The more you make mistakes, the more you embrace imperfection, the better you will become.

Keep reiterating every single day.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dante-sisofo/embed/episodes/i-love-concrete-e2n84mf/a-abfutmr

The Sidewalk is my Paradise

There’s something about stepping onto the sidewalk, entering the urban arena, that fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement. The city streets are my playground, a place where I can fully embrace the lust for life and the battle within me.

The moment I hit the concrete, I feel a rush of energy—a pure bliss that comes from watching the flow of people, the movement of traffic, the wiggling of leaves in the breeze. The city excites me like nothing else. It’s a place where humans, designed as social creatures, truly thrive. Sure, nature brings peace and tranquility, but there’s something about urban life that makes us come alive, reaching the apex of civilization.

I love the interaction, the random conversations with security guards, the casual greetings to strangers. The streets fill me with an exuberant energy that I can’t get anywhere else. The concrete is more than just a surface to walk on; it’s the foundation of our urban existence, a stage for the dance of life.

The city is where I belong, where I feel most alive. The contrast between the chaotic energy of urban life and the peaceful retreat of nature is what makes life so rich.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dante-sisofo/embed/episodes/Carnivore-Diet-Feast-on-the-Flesh-e2n7sin/a-abfujv0

The Power of Fasting and a Carnivore Diet

Today, I’m reflecting on the idea that a life filled with vitality is the only life worth living. After fasting all day and following a strict carnivore diet for the past two years, I’ve experienced a profound clarity and vigor. This lifestyle, rooted in primal practices I encountered during my travels from Jerusalem to Jericho and in Zambia, emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, fasting, and communal feasting on meat.

The Story of Eid al-Adha in Jericho

While traveling the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, the lowest and oldest inhabited city in the world, I witnessed the celebration of Eid al-Adha. This biblical event, rooted in the Old Testament, revolves around the notion of sacrifice. During my time there, hundreds of sheep were slaughtered, filling the air with the stench of blood and the cries of sheep. The community fasted all day, and when the sun set, they gathered to feast on the meat. This communal sacrifice and fasting intrigued me deeply, teaching me the primal way of living that I’ve now adopted.

My Initiation into the Bemba Tribe

Another profound experience came during my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, Africa. When I arrived in my village to work with the Department of Fisheries on aquaculture projects, I was initiated as a surrogate member of the Bemba tribe. A goat was hung from a tree, and I was handed a knife to slaughter it. This ritual marked my initiation, and the meat from that goat sustained us for the next week. This experience reinforced the importance of communal feasting and the deep connection between sacrifice and vitality.

Escaping Modern Domestication

In contrast to these primal practices, modern urban life has domesticated us, much like zoo animals. We spend most of our time indoors, snacking on processed foods from vending machines and fast-food outlets. This lifestyle inevitably leads to a decline in our physiology, health, and vitality. We’ve become too comfortable, seeking pleasure without making meaningful sacrifices. However, through fasting, I’ve found a way to remain laser-focused, with sharp visual acuity and enhanced intuition, unclouded by the fog of constant digestion.

The Body as a Battery

Our bodies, much like batteries, are charged by the sun and fueled by the nutrients in meat. This connection between our diet, sunlight, and vitality leads to a more energized life, free from the decline brought on by modern eating habits. When we consume more cholesterol through red meat and expose ourselves to sunlight, our bodies synthesize vitamin D, boosting testosterone and overall vitality.

Simplifying Life for Greater Freedom

By simplifying our lives, getting enough rest, and aligning with our natural state, we can go through life with purpose, clarity, and vigor. Discipline and the elimination of unnecessary choices are key to finding this freedom. Rather than being overwhelmed by the abundance of options, we should focus on what truly matters—our health, vitality, and connection to the natural world.

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Night by Edward Stauch, located in the Horticulture Center in Philadelphia. Here’s some information about it:

• Location: The sculpture is situated in the Horticulture Center in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, a prominent location known for its beautiful gardens and a variety of art installations.
• Artistic Style and Theme: The Night sculpture by Edward Stauch is an evocative piece that continues his exploration of the themes of darkness and the nocturnal world. The sculpture likely embodies the tranquility and mystery associated with nighttime, similar to his other works. Stauch’s style often includes fluid lines and a serene, contemplative quality, which might also be reflected in this particular piece.
• Material and Appearance: While specific details about the materials used for this sculpture are not widely documented, many of Stauch’s works were cast in bronze or sculpted in stone. The sculpture might feature a reclining figure, a common motif in Stauch’s work when depicting abstract concepts like night.
• Significance: The presence of this sculpture in the Horticulture Center adds a layer of cultural and artistic value to the space, blending art with nature. It serves as a focal point within the gardens, inviting visitors to reflect on the natural cycles of day and night.

