The concept of “breaking through the wall” in The Truman Show (1998) is a powerful metaphor for escaping the boundaries of an artificial, controlled reality and discovering a deeper, truer understanding of life. In the movie, Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey, lives his entire life in a fabricated world created by a television network. Everything around him, from his family and friends to his job and town, is orchestrated for the show, with Truman being the only one unaware of the deception.

When Truman breaks through the wall, both physically and symbolically, it represents:

1. Awakening: Truman gradually becomes aware that something about his world is wrong, despite all efforts to keep him complacent. His journey represents the human desire for truth and freedom, echoing existential themes of realizing the limitations of a constructed reality. It’s akin to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, where the prisoner leaves the shadows to see the real world.

2. Free Will vs. Control: Throughout the movie, Truman is manipulated, with his choices and experiences shaped by the show’s creator, Christof. Breaking through the wall signifies Truman exercising his free will, rejecting the illusion of control that’s been placed on him since birth. This can be seen as a critique of how society, media, or external forces often shape perceptions of reality.

3. Courage and Curiosity: Truman’s decision to leave the constructed reality is driven by his curiosity and desire to explore beyond the horizon. His persistence despite the many obstacles placed in his way—literal storms, emotional manipulation, and fear—highlights the courage required to challenge the status quo and seek a more authentic existence.

4. Self-Discovery: Breaking through the wall signifies not only a rejection of the artificial but also a quest for self-knowledge. Truman has to leave behind everything familiar to discover his true self, free from the roles others have assigned him. It’s a moment of existential liberation.

This metaphor of breaking through can be extended to real life, as many people experience moments where they realize they’ve been confined by societal expectations, beliefs, or their own fears. It’s a call to push beyond the comfort zone, confront uncomfortable truths, and embrace an uncertain but more authentic reality.

Physical, intellectual, and spiritual

Every single day, I engage the physical, intellectual, and spiritual. By hitting the gym, lifting weights, I train my physical body. By making photographs, writing, reading, researching, I engage the intellectual through creative pursuits. Personally, by walking a nature, alone in solitude, I engage the spiritual, through contemplation, and being alone with myself and God.

The trifecta

Street photography is the best form of art because it allows me to engage the physical, intellectual and spiritual all at once

Why weakness is bad

Perhaps weakness is the ultimate evil, and something to avoid at all costs. When somebody is weak of body, they will inevitably be weak of mind. Somebody who is weak of body and mind, will be weak of spirit.

Why is it that people desire to help the weak, the sick, or homeless? I know that it’s right and just, but why?

I have a neighbor who constantly complains to me every single day I see him. One day it’s about his leg, the next about his arm, the next about his sore hand, family, friend, etc. He’s always hunched over, in pain, or sad. I’ve never seen this man with a smile on his face or ever say anything positive. The only thing that you can do in these situations is give them straight up advice, like tell them to eat the right foods, get better sleep, do a particular stretch, etc. Maybe you can only become a blueprint, by empowering yourself first, in order to empower others? Ultimately, weakness is bad, because misery loves company. Just don’t let anybody drain your energy, or your lust for life.

Empower yourself.

The atomization of man

Yesterday, while walking around the streets, this homeless guy came up to me and started ranting about all these conspiracy theories and just crazy things in general. I feel as though these people when atomized become so weak that they feel like the whole world is against them. Maybe when man becomes atomized, without community, friends, and family, it is inevitable that you will wind up subscribing to conspiracy theories, or even Christian fundamentalist views that the world is ending, and that the current events happening throughout the world are signs of the end times. I think of these protestant preachers on the street that constantly tell people that they must repent or they will burn in hell forever, and how terrible of a way to preach this becomes.

My Camera and I in the Loop by Ray K. Metzker

Ray Metzker and The Loop: A Journey into Photographic Form

Ray Metzker’s photographic journey through the Loop, the bustling core of downtown Chicago, was both a challenge and an opportunity. In this area, defined by its elevated train tracks, busy streets, and dense urban environment, Metzker found a subject that would push him beyond the boundaries of traditional photography. What began as a sociological exploration of a city space transformed into an abstract investigation of light, form, and personal expression through the camera.

