power of Polarities
The Rubin vase above has two silhouettes that come to the foreground at one look. The vase comes to the foreground at another glance, and the silhouette fades into the back.
Our world is a complex interplay of sameness and difference. To ensure our continued existence on this planet, we have to see that multiple realities can be true at once. Recognizing our shared humanity while valuing our individual distinctiveness is key to navigating these polarities. It requires that we transcend and include diverse perspectives.
Our genetic makeup is remarkably similar – 99.9% identical across all of us. This shared genetic heritage binds us in a profound, collective humanity. Yet, it's that minuscule 0.1% that paints our individuality – the unique hues of our appearance, the diverse lenses through which we view our experiences, the distinct paths we tread, and the ways we express our singular selves.
As we stand at the crossroads of another year, I invite you to consider how you’ll personally navigate the complex paradoxes that define our existence.
Our capacity for cooperation stands as the cornerstone of our continued existence. Whether we consciously acknowledge it or not, we are all integral members of the same team – Team Human. Recognizing and embracing the humanity in others is the first step you can call your own - and it also happens to be the pathway to peace.
A Little Light(ness)
Rabbit holes, Doom Scrolls, Internet trolls - I found this when I was desperately trying to write this newsletter. A light, lovely, and loving 10-minute documentary showing compassion and plopping a little joy in your cup — Riva & Albert
Or if you have a bit more time on your hands why not watch Louis Theroux attack the shark while eating spicy wings?
Podcast Delight
Sam Harris Making Sense: The Bright Line Between Good and Evil
Pulling the Thread with Courtney Smith
James Hollis ~ A Life of Meaning
Diary of a CEO with Yung Pueblo!
Diary of a CEO with Louis Theroux!
Farnehm Street with Jim
Rich Roll with Joel Kinnaman
Ezra Klein with Nimrod Novik
How I Write with Lulu Cheng Meservey
What Now? with Trevor Noah
One Book
I’ve read my fair share of books about surfing (O.K. a lot of them have been mags), but still, nothing comes close to Barbarian Days. I found it to be one of those rare reads that as you near the end - you savor each page - stopping frequently to put it down for fear that it will soon be over. You can also check out my digital library here.
One Poem
Start close in, don’t take the second step or the third, start with the first thing close in, the step you don’t want to take.
If there’s a poem to capture this year’s spirit for me it’s David Whyte’s Start Close In.
One Playlist
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed moving people through their bodies this year. Here’s a playlist to help you move and groove smoothly into your holiday season.
One Cool Dad
Today is my dad’s 79th birthday. Happy birthday pops! Let’s party 🎈🍕🍕
Until next time, have a wonderful holiday! ❄️
"Learn enough from history to bear reality patiently, and respect one another's delusions."
- Will Durant