Night by Edward Stauch

The Horticulture Center in Philadelphia is a place where art and nature come together, making it a fitting home for a sculpture that contemplates the serene and introspective qualities of night.

The quote you’re referring to is from Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra:

“One must still have chaos in oneself to give birth to a dancing star.”

This quote reflects Nietzsche’s philosophy on creativity, the self, and the transformative power of inner chaos. The “chaos” represents the inner turmoil, conflicts, and raw energy that reside within a person. It symbolizes the passionate and often tumultuous emotions or thoughts that can lead to significant creative or personal breakthroughs.

The “dancing star” is a metaphor for something beautiful, vibrant, and original that emerges from this inner chaos. Nietzsche suggests that it is precisely this inner disorder or conflict that fuels the creation of something extraordinary. The idea is that without experiencing and embracing the chaos within, one cannot achieve the kind of transformation that leads to the birth of a “dancing star”—a symbol of artistic or spiritual creation, brilliance, and individuality.

In essence, Nietzsche is highlighting the importance of embracing the complexities and struggles within oneself as a necessary process for achieving greatness, creativity, and self-realization. It encourages the idea that out of disorder and struggle, something profound and beautiful can emerge.

Wander

I don’t need to go anywhere new, for I can dive inside my mind.

There are endless streets to wander in this city, so don’t get left behind.

Find yourself in a curious state, a childlike state of mind.

Don’t be afraid to enter chaos, and step out of line.

Wanderer

The only life worth living is a life full of vitality.

At the end of my day, after eating, the sun begins to set, and I can feel my body slowly shut down. For our bodies are like batteries, full of electric currents, firing throughout our body, giving energy to our brain, our heart, our muscles, and all of our vital organs. By leading a day full of power, standing upright, walking with a strong gait, embracing the elements, the sunlight, and chaos, I give the day all I’ve got. When it comes to vitality, we must consider sleep more critically and how we can maximize our energy by recharging our battery.

I wake up before the sun starts to show some light beyond the horizon. I enjoy slamming down espresso I pre-prepared the night before in the fridge so that I can drink it with speed, entering my Dionysian state of frenzy. I do some simple stretching, strap on my 40-pound plate carrier, throw on a pair of barefoot shoes, with a big hole in the bottom exposing one of my toes, and hit the nature trail along the Schuylkill River. I wake up with Spartan rigor and embrace the discipline of the early hours. These daily rituals enhance my lust for life itself, as I wake up, eager to practice my photography, throwing my camera in my front right pocket, and hitting the streets as early as possible. I’m just so eager and excited for the day, cheerful for the morning time, excited for the sun to rise, and find joy in the journey ahead each day.

Detach

Don’t be bound to anything.

In terms of photography, forget about the pictures, the results, and the outcome. Simply make photographs for the sake of making photographs, finding joy and meaning in the process. Use photography as a way for you to affirm life, giving meaning to the mundane.

Order and Chaos

In the context of everyday life, recognize the chaos within you and the world around you. While there is order and structure to the streets, because of the infrastructure, the grid system, the traffic signals, stop signs, and streetlights, the humans who dance upon the streets are full of chaos and unpredictability.

“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

As a street photographer, we enter the unknown, embracing spontaneity, and put order to chaos, placing four corners around life, and saying yes, following our instinct, our gut. Perhaps it is our instinct that we ultimately must become more in tune with, as this is where our most vital and alive selves can be born, where our chaos is born, giving birth to that bright light within us.

Every morning, I march to the highest elevated place near me, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, standing on top of the cliff. I seek a high vantage point, somewhere to place my beacon down, like a lighthouse, shining in the darkness. I need to look out beyond the horizon, for it is my instinct to look out and gaze into the unknown. My gut tells me to stand at the precipice each day, to move onward into the unknown. When I look out at the horizon, I remind myself that I could live until I’m 120 years old and still not experience everything in this life. When I have a Panopticon view of my surroundings, have a view of 360° around me, I feel on top of the world, transcending beauty and experiencing the sublime.

Light and Shadow

As I gaze out towards the horizon, eager to see the sun pierce above, I’m reminded of light, and its impact on my life, as my medium of choice within the realm of photography. We must not forget that photography is merely drawing with light.

The word photography comes from the Greek words “phōs” (φῶς), meaning “light,” and “graphê” (γραφή), meaning “drawing” or “writing.”

By embracing black and white, light and shadow, we return to the essence of the medium, creating an instant sketch of light, an instant sketch of life.

The more I contemplate light, the more I realize why I hate the night. In the nighttime, there are no shadows cast. In the nighttime, there is no sunlight. In the nighttime, there is nothing but artificial light. Artificial light is not something that intrigues me; it’s boring, and I’d rather sleep, waking up the next day, eager to catch the rays of the sun instead.