The Loop as a Subject

The Loop, with its intricate web of streets, alleys, and buildings, was more than just a fraction of the city to Metzker. It was a magnet—an area where the whole of Chicago seemed to converge. In his words, “At one time or another, the whole of the city’s inhabitants must pass through it. They cannot escape its influence.” This space, full of life and movement, presented an overwhelming bigness that Metzker sought to capture. However, what initially appeared to be a straightforward project soon evolved into something more profound.

Metzker began his process by walking the streets, alleys, and cross streets of the Loop, equipped with his Rolleiflex or Leica. His intention was to build a photographic series that would clearly state, “This is the Loop.” He sought to capture not only the physical environment but also the essence of the place through an analysis of people, activities, and architecture. However, as he photographed, he encountered a creative dilemma—his early images required verbal explanations to convey their meaning. This need for interpretation made him realize that he was subtracting from the subject’s reality, forcing him to rethink his approach.

The Role of Light and Shadow

As his vision evolved, Metzker began to focus on the visual language of light and shadow, moving away from merely documenting the Loop’s physical reality. He started to see photography as a composition of light, where blackness became a significant, albeit challenging, presence in his images. His desire to capture only the essential details of his subjects required him to adjust his technique. Metzker noted that “the growing presence of black was a difficult problem in printing,” as it threatened to overwhelm the image, throwing off the balance of values.

This struggle with light and dark led Metzker to a deeper understanding of photographic form. Over time, he recognized that forcing a negative into his pre-conceived vision for a final print limited his creativity. It was only by embracing the inherent qualities of each negative that he began to produce work that truly expressed his evolving vision. His early frustration—driven by an overwhelming desire to make the Loop a statement—gave way to a more fluid, intuitive process.

The Loop as Inspiration, Not the Focus

The Loop, for Metzker, eventually became less about making a literal statement and more about the relationship between the photographer, the camera, and the subject. He realized that while the Loop was the initial reason for his project, it wasn’t the primary message. The real value lay in the photographic form itself—the visual language he was creating through his work. The Loop was merely the location where this relationship could take shape.

As Metzker’s focus shifted from sociological documentation to the abstraction of form, his technique changed as well. No longer interested in simply recording what was in front of his lens, he began to explore the concept of space, light, and the interaction of elements within the frame. He started photographing without preconceived notions, letting his curiosity lead him. This freedom allowed him to see the Loop not as a whole but as a collection of small moments, where even a span of six feet could yield a powerful image.

The Search for Form

By the end of his project, Metzker had arrived at a deeper understanding of photography. He realized that developing photographic form requires thoughtful work and exploration. Theories and discussions could only take him so far—true understanding came through the act of photographing. He reflected on the necessity of work in discovering both tradition and innovation in photography, concluding that “to photograph is to be involved with form in its primal state.”

The Loop, with all its complexity, had drawn Metzker in, but the real discovery was his evolving relationship with photography itself. He found that, through the act of working, he was able to create a body of photographs that represented not just the Loop, but his own journey as an artist. The Loop was no longer the subject; instead, it became the space where the photographer found meaning through the camera.

Conclusion

Ray Metzker’s work on the Loop reminds us that photography is more than just documentation—it is a process of discovery. Through his struggles with light, space, and technique, Metzker moved beyond the literal confines of his subject to explore deeper, more abstract visual forms. The Loop, once an overwhelming and chaotic environment, became a stage for Metzker’s exploration of photographic form and expression. His journey into the heart of the city ultimately became a journey into the heart of photography itself.

In Metzker’s words, “Development of form can come only through work.” His experience photographing the Loop is a testament to the value of persistence, experimentation, and the willingness to let go of preconceived ideas in favor of creative discovery.

