By breaking my toes with my bare hands, alone and half-naked in a public shower room. — It was the summer of 2008, two months before starting my college swimming career at NYU, when I experienced my own survival story of self-mutilation. The Saw movie franchise involves a killer who traps victims in life-threatening “tests” or “games” to test their will to survive through physical and psychological…

Musings about the philosophy, duty, nature, obligations, and failings of democracy…along with some alternatives. — “Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time…” — Winston Churchill Foundations and Principles of American Democracy I must first align with you, dear reader, to lock in some common ground before we derail into triggering emotional…

A mini self-actualization exercise based on impactful memories and connecting bonds. — Random thoughts plague me in middle age. When we look back at the past 20, 30, or 40 years of ups and downs, what memories do we remember clearly? Each of us has gone through countless life adventures, but why do we vividly remember certain encounters more than others? Most…

And why “quiet quitting” is stupid. — I went back to a full-time role 3 weeks ago, and this one is “C-suite” at a fintech company. Is it a big deal? Nope, not one bit…at least in my mind. In fact, this recent experience combined with the past 1.5 …

Two reasons to consider celebrating something else on your birthday. — Today is my birthday. Another year. Another day. And once again this year, for perhaps the 10th time in a row, I’m not doing anything grandstanding besides dinner with my partner. No parties, no trips, no friends, no events, no presents, no messages, and please…no cake. The fault is entirely…

“What do you do?” — 4 alternative perspectives to think about this question and find more meaningful answers. — “So…what do you do?” This a common intro question that wouldn’t surprise anyone, yet it is much more complex than meets the eye. Now this question obviously implies what we do for work. Occupation. Career aspirations. This is the cultural default and gut reflex within today’s zeitgeist. But why is that? Work is important…

Exploring some opposing concepts which shape our life ideologies and attitudes. — Dichotomy Noun A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different. ***Also hello! I’m back to writing after cruising without an online connection for more than a month at sea. …

Doctrines for success from a financially-free Millennial philosopher and startup executive. — I’ve seen a lot of good and bad principles implemented in my 10+ years of work blending Wall Street consulting with Silicon Valley fintech/startup culture. And since retiring after hitting financial independence, I still advise multiple startups at the C-suite level with compliance, strategy, and product. …

Philosophical musings from a proud cat-dad, plus 10 life tips from cats. — For all our dominance on Earth, humans believe we are superior and more intelligent than all other species. After all, we have morality and ethics. Since the dawn of civilization, mankind has contemplated good and evil, and the purpose of existence. For most humans, a common goal is to improve…