When I think of light and shadow, I’m reminded of the allegory of the cave by Plato, and notions of self-perception. Like the prisoners shackled to the cave, viewing the shadows cast from the fire in the cave upon the wall, those shadows tell a story about the world around them, and are the only perception they have of reality. When I walk around the city, I find playful ways to photograph my shadow, I sometimes even wave at it, and question the nature of things, and what makes something true or false. When I consider photography, light, and shadow, perhaps there is no ultimate truth, when it comes to making a photograph. A photograph lies, a photograph is merely a reflection of our perception of reality, and not the true reality. But what is true reality? Is true reality another world, a heaven, a metaphysical area that we haven’t yet discovered? Maybe reality is within our bodies, our biology, our physiology, and the physical world itself. When I walk with my feet firmly on the ground, I’m reminded that I’m bound by gravity. We are people of this earth, and physics is real. Photography allows the individual to experience the surreal, and to create a new world, a new reality.

Become a God

God is dead and we’ve replaced him with bureaucracy.

The order and structure that bureaucracy provides a city is frankly amusing. We are born into this world, and immediately assigned a Social Security number. We go through the public school education system, trained to sit down, listen to a bell ring, obey, and take orders. Eventually, we go to the DMV, get a driver’s license, after waiting for our number to be called, to then have another number assigned to our license. When I enter the workforce, I’m given a payroll number, a bank account number, a debit card number, a phone number, and if I want to join a union, I’m just a number on a list. We were born slaves to a system that we involuntarily agreed upon. We’re dependent on the systems to provide us with our basic needs, such as food and shelter. The main problem with the system is that I believe we are currently facing a hamster wheel, where we are indebted to the systems, just getting by, providing us with the right amount of money in a bank account to provide us with food and shelter, just enough to keep us treading above water. Because of this, the individual within the system has no time, quite literally time itself, to even think for themselves, do things for themselves, ask questions about the universe, the world, life, and make deeper relationships, founded upon common beliefs of spirituality that give life a deeper meaning. Our new spirituality has become this consumer culture that we’ve all adopted, replacing these deeper questions with the pursuit of power, pleasure, and material goods. We chase social status, instead of making an effort to go deeper within our personal and immediate communities. We have become atomized, scattered, spread out from each other, and no longer are one tribe. Think of the modern workplace, how we are confined to an office building, a cubicle, boxing ourselves in upon boxes and boxes, caged like zoo animals. We are living in a post-noble world, a slave world, and have been trained since a young age to be the perfect candidate for this slave factory.

Let’s rise above these modern spaces, these artificial environments that atomize us, that separate us, and become our own God.

Our Body is the Vehicle

Let’s return to the basics, to the foundation of what makes us human. We have two legs, stand upright, with a tall spine, and a head that sits on top, providing us with the ability to look at our surroundings, with our clear vision, our eyes, and our intuition that alerts us of danger, or any potential predators that come our way.

Our body is the vehicle, and we are driven through curiosity and courage.

In this modern world, our cars are the vehicle, and we spend most days sitting on our butts, being driven around by a big metal chariot like a toddler in a baby stroller, pacified.

By recognizing the connection between your mind and your body, and the body as the ultimate vehicle, we can return to nature. We must align with the highest version of ourselves, by practicing daily physical exertion, by making an effort to use our bodies. With the pursuit of pleasure, comfort, and power, comes the decline of the physical form, the human body. By sitting down each day, taking orders, and staying in that cubicle in the workplace, we are denying our true and authentic selves from coming out of us. Let’s return to nature, through physical exercise, and make an effort, each and every day, to stand upright, and use our vehicles.

When I’m full of power and energy, you cannot get me to sit still. You cannot tell me to do this or do that, if it requires me toiling at a computer like a monkey. My theory about the city is that nothing is really happening, that we are merely here as players, actors, pretending, making this game so boring, so tedious, so degrading and dehumanizing, to the point where we are becoming actual robots in the flesh. But let us return to flesh, as the ultimate technology, aligning with nature, and what it means to truly be human, to play a vital role within this cosmic drama.

When the individual returns to nature, we recognize our role within the animal kingdom. For the human being is the apex predator, not the lion, not the bear, for those animals have no conscience, no wit, no ingenuity. But the human being, with our hands, and our opposable thumbs, have been given the ability to craft tools, to make arrows, to craft guns and bullets, to hunt prey, to kill animals, and to feast on the flesh.