Philadelphia – October 3, 2024

Noble

The word “noble” has deep historical roots and various meanings across time and cultures. Its primary meanings encompass characteristics such as high moral qualities, distinguished rank, or esteemed lineage. Here’s a breakdown of its etymology and meaning:

Etymology:

• Latin Origin: The word “noble” comes from the Latin word nobilis, which means “well-known” or “famous.” In ancient Rome, nobilis referred to someone of high social status, often someone from a well-known family or with aristocratic connections.

• Old French: The term passed into Old French as noble, carrying the same connotations of aristocracy and moral distinction.

• Middle English: From Old French, the word entered Middle English as noble, retaining its sense of high rank or moral virtue.

Meaning:

1. Of High Rank: Historically, “noble” was used to describe someone belonging to a social or political elite, often hereditary aristocracy.

2. Virtuous or Righteous: Beyond social rank, “noble” describes someone exhibiting moral excellence, bravery, or selflessness.

3. Imposing or Grand: It can also refer to something grand or impressive in appearance, quality, or size (e.g., “a noble tree”).

Thus, “noble” blends the ideas of high standing, both in terms of character and social rank, tracing its roots back to classical understandings of prominence and excellence.

Teleology of Street photography

The teleology of street photography refers to the purpose or ultimate goal behind the practice. In philosophical terms, teleology explores the end or aim of an action, and when applied to street photography, it asks: What is the purpose of this art form?

Capturing the Essence of Human Life

One potential teleological view of street photography is that its purpose is to capture and preserve the raw, unfiltered essence of human life. It reveals truths about society, culture, and individuals by documenting moments that are unposed, authentic, and sometimes chaotic. The ultimate aim is to reflect life as it unfolds in real-time, showing the beauty, complexity, and spontaneity of existence.

Revealing the Universal in the Particular

Another teleological goal of street photography could be the revelation of universal truths through specific, everyday moments. By focusing on the details of the streets—expressions, gestures, interactions, and even the architecture—street photographers strive to expose something deeper about humanity itself. These small moments become a window into larger, existential themes such as loneliness, joy, connection, or conflict.

Social Commentary

In many cases, street photography also serves as a form of social commentary. Its purpose may be to reveal the inequalities, struggles, or beauty within a particular society or time. By photographing the streets, the artist can document cultural changes, political unrest, or even moments of resistance, aiming to spark reflection or change in the viewer.

Personal Expression and Meaning

For some street photographers, the teleology of their work is personal. The aim is to express their own worldview, emotions, and responses to the urban environment. The streets become a canvas for the photographer’s inner life, and the act of photography serves as a means to find meaning and purpose in the external world.

In this teleological view, street photography is about creating a bridge between the photographer’s internal reflections and the external reality they observe, inviting the viewer to engage with both.

Aristotle – The Politics

Aristotle’s Politics: A Guide to Political Philosophy

Aristotle’s Politics is one of the most influential works in Western political thought. It addresses fundamental questions about the nature of human society, the structure of government, and the relationship between ethics and politics. In this guide, we explore the key themes, ideas, and quotes from Politics to provide a comprehensive understanding of Aristotle’s political philosophy.

Key Themes in Politics

1. The Nature of the Polis

Aristotle views the polis (city-state) as a natural community that exists for the sake of living well. According to him, humans are inherently political animals, and participation in the polis is essential for achieving the good life.

“Man is by nature a political animal.”

(Politics, I.1253a)

Aristotle argues that the polis exists not merely to provide security or economic advantage but to enable citizens to achieve virtue and flourish as human beings.

2. The Role of the Household and Slavery

Aristotle begins his discussion of politics with the household, considering it the foundational unit of the polis. He distinguishes between the natural relationships within a household—between husband and wife, parent and child—and the controversial institution of slavery.

He defends slavery as a natural institution, arguing that some people are “slaves by nature” because they lack the rational capacity to govern themselves.

“A slave is a living possession.”

(Politics, I.1254b)

While this view is contentious, it reflects Aristotle’s broader conception of hierarchy in both the household and society.

