2025

For the past year, I’ve been working as a horticulturist in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Now that it’s officially spring, I’m starting to see the flowers bloom, watching the daffodils flourish…

What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re diving into practicing street photography at parades and events. Just yesterday, I was out shooting during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and I’ve…

My personal study guide- I will update as I read Plato’s dialogues are foundational texts in Western philosophy—offering timeless insights into justice, beauty, truth, the soul, and the ideal form…

What’s poppin’ people? It’s Dante. Set your body in motion without any preconceived notions of what you will find. Today, I’m thinking about what it means to see the world…

Are you investing your time, or simply spending your time? When I think about time this way, as currency, or money, and whether or not you spend it, or save…

I’ve only really scratched the surface and built the foundation upon my photography thus far. Now it’s time for true evolution and ascension to new heights! My full potential and…

The saint represents spiritual purity, humility, and contemplation. The Spartan symbolizes physical discipline, courage, and unwavering resilience. To live like a saint but be a Spartan suggests cultivating an inner…

I am the ultimate modern-day monk Having the freedom of mind to remain in consistent contemplation, with occasional moments of socialization throughout the day, is the ultimate modern-day privilege.

Date: 480 BCLocation: Thermopylae, GreeceBelligerents: Greek city-states vs. the Persian EmpireResult: Persian victory — but a legendary stand In 480 BC, the mighty Persian Empire under King Xerxes I launched…

What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante. This morning, I’m sharing the advice and ideas I wish I knew 10 years ago when I started practicing street photography. So, without further ado,…

What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Getting my morning started here in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Welcome to the Horticulture Center. Today, I’m thinking about what it means to be an amateur…

Few photographers have captured the elegance and intimacy of nature like Imogen Cunningham. Among her diverse and influential body of work, her botanical studies stand out as some of the…

The Nature of Capitalism

“Capitalism demands the best of every man—his rationality—and rewards him accordingly.”— Ayn Rand Capitalism is often criticized not for its outcomes—but for its morality. Even those who concede that it…

Despite its immense success in improving human life, capitalism is often resented. Why? The answer, it turns out, is not economic or historical—but moral. At the heart of capitalism is…

Despite its historical success and practical benefits, capitalism continues to face persistent criticism. In this lecture, we explore the most common economic and political objections to capitalism and offer reasoned…

Over the last few classes, we’ve explored the success of capitalism. Through historical data, we’ve seen the massive leap in human life quality, innovation, and wealth. Capitalism—driven by the price…

The lecture begins with a relatable example: the morning cup of Nespresso coffee. The speaker highlights the stunning complexity behind such a simple act—enjoying coffee—despite knowing virtually nothing about its…

Between America’s founding and 1914, the United States experienced unprecedented innovation and growth. Within 100 years, it became the richest and most powerful nation in the world. Why? Capitalism unleashed…

Capitalism, as discussed in the previous lecture, developed from a lineage of philosophical and ideological evolution—most notably through Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke. The founding of the United States…

In just over a century, the United States transformed from a new republic into the richest, most powerful nation in the world. The pace of innovation and wealth creation during…

“Even the poorest among us has things the richest person 250 years ago didn’t have—running water, electricity, Wi-Fi.” “The true driver was not just technology or trade, but the liberation…