Feast on the Flesh

I will never forget when I arrived at my village in Zambia, Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer, presented with a goat, hanging from a tree, and a knife to slaughter it. For the next week, we feasted together, my initiation as a surrogate member of the Bemba tribe. During my time spent in Jericho, during Eid al-Adha, the day of sacrifice, hundreds of sheep were slaughtered throughout the streets, and the community fasted all throughout the day, waiting for the evening, the sun to set, to feast as a community.

These experiences remind me of the importance of fasting, sacrifice, and eating real animal-based protein. My new idea is that the only real food is flesh. We must eat the flesh of animals, fueling our physical bodies with the energy it needs to sustain us throughout the day. When I eat meat, I am no longer dependent on food throughout the day; I no longer have cravings or an insatiable appetite. I am fully satiated, full of vigor, power, and can move onward each day with strength and vigor without the need of snacking like a squirrel or a zoo animal in a cage, waddling to a vending machine within an artificial space to purchase a granola bar or a soda pop.

Be a Fool

I may be right, or I may be wrong, but who cares. I am a fool, I am an amateur, and I know nothing. I am merely a vessel, a vehicle, moving through this world, open and eager to learn each day. Through the medium of photography, I embrace the spirit of play, treating the world around me as a playground or canvas.

I don’t take myself so seriously, and find this to be the best place to be, as I can endlessly evolve, through the process of photography, getting closer and closer to life itself. By remaining in this amateur mindset, that of a fool, I experiment endlessly, with the ability to find meaning in the mundane. By photographing with a snapshot approach, letting my instincts carry me, I return to that childlike spirit of play that carries me throughout the day.

No Destination

I have no destination in mind. There is no goal. There is only process.

There is only walking, thinking, photographing, asking questions, and then doing it again. I never had a goal. I never really cared. I only enjoy making the work, moving onward endlessly. I don’t want to stop. I have no plan.

Wander

I don’t need to go anywhere new, for I can dive inside my mind.

There are endless streets to wander in this city, so don’t get left behind.

Find yourself in a curious state, a childlike state of mind.

Don’t be afraid to enter chaos, and step out of line.

Live dangerously. Wander.

DANTE

The song “Balance” by Future Islands is about finding equilibrium in life amidst challenges and uncertainties. The lyrics reflect a sense of striving to maintain inner peace and stability, despite the ups and downs one faces. The song suggests that life is full of changes and struggles, but it is crucial to stay centered and balanced. It encourages the listener to keep moving forward, to adapt, and to find a sense of harmony within themselves regardless of the external circumstances. The upbeat tempo of the song contrasts with the reflective nature of the lyrics, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of life’s difficulties.

Sure! Here’s a simplified summary with bullet points and headings:

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Key Points from “We Are the Extraordinary”

• Reject Mediocrity: Modern society promotes conformity and comfort, but this leads to mediocrity. Strive for greatness instead.
• Natural vs. Artificial: Avoid artificial environments, foods, and routines. These contribute to a decline in physical and mental vitality.
• Embrace Nature: Connect with nature to rejuvenate your mind and body. Simple acts like walking in nature can transcend the monotony of modern life.
• Street Photography as Conquest: Approach street photography with courage and audacity. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about conquering your fears and the world around you.
• Master Yourself: Strengthen your body and mind through discipline. Daily physical training can lead to equanimity and resilience.
• Value Truth Over Comfort: Speak the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. Modern kindness often masks the truth, leading to a decline in personal and societal standards.
• Overcome Boredom: Use boredom as an opportunity for self-reflection and creativity. Cultivate curiosity to continuously grow.
• Victory or Nothing: Adopt a mindset of conquering challenges. Aim for excellence in all that you do, whether in art, work, or personal life.

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This summary captures the main ideas and themes of your essay in a straightforward way.

Goethe’s Theory of Colors (Zur Farbenlehre), published in 1810, is one of his most intriguing works, showcasing his unique approach to science and his deep engagement with the phenomenon of color. Unlike Isaac Newton’s more mechanistic and mathematical Opticks, Goethe’s work on color is deeply rooted in human perception and the qualitative experience of color.

Key Aspects of Goethe’s Theory of Colors:

1. Perceptual Basis:
   Goethe’s theory emphasizes the subjective experience of color, focusing on how colors are perceived by the human eye. He believed that color arises from the interaction between light and darkness, rather than just being a property of light itself. This approach contrasts with Newton’s, which was based on the idea that colors are components of light that can be separated through a prism.
2. The Role of Light and Darkness:
   Goethe argued that color is the result of the interplay between light and darkness. He proposed that different colors emerge as light passes through or interacts with various media, encountering darkness or obstacles. For example, he suggested that yellow arises when light is seen through a medium that slightly darkens it, while blue appears when darkness is seen through a lightening medium.
3. Color Wheel and Complementary Colors:
   Goethe introduced a color wheel that includes primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) and their complementary pairs. He noted that complementary colors—such as red and green, blue and orange—appear most striking when placed next to each other and that these pairs play a significant role in the harmony of color perception.
4. Psychological and Symbolic Aspects of Color:
   Goethe also explored the psychological effects of colors, attributing different emotional and symbolic meanings to them. For instance, he associated yellow with warmth and cheerfulness, while blue was linked to coldness and tranquility. He believed that colors could evoke specific moods and