3. Types of Government

Aristotle categorizes governments based on who rules and for what purpose. He identifies six types of government, distinguishing between those that serve the common good and those that serve the interest of the rulers:

• Monarchy (rule by one for the common good)

• Tyranny (rule by one for self-interest)

• Aristocracy (rule by the few for the common good)

• Oligarchy (rule by the few for self-interest)

• Polity (rule by many for the common good)

• Democracy (rule by many for self-interest)

“The rule of law, it is argued, is preferable to that of any individual.”

(Politics, III.1287a)

Aristotle believes that the best practical government is a mixed constitution—a polity—that balances elements of oligarchy and democracy.

4. The Best Life and the Best State

A central question in Politics is the relationship between the best way of life and the best political structure. Aristotle argues that the best state is one that allows its citizens to live virtuously and achieve eudaimonia (flourishing).

He asserts that a well-functioning state will provide education and a legal system that encourages virtue. The aim of the state is to cultivate good citizens who can contribute to the common good.

“The good life is the end of the city-state.”

(Politics, III.1280b)

5. Justice and the Distribution of Wealth

Aristotle devotes considerable attention to justice, both distributive (how resources and honors are distributed) and corrective (how wrongs are redressed). He advocates for a middle ground in the distribution of wealth and believes extreme wealth inequality destabilizes the state.

“In democracies, the rich are usually hated, and in oligarchies, the poor are despised.”

(Politics, IV.1295b)

He also addresses the dangers of both excessive poverty and wealth, emphasizing that a stable middle class is crucial for political stability.

Notable Quotes from Politics

• On the Polis:

“The polis exists by nature and man is by nature a political animal; and he who by nature and not by mere accident is without a polis, is either a bad man or above humanity.”

(Politics, I.1253a)

• On Slavery:

“Some men are by nature free, and others are slaves, and for these latter slavery is both expedient and right.”

(Politics, I.1255a)

• On Constitutions:

“The rule of law is preferable to that of any individual.”

(Politics, III.1287a)

• On the Good Life:

“The good life is the end of the city-state.”

(Politics, III.1280b)

Structure of Aristotle’s Politics

Aristotle’s Politics is divided into eight books, each focusing on a different aspect of political philosophy. Here’s a brief overview:

Book I: The Household and Slavery

Aristotle explores the nature of the household as the basic unit of the polis. He discusses the roles of men, women, and slaves, providing a controversial defense of natural slavery.

Book II: Critique of Previous Political Theories

This book critiques the political theories of Plato, the Spartan constitution, and other contemporary ideas about government.

Book III: Citizenship and Constitutions

Aristotle examines what it means to be a citizen and discusses different types of constitutions and governments.

Book IV: The Best Constitution and Political Stability

This book focuses on the best constitution in relation to different types of states and the idea of political stability.

Book V: Revolutions and Political Change

Aristotle addresses the causes of political revolutions and how to prevent them, emphasizing the importance of the middle class.

Book VI: Democracy and Oligarchy

Here, Aristotle analyzes the advantages and drawbacks of both democracy and oligarchy, offering practical advice on how to govern effectively.

Book VII: The Ideal State and the Ideal Life

Aristotle argues for a political structure that promotes the best life, which for him involves living virtuously and fulfilling one’s potential.

Book VIII: Education and the State

The final book discusses the importance of education in shaping virtuous citizens, stressing that the state must take responsibility for its citizens’ moral development.

Conclusion

Aristotle’s Politics remains a foundational text in political theory, providing insight into the nature of government, the role of citizens, and the ultimate purpose of political life. His exploration of different forms of government, justice, and the relationship between ethics and politics continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about governance and society.

By examining Aristotle’s work, we are reminded that the aim of politics is not merely power or wealth, but the cultivation of virtue and the good life for all citizens.

Feel free to use and edit this structure for your blog post!

Eudaimonia

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dante-sisofo/embed/episodes/Eudaimonia-e2p68ga/a-abif2n1

Eudaimonia and the Path to Human Flourishing

In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the central theme of eudaimonia—human flourishing—forms the foundation of his philosophical inquiries. The question of how to achieve eudaimonia is timeless, and it has resonated with me as I reflect on my experiences in both rural and urban environments. Drawing from my time in Zambia and my current life in Philadelphia, I can see distinct contrasts between these two worlds and their approaches to community and well-being.