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) was a towering figure in German literature, philosophy, and science. He is best known as a poet, playwright, novelist, and statesman, but his influence extends far beyond these fields into areas such as natural science, art theory, and politics. Goethe is often regarded as one of the greatest writers in the German language and one of the most important figures in Western literature.

Early Life and Education

Goethe was born in Frankfurt am Main, in what is now Germany. He showed an early interest in literature and the arts, and his family encouraged his education in various subjects, including law, which he studied at the universities of Leipzig and Strasbourg. His legal studies, however, were secondary to his literary ambitions.

Literary Career

Goethe’s literary career began in earnest with the publication of “The Sorrows of Young Werther” (Die Leiden des jungen Werthers) in 1774. This novel, which tells the story of a young man’s unrequited love and eventual suicide, became an international sensation and made Goethe famous throughout Europe. It is often associated with the Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) movement, which emphasized emotional extremes and individualism.

Goethe’s masterpiece is undoubtedly “Faust,” a tragic play in two parts. Part I, published in 1808, and Part II, published posthumously in 1832, together tell the story of Dr. Faust, a scholar who makes a pact with the devil (Mephistopheles) in his quest for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. The play explores deep philosophical and moral questions, including the nature of human desire, the limits of knowledge, and the struggle between good and evil.

Besides “Faust,” Goethe wrote a vast range of other works, including plays like “Egmont” and “Iphigenia in Tauris,” the novel “Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship,” and numerous lyric poems. His poetry, including collections like “West-Eastern Divan” (West-östlicher Divan), reflects his broad interests, ranging from personal reflection to philosophical and spiritual themes.

Weimar Classicism and Friendship with Schiller

Goethe spent much of his life in Weimar, where he held various government positions, including working as a theater director. During this time, he formed a close friendship with Friedrich Schiller, another giant of German literature. Their collaboration and mutual influence were central to the development of Weimar Classicism, a movement that sought to synthesize the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman art with modern sensibilities. Their correspondence and shared projects greatly enriched German literature.

Scientific Contributions

Goethe was also a passionate scientist. His most notable scientific work is “Theory of Colors” (Zur Farbenlehre), in which he proposed a different approach to understanding color than Isaac Newton’s. Goethe’s theory focused on the subjective experience of color and the interplay between light and dark, though it was not widely accepted by the scientific community. He also made contributions to botany, anatomy, and geology, and his work in these areas reflects his holistic and philosophical approach to nature.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Goethe continued to write and reflect on a wide range of topics. He completed the second part of “Faust,” which is more allegorical and philosophical than the first. He also wrote his autobiography, “Poetry and Truth” (Dichtung und Wahrheit), which provides insight into his early life and development as an artist.

Goethe’s influence extends beyond literature. His ideas about nature, art, and the human condition have had a lasting impact on philosophy, especially philosophy, psychology, and the arts.

1. Philosophy:
   Goethe’s thoughts on nature, human experience, and aesthetics influenced many philosophers, including Friedrich Nietzsche, who admired Goethe’s exploration of life’s complexities and his affirmation of life’s inherent value. Goethe’s idea of Weltliteratur (world literature) suggested that literature transcends national boundaries, a concept that has resonated in modern globalized literary studies.
2. Psychology:
   Goethe’s work on colors and his insights into human perception and emotions had an impact on the emerging field of psychology. His exploration of the symbolic and emotional significance of colors contributed to later studies in color psychology and the emotional responses triggered by different colors.
3. The Arts:
   Goethe’s theories on color, especially his understanding of the interplay between light, darkness, and human perception, profoundly influenced artists. His ideas helped shape the use of color in Romantic and Impressionist art, where emotional expression and the subjective experience of color became central. Artists like J.M.W. Turner and Wassily Kandinsky were influenced by Goethe’s work, and his ideas continue to be relevant in discussions about color theory in art.
4. Literature:
   Goethe’s literary works, especially Faust, have been a source of inspiration for countless writers, composers, and thinkers. The themes in Faust—such as the quest for knowledge, the nature of good and evil, and the human struggle for meaning—have made it a timeless piece that continues to be studied and adapted in various forms, including opera, theater, and film.
5. Science:
   Although Goethe’s scientific ideas, particularly his color theory, were not widely accepted in his time, they have been revisited in more recent times as an alternative perspective on color perception. His holistic approach to science, emphasizing observation and experience over mathematical abstraction, has found resonance in certain modern scientific discourses that value interdisciplinary and qualitative approaches.

Goethe’s intellectual versatility and his ability to bridge the arts and sciences make him a unique figure in Western intellectual history. His works continue to be read, studied, and admired for their depth, insight, and the way they address the fundamental questions of human existence.

Friedrich Schiller’s concept of the sublime is an important aspect of his aesthetic philosophy. In his essays, particularly “On the Sublime” (Über das Erhabene), Schiller explores the idea that the sublime arises from a human confrontation with the infinite or the overwhelming, leading to a sense of awe and respect.

Key Elements of Schiller’s Concept of the Sublime:

1. Dual Nature of the Sublime: Schiller distinguished between the pathetic sublime and the dynamic sublime. The pathetic sublime is connected to emotions, such as the feeling of overwhelming sorrow or joy, while the dynamic sublime relates to the overwhelming power of nature or the cosmos, such as in a storm or the vastness of the universe.
2. The Role of Reason and Freedom: For Schiller, the experience of the sublime is tied to the elevation of human reason and moral freedom. When confronted with something vast or terrifying, like a powerful storm or the idea of death, individuals might feel physically small or insignificant. However, through the power of reason, they can transcend this feeling by recognizing their capacity to understand and reflect on these forces. This reflection leads to a sense of moral elevation, where the human spirit asserts its freedom over nature.
3. Moral and Aesthetic Dimensions: Schiller saw the sublime not just as an aesthetic experience but as a moral one as well. The encounter with the sublime challenges us to rise above our fears and instincts, and in doing so, we experience a sense of moral victory. This is why he considered the sublime to be closely related to ideas of human dignity and freedom.
4. The Sublime vs. the Beautiful: Schiller also contrasted the sublime with the beautiful. While beauty is harmonious, pleasing, and associated with pleasure, the sublime is more about tension, conflict, and an eventual resolution that leads to a feeling of liberation. The sublime can be both terrifying and exhilarating, as it involves the recognition of something greater than oneself, yet also a triumph of the human spirit over that fear or awe.
5. The Educational Role of the Sublime: Schiller believed that exposure to the sublime could have an educational effect, helping individuals to develop moral and intellectual strength. By experiencing the sublime, people learn to master their fears and emotions, and this mastery contributes to their overall moral development.

In summary, Schiller’s concept of the sublime is about the human capacity to confront, comprehend, and ultimately transcend the overwhelming forces of nature or emotion through reason and moral strength. This experience leads to a profound sense of freedom and dignity, making the sublime a key component in Schiller’s understanding of human potential and aesthetic experience.

Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) was a German poet, philosopher, physician, historian, and playwright. He is considered one of the most important figures in German literature and philosophy, particularly in the context of the Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) movement and German Classicism.

Schiller’s works are known for their exploration of themes like freedom, the nature of beauty, morality, and the conflict between the individual and society. Some of his most famous plays include “The Robbers” (Die Räuber), “William Tell” (Wilhelm Tell), “Mary Stuart” (Maria Stuart), and “Don Carlos.” He also wrote a number of significant essays on aesthetics and moral philosophy, and his concept of the “sublime” has had a lasting influence.

In addition to his dramatic works, Schiller was a prolific poet. One of his most famous poems, “Ode to Joy” (An die Freude), was later set to music by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony, making it one of the most well-known pieces of classical music.

Schiller’s collaboration with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, another giant of German literature, is also notable. The two shared a deep friendship and influenced each other’s work, contributing significantly to the Weimar Classicism movement.

Schiller’s legacy continues to be felt in literature, philosophy, and music, and he is celebrated as a champion of human dignity, freedom, and the pursuit of idealism.

Greek excellence, often referred to as “areté” in ancient Greek culture, is a concept that embodies the pursuit of virtue, moral integrity, and the fulfillment of one’s potential. It represents the ideal of living up to one’s full potential and excelling in various aspects of life, whether in physical prowess, intellectual achievements, or moral character. Areté is not merely about success or skill; it is about embodying the highest qualities that make one truly human.

Key Aspects of Greek Excellence:

1. Virtue and Moral Character:

• Areté is closely tied to the idea of virtue. In Greek thought, particularly in the works of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, excellence involves living a virtuous life. This means adhering to principles of justice, courage, temperance, and wisdom. A person who achieves areté is one who acts morally and justly in all aspects of life.

1. Fulfillment of Potential:

• Areté is also about fulfilling one’s potential. The Greeks believed that every individual had a specific nature or essence, and achieving excellence meant realizing and actualizing that nature fully. For a warrior, this might mean being the bravest in battle; for a philosopher, it might mean the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.