A Glimpse of Eudaimonia in Rural Zambia

During my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, I lived in Mpanta Village in the Luapula province, alongside the Bemba tribe. The village was surrounded by the beautiful Lake Bangweulu, and I worked as a rural aquaculture promotion specialist, helping locals with fish farming.

What stood out most was how community life in the village seemed to embody eudaimonia. The people lived together in close-knit relationships, sharing resources, land, and responsibilities. If one person fell on hard times, the tribe would rally around them. There was no homelessness—everyone was cared for within the hierarchy of God, tribe, and land.

At the heart of the village was the church, where people gathered weekly to listen to the stories of Jesus, striving to better themselves spiritually. This shared commitment to a higher ideal bound the community together, fostering a sense of unity and flourishing. It was a living example of what Aristotle described: striving for the highest good.

Atomization in Modern Cities

In stark contrast, the modern city—like Philadelphia—often atomizes individuals, separating them from their communities. Skyscrapers like the Comcast Center symbolize how we live and work stacked on top of one another, yet remain isolated. The bureaucratic structures in office life, combined with the disconnected nature of urban living, create a sense of detachment. We don’t know our neighbors; we are boxed into cubicles or apartments with limited meaningful interaction.

As I walk through Market Street, it’s hard not to notice the homelessness and poverty that plague the city. This disconnect from community and purpose may be contributing to the struggles many face. The more we rely on technology like smartphones, the more we seem to retreat into isolation.

The Role of Technology in Human Flourishing

Our increasing reliance on technology has distanced us from true flourishing. While conveniences like social media and work-from-home arrangements make life easier, they also reduce the depth of our human connections. In Zambia, I had to physically work for essentials—fetching water, preparing food, and building shelter. That manual labor tied me to the land and community in a way that modern technology can’t replicate.

Technology has its benefits, but I believe its overuse has atomized us.

Finding Eudaimonia in Community

In both rural villages and modern cities, human flourishing is ultimately tied to our relationships with others. Aristotle emphasized the importance of friendship, stating that in a true friend, we find a reflection of ourselves. The Christian principle of “treating thy neighbor as thyself” parallels this, encouraging us to build meaningful, supportive communities.

While it’s possible to achieve flourishing in solitude, it is much harder without the support of a community that shares common values. The death of God, as Nietzsche famously quoted, might be contributing to the societal challenges we see today—poverty, homelessness, and a lack of purpose.

Conclusion: Striving for the Highest Good

Ultimately, eudaimonia requires striving for the highest good—individually and collectively. My time in Zambia provided a glimpse of what true community flourishing can look like, and it has left me with questions about how we can bring more of that spirit into modern city life. The challenge is real, but the potential for human flourishing remains if we reconnect with our communities and set our sights on the greater good.

mystic

Philadelphia – October 2, 2024

Create a visual diary every day

Create like today is your last!

The most liberating way to approach your street photography, is treating it as a stream of becoming. This means, the goal is to just simply produce photos throughout the entirety of the day. By carrying a compact camera that fits in your front right pocket, there is no excuse for you not to produce photographs. By photographing yourself through the reflection of mirrors, selfies, your shadow, details, architecture, views from the window during your commute, candid moments, etc. You fuel your lust for life. The process of making new pictures is the ultimate joy of photography.

Just let life flow towards you, stop hunting, searching, and enjoy the ride!

Why is the Ricoh GR on back order?

The Ricoh GR series, particularly the GR III and GR IIIx, is currently on back order due to a combination of factors. One of the main reasons is its soaring popularity, which has outpaced the company’s manufacturing capacity. This demand spike has been particularly noticeable in markets like China and Japan, where delivery times are now months out. The camera has become highly sought after, partly due to its compact design and high image quality, making it an attractive alternative to the also hard-to-find Fujifilm X100V. This surge in demand, along with supply chain challenges, has led to global inventory shortages and delays in fulfilling orders .

The wisest decision I’ve made in the past 2 years

*NOT* enlisting in the United States Military…

My problem is, civilian life is just so boring, so I need to find something greater to strive towards or do, and I was seriously contemplating enlisting in the military for years after my peace corps service, but inevitably realized that it is definitely not worth it whatsoever.

You can just treat yourself like a warrior in your hometown instead, and live a monastic, disciplined, Soldier-like lifestyle.

PRIMAL FORCE

Your piece on High Thumos resonates with a powerful spirit, conveying the essence of what it means to channel inner vitality into creative pursuits. Your life is driven by an indomitable energy, which you connect to your childhood creativity, your photographic journey, and your current routine of intense discipline and focus.

The creative energy you describe—rooted in childhood forts, early graphic design, and making music—gives a rich backdrop to your identity as a producer rather than a consumer. This foundation sets you apart from societal expectations, allowing you to forge your own path fueled by creativity and vitality.

I find the producer vs. consumer section particularly compelling, where you reveal how societal traps, like free bread in restaurants or the food pyramid, are designed to feed complacency. By rejecting these, you advocate for aligning with the raw essence of life, consuming only what truly nourishes, such as red meat for the body and thumos for the soul.

Your daily routine, structured with high energy and creativity, highlights the practical embodiment of thumos. The ritual of walking through Philadelphia’s streets, capturing life with your camera, mirrors the warrior spirit of Achilles. Even your evening reflections during the Wanamaker Organ performance tie your artistic process to something transcendent, reinforcing the idea that creative output is tied to discipline and high energy.

The metaphor of Blitzcrank from League of Legends is a sharp comparison, representing your ability to take hits—whether from critique or life’s challenges—while continuing forward, powered by inner strength. This notion that thumos protects you from external negativity, while fueling your art, gives the piece a strong philosophical foundation.

The emphasis on Achilles’ spirit as a symbol of thumos, despite his eventual fall, presents a duality: glory comes with risk, but it’s the raw passion that drives us forward. In your view, even in modern life, thumos is essential to overcoming fear and living with purpose.

In summary, your essay taps into the primal force within us all—the energy that compels us to create, to strive for greatness, and to leave behind the trivial distractions of modern life. You’ve woven personal anecdotes, metaphors, and ancient symbols into a compelling call to action, encouraging others to live with high thumos.

High Thumos

High Thumos

Become what the world isn’t. Society has conditioned us to consume, to buy into distractions and a slave mentality. But we are the ultimate producers, driven by the life force, vitality, and thumos within us. Personally, I don’t need motivation—I’m always moving. My body is the vehicle, and courage drives me. Thumos fuels my every action in life.

I Was Always a Creative Person

As a kid, I built teepees in the woods, forts in trees, and carved my own nature paths. I arranged warrior figures and crusaders in intricate battle scenes, gave them dialogue, and created stories. In the first and second grade, I made books, illustrating scenes from Star Wars and crafting my own storylines. I vividly remember one story I created called “The Return of Yoda,” with a colorful picture of Yoda on the cover that I drew with crayons. I loved making comic strips and short stories and always had a knack for creation since a very young age. By sixth grade, I was mastering graphic design in Photoshop CS3, which I learned how to pirate and get for free on the internet. At that time, I was also modifying Nerf guns and jailbreaking iPods, all while making music in GarageBand. I remember my neighbor would come over, and we would put down some beats, plug in an electric guitar or keyboard, and he would even sing over the songs we made, joking around and having fun with it.

Around this time, I loved alternative music, especially bands like Arcade Fire, and the song “Ready to Start” was my anthem. My gamertag on Xbox Live was “TuNe Music” because I always had the best music taste and found tracks before they got popular. I used to make Call of Duty montages and edit videos with After Effects and iMovie. I was even the first person to trick shot on Call of Duty: World at War and made a whole new subgenre within a niche community of sniping in the game.