1. Physical and Intellectual Prowess:

• In Greek society, excellence was not limited to moral virtue but extended to physical and intellectual achievements. Athletes striving for victory in the Olympic Games, soldiers displaying bravery in battle, and orators mastering the art of speech were all seen as embodying areté. The Greeks admired those who could excel in both mind and body.

1. Social Responsibility:

• Areté also carried a sense of social responsibility. Achieving excellence was not just for personal glory but for the betterment of the community. Leaders were expected to display areté by making wise and just decisions, artists by creating works that elevated the spirit, and citizens by contributing to the common good.

1. Role of the Gods:

• In Greek mythology, the gods often played a role in determining a person’s areté. Heroes like Achilles, Odysseus, and Hercules were seen as possessing divine qualities that set them apart, but they were also expected to use these gifts responsibly. Hubris, or excessive pride, was seen as a violation of areté, leading to downfall, as in the case of figures like Icarus or Oedipus.

Modern Interpretations:

In modern times, Greek excellence or areté has influenced Western thought, particularly in discussions about ethics, leadership, and education. The idea that one should strive to be the best version of oneself, not just for personal gain but for the greater good, remains a powerful ideal. The balance between individual achievement and social responsibility continues to be a key theme in discussions of what it means to live a good and meaningful life.

Greek excellence is thus a timeless concept, encouraging individuals to pursue the highest standards of behavior, knowledge, and achievement in their lives.

We Are the Extraordinary

Why settle for good enough?

In this modern world, we have the option to settle, to conform, to be a good boy, to work hard, and to be kind. We’re constantly being taught that equity of outcome is the solution to our problems. What if equality promoted mediocrity and was actually not a virtuous path after all? It seems that to be a pleaser, to fit in line, to abide by others, is the virtuous path. Let’s strive for greatness, to become extraordinary, to go beyond the mediocrity that modernity preaches.

As photographers, we possess the ability to transcend the mundane and connect with the eternal now. We turn the ordinary into extraordinary with a click of a shutter.

You can create a new world in a fraction of a second.

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Natural vs Artificial

Fake food, fake people?

The average person drinks at least one Coca-Cola per day. Most people eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During lunch breaks, people smoke cigarettes, go to salad bars, and spend the maximum amount of time during the day indoors. Artificial food and artificial environments will inevitably create and breed a generation of artificial people. Think more critically about the things that we consume, the things that we do, and the places that we inhabit. To become extraordinary, we must avoid these unnatural, artificial spaces, foods, and people, like the plague.

Have you ever interacted with these people or overheard the conversations that occur after an office meeting? Every Friday, when I pass by a bar, I hear people moaning about their coworkers, gossiping, and complaining over a shared cup of poison, as they go into the weekend to finally feel freedom. We are modern slaves—slaves to our vices, slaves to our minds, slaves to other people, and slaves to our body’s desires and whims.

Silence is golden and pure bliss. When you tune out the noise and find yourself connected with nature by walking on an empty path, a dirt path, surrounded by trees and natural things, you finally have the ability to turn inward, to your soul, to yourself. When you strip away the noise of modern life, the distractions, and other people, you become in tune with your mind and your body, slowing down, and reconnecting with your true needs under the sunlight. There are infinite novel experiences to have in nature. By simply watching the birds in flight, leaves wiggle in the wind under a tapestry of trees, the way weeds grow, and flowers bloom, we become extraordinary, transcending the monotonous routine of modern life.

Every day, when I come home from the park and walk the streets with my camera, I see the same office worker smoking in the same spot every day during their break.

People who smoke cigarettes hate their lives.

I also see the same people, with their AirPods and sunglasses on, coming out of the same office every single day.

We city dwellers don’t even cook our own food anymore. They’re often accompanied by a salad bowl in the right hand, or with some perfectly prepackaged artificial meal with a soda ready to be consumed when they get home. I think the worst foods that we can possibly consume are sodas, artificial sweeteners, and any strange drinks. I think of soda as the “slow kill,” something that will eventually lead to your decline, like a dose of poison each day, slowly creeping you closer and closer to your inevitable death.

Why does everybody wear AirPods and look the same?

Perhaps modern trends, whether fashion or technological, promote mediocrity, antisocial behavior, and conformity among the masses. My thought is that these artificial environments that we dwell in throughout the day indoors contribute to a life of mediocrity and conformity. Modern lifestyle is slowly killing our soul, our vitality, and our vigor.

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You are a Human Battery

Our body is a battery, and the sun is the charger. Our nervous system, heart, brain, and muscles are the circuits through which electricity flows, running and sustaining all our vital functions.