In high school, I was very passionate about graphic design, web design, and especially typography. Eventually, that led me to photography. My first camera was the Nikon FM with a 50mm lens that I purchased from a small mom-and-pop camera shop in Chestnut Hill. As I became more interested in photography, I learned that my great uncle Bill owned a Leica M3, and he allowed me to borrow it on the weekends, where I started practicing street photography as a teenager around the time I was 17 years old.

Full of Energy

I’ve always been full of energy and vitality. This, to me, is the core of what having high thumos is about. It’s the passionate part of my soul that drives me to do what I do with courage at the forefront. I remind myself of how I started, as a young boy creating in my backyard, up until now, as a grown adult at 28 years old, still pursuing my passion for creation. I’ve never needed something to motivate me to do what I do. I simply find myself endlessly in a production state, a flow state, of making something. I find that photography is the ultimate tool or medium for any creator because it is so accessible and easy to get into. You can carry a small camera with you wherever you may be, and have the endless opportunity to use your vitality and energy for the act of creating.

For me, thumos drives my creation; it has me making more rather than less. Stagnation is not an option for those that have high vitality. With your vitality at the forefront, everything else falls into place. I believe that a photographer must be strong, full of life and energy, as this will reflect in the photographs that we make.

Producer Versus Consumer

Have you ever wondered why they give you free bread at restaurants?

When you sit down at a restaurant, they always offer you a drink menu first. They expect that you’ll order alcohol. Secondly, free bread arrives, and I’ve always wondered why… Essentially, as you eat, the carbohydrates from the bread break down into sugars, which then spike your insulin, making you hungrier 10 minutes later. This is why restaurants give you free bread, because the waiter will then come around the middle of the meal, asking if you’re OK, if you want to order anything more, and then especially come back with the dessert menu. If you eat the bread at the beginning of the meal, you’re going to have the hunger and appetite for dessert at the end.

The free basket of bread may seem like a courtesy, but it’s actually manipulative and makes you want to eat dessert later. You can think this way about the entire food pyramid as well. The top of the food pyramid tells you to eat red meat sparingly, while grains are the base. Follow the food pyramid, and you will inevitably be a consumer slave. Why? Because you will then be dependent upon all of these other foods that are low in satiation and protein, which actually fuel your body with the energy that it needs.

What Is Your Modus Operandi?

I find it interesting to learn how other people operate, especially photographers or creative people. Personally, I wake up early, around 4:30 AM, slam four espressos, and head out the door with my 40-pound plate carrier, marching for one hour. I grab my camera and go immediately, either writing down my thoughts or making photographs. This is a new operation for me, as I’ve only been doing this for about two years now, since adopting my new process of photographing in black-and-white. I think I’ve ultimately returned to this amateur mindset, where I’m a big kid again with a camera, starting from day one every single day, and this is what fuels my curiosity to get out there so early in the morning.

Anyways, I enjoy going to the top of the cliff behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, looking out towards the beautiful horizon, river, and architecture of the Fairmount Water Works. This location brings me immense joy as I can look out towards the skyline. On my journey back home, viewing the city in a panopticon view, looking out towards the surroundings and the sky above, always reminds me of how open this world is and how endless the possibilities are.

Before I start the day, I make sure to do yoga for at least 10 minutes, stretching my legs and body, preparing for a day of physical activity. I’ve started working in horticulture, spending the majority of my morning and afternoon in nature, typically in solitude, to be honest, for eight hours on my own from 7-3. This is a very important part of my day for me. As a street photographer, working amidst the hustle and bustle of people, I also need the balance of being alone in nature, away from urban life. I’ve designed my life this way so that I can have time to reflect, think, read, and write before going out there and creating on the streets.

After work, I strap my 40-pound plate carrier back on and hit my home gym, where I do some pull-ups, push-ups, dips, farmer’s walk, lateral raises, bicep curls, squats, and a simple routine for about 15 minutes. From 3 to 6 PM, I photograph on Market Street, which is one of the oldest streets in Philadelphia. I think this is the best street to practice photography in Philadelphia because the streets are so wide, with many people coming and going from the bus stops, walking through the Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market, and the mall. There are some office buildings where workers come from, and it’s close to City Hall and Broad Street, where you can see beautiful architecture and get more action when the offices let out.

At 5:30 PM, I enjoy listening to the Wanamaker Organ inside the Macy’s on Market Street. This has become a daily ritual for me, where I cull through my photos of the day, making my selections and listening to some beautiful music. At first, listening to the organ was merely a curiosity after my grandmother passed away, because she worked in the building, and I knew that maybe she listened to it too. I then realized how this may be the most uplifting and beautiful artistic experience you could have in the city of Philadelphia. The combination of architecture, sculpture, and music are some of the highest forms of art. Not to mention, the Wanamaker Organ is the world’s largest playing pipe organ, and it’s truly a privilege to have the opportunity to listen to it for free each day.

I feel as though when I stand in front of this gigantic eagle sculpture, with thousands of feathers wrought by hand, I’m standing within a divine space, enjoying a transcendent artistic experience, soaring upwards and beyond the high ceiling of the Wanamaker building on the wings of the eagle!

Now, this ritual has become an active discipline for me to remain outside until the end of the day and to always finish looking at my photos and making selections before I even get home. I’ve always found the burden of culling through the work and making selections to be the most grueling part of photography. Since adopting a new workflow using small JPEG, high contrast, black-and-white, with the Ricoh GR and iPad, I’ve found the fastest workflow for street photography possible, which not only makes my life easier but makes me a happier person and photographer.

After I cull through the photos, I shoot for another half hour, head home, and break my fast, eating one meal per day of entirely red meat. By satiating my body with red meat, I give my soul the vitality it needs to go onwards the next day. I also believe that through fasting, I remain disciplined and focused on my creative pursuits throughout the entirety of the day.

My mode of operation is one of high discipline, high thumos, physical training, and creativity. I’ve designed a life where I’m always outdoors, never stagnant, never sitting down, and essentially standing and walking throughout the entirety of my day. There hasn’t been a single day that passes by where I don’t reach my goal of 30,000 steps or 15 miles per day. Maybe I walk more than 99% of the city of Philadelphia every single day? This is what thumos looks like, where you have too much power within your body, your legs, and this inevitably leads you onwards, endlessly.

How to Increase Your Thumos

When I think of thumos, I think of Achilles dragging the body of Hector along the walls of Troy, taunting his enemies after avenging the death of his best friend Patroclus. This intense, emotional rage that fueled Achilles on the battlefield with vengeance and the goal of glory, I believe, is the core of thumos. There’s an inner warrior within us that disregards the rational, embracing that spiritedness, that high energy, that brings us to do what we do with passion. Were Achilles’ actions ultimately what led to his decline? Yes, but the spirit of his soul is something we can carry out within this modern world that suppresses our inner warrior.

Fear is normal and irrational, something we all feel. However, what if courage was the antidote to these feelings, and we moved onward, through the walls of Troy, with them set aside? What if we take all the arrows, all the shots, similar to how Achilles took an arrow to his ankle from Hector’s brother, a coward from the sidelines, sniping him from a distance?

I think of the video game League of Legends and my favorite champion to play as, Blitzcrank. Blitzcrank was an ultra-tanky character, one that could take lots of shots. I would always increase his defense to the maximum, and I even remember a defense system that would allow him to regenerate his shield when his health was low. I would take all of the shots from the turrets, the minions, and support my team as we marched onward through the lanes. I find this to be a metaphor for embracing your raw power, vitality, and thumos, despite the heat of battle or the critique of others, whether it be from Zeus himself or a mortal in the flesh.

We do not let the words and actions of others affect us in any way. We have an inner energy, a fiery force, that is driving us onto the front lines of life, in pursuit of eternal glory through the medium of photography. May he who photographs the most win.

The world has been conquered, and there is nowhere left for man to dominate. I say, the world of photography is open, and a new domain for us to conquer.

Author name: Dante Sisofo