If you think this way about your body, wouldn’t it make the most sense to treat it wisely, leading with vitality?

Modern life puts you in a box, both physically and metaphorically. These boxes are weakening our physical bodies. Humans are meant to be grazing in open spaces, like free-range chickens, not zoo animals locked inside a cage. Personally, anytime I’m spending on my butt, sitting down during the day, I can feel my battery slowly begin to drain. This is why I don’t sit down when I read these days and walk around a nature path while reading out loud, or stand up surrounded by trees. It’s astonishing how we’ve all agreed upon this lifestyle of being inside, sitting down for 90% of the day. This inevitably leads to decay, the decline of the physical body. The decline of the physical body inevitably leads to the decline of the spiritual, mental, and emotional needs that a human must be met with. If we lead with strength and resilience, even if the path may be difficult or more challenging, our lives become high-quality, or extraordinary.

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Victory or Nothing

I came, I saw, I conquered. This is our new motto.

Veni, vidi, vici. – Julius Caesar

As photographers, when you’re on the streets, you’re not just photographing, you’re conquering. Let’s conquer a new realm, the realm of photography and art. I’m not here to be basic, and to make the same thing as everybody else. I’m here to conquer photography, to become the best that I can possibly be. If you’re not striving to become the best or great, then why even try?

A street photographer must conquer their fears of confrontation and interaction within the public space. I believe street photography requires the most audacity and courage out of any medium of art. This is due to the physical nature of photographing other people on the front lines of life. If you’re fearful when on the streets, overcome that fear through purposeful engagement with other people. Stop thinking, and just shoot. Maybe go up to that stranger and spark up a conversation. What’s the worst that could happen?

Don’t just be an observer, become a conqueror.

When I travel to a new location, especially when I go abroad, I seek to conquer those places, those streets, those alleys, and mountains. It’s victory or nothing. Take a risk.

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What Do You Value?

In modernity, I believe we’ve adopted a slave mentality. I recently finished reading The Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche, where he discusses the origins of this mentality, particularly through the concept of ‘master-slave morality.’ In the book, he argues that we’ve transitioned our values from strength and power to that of oppression and resentfulness. We prioritize obedience and self-denial over assertiveness and self-affirmation.

I’m reminded of my time working from home during the pandemic. You’re threatened with disapproval by the boss if you don’t “meet the quota” or “the deadline” or “hit those numbers!” I remember working overtime, beyond the typical hours, practically sacrificing the entire day, from around 8 AM to sometimes 9 or 10 PM. I think this is the biggest problem with most modern jobs and work in general, the fact that you sacrifice all of your time, denying yourself, as an obedient worker, a busy bee, a slave.

Also, how is it possible to lead with candor these days, in a life where kindness is our ultimate virtue? While I understand the importance of kindness, I think we should be speaking the truth more, despite how it will make other people feel. The problem is, the truth can hurt. If a loved one is eating themselves to death, are you permitted to tell them to stop, to tell them that they are a slave to these devices, that they are killing themselves? Can I be this blunt? Or should I lead with kindness, telling them that it’s OK, that body positivity is the new norm, that you were just “born this way?” When it comes to life or death, maybe we shouldn’t be kind; maybe we should become more like a tyrant, telling people how it is when it comes to those close to you in life. I’m starting to think otherwise. With strangers, maybe we should opt for silence and just let other people be degenerates?

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Overcome Yourself

If you’re bored, good. Revel in the boredom, and find new ways to embrace life’s complexities. There are infinite ways that you can embrace boredom through creativity, or even intellectual pursuits, like reading. If you’re bored, it’s perfect for you to finally sit with yourself, to turn inward, to learn and to know thyself. Through boredom, and silence, you come to realize who you are, like you’re reaching into the heavens, grabbing fire from the gods, seeking higher knowledge, bringing it down to earth, with the ability to destroy and to create anew.

Through boredom, I believe we can enhance our curiosity. I encourage you to hone in on curiosity, engaging with it, cultivating it, finding new ways to play the same game every single day. The new goal, the new sign of success, is increasing your curiosity by one percent each day.

Become Equanimous

Master yourself, both your mind and your body. Align with nature, and the highest version of yourself. One simple suggestion is to get a 40lb plate carrier from Rogue, and go for a walk every morning for one hour while wearing barefoot shoes. Think of it like putting on your armor in the morning, and going for a march. Through daily physical training, we become equanimous, calm, and undisturbed by the external world. By hardening your physical body, strengthening your posture, your feet, your legs, you also fortify your mind. There are no more frontiers for men to conquer, but perhaps we can conquer the streets, our bodies, and art.

Transcend the mundane routine, the monotony of modern life, and strive for excellence. Become the change you wish to see in the world. Become extraordinary.

DANTE