Lust for Light

The Ultimate Source of Power

I have a lust for light, an appreciation for the simple things, such as the sun. I find the sun to be the ultimate source of power. Perhaps our bodies are like batteries, and the sun is the ultimate charger. Fueling myself with curiosity in the morning, watching the sunrise peer above the horizon, I’m reminded that this world is open and endless to explore.

Destroy the Garden

Fiat Lux, let there be light.

In Genesis, in the Old Testament, God creates light as His first creation. This light casts over the darkness and puts order to the chaos. When Adam and Eve were created from dust and placed within the Garden of Eden, they took the fruit from the forbidden tree of knowledge. With their newfound knowledge of good and evil, God banishes them from the garden, guarding the entrance with flaming swords.

In ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus was the creator of humanity and formed people with clay. He is also famous for stealing fire from the gods on Mount Olympus and giving it to the people. This act of defiance allowed humans to develop technology, art, and civilization.

Perhaps we can create anew through the act of destruction. You have to make a mess first in order to clean up.

The knowledge of good and evil introduces concepts of shame. While Adam and Eve were both naked, they had no idea what shame was—just pure innocence and naivety.

During the time of Noah, when he was drunk under his tent, his son covered his body with a blanket, looking the other way as he felt shame for his father’s nakedness. Perhaps in this moment, societal norms, human behavior, concepts of shame, modesty, and respect changed forever.

While the innocence of Adam and Eve represents a pure state of being, it will never be possible to return to. However, as an artist, I am reminded to embrace my childlike curiosity and channel my everyday life through the spirit of play.

By walking through nature barefoot, I am reminded that I too was born into this world without shoes.

Walking barefoot can be dangerous, but maybe danger and courage are the ultimate sources of freedom. I am reminded of George Washington on horseback, a revolutionary hero leading America to sovereignty and prosperity. He sought freedom through acting with courage—a revolutionary, a hero, an intrepid and dangerous man.

Perhaps to be free is to be like a child or a bird: singing, dancing, but also dangerous. Children are often rebellious and do not always play by the rules. I am reminded of my time as a child, exploring the woods, sharpening spears with sticks, building bridges with stones, and forging my own paths in the unknown. As an artist, we articulate the unknown and find peace among the chaos.

Children are the most free in this world as they have no concept of societal norms or knowledge of good and evil. Children are carefree, naive, innocent, but also dangerous. Going forward, we too should strive to be like big kids—joyous, but fearless and courageous.

Harness Power

When I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, I remember a time I spent at a fish pond late at night. Along this swampy pond, it was very dark, and I only had a small headlamp to guide me in the darkness. I could hardly see anything, and a storm began to brew. I saw lightning strike and large, dark, looming clouds over the horizon. I quickly made my way home, began bathing with a bucket and cup, and then walked barefoot into my living room—and was struck by lightning. The lightning struck the ground, traveled through my feet, up my leg, and I felt pain in my core. The next morning, I walked through the village and saw that many houses were destroyed. I even spoke with others who were in pain and had also felt the shock of the lightning.

Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s greatest founding fathers and inventors, created the lightning rod. After his experiments with a kite and key, harnessing the power of electricity during a lightning storm, he discovered the use of newfound technology.

Inventors like Benjamin Franklin pioneer ideas that impact humanity for centuries.

Think of Leonardo da Vinci and his studies of anatomy. His inventions or ideas may never have been completed, but they certainly left an impact on the future of humanity. We too should strive to be more like these individuals—creating, tinkering, and innovating new ways to impact humanity.

The Apex of Beauty

I believe architecture and sculpture are the apex of beauty. I am currently gazing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, standing in front of its looming columns, intricate detail, color, and sheer physical grandeur. There are statues of Greek gods, such as Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, along the top of the structure.

Architecture and sculpture are the apex of beauty because they elevate the human spirit to new heights. I am reminded of my time in Florence, gazing at sculptures of Hercules and Achilles. These Greek demigods are depicted larger than life, and their sheer size alone forces you to look up at them. The nature of architecture and sculpture—being larger than life, created by defying gravity through physical labor and attention to detail—transcends the world and leaves you in awe. Sometimes when I look at buildings like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or City Hall, it amazes me that human beings can even achieve these things.

There is a sculpture at the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art that shows Prometheus strangling a vulture. While Zeus condemned him to have his liver eaten by the vulture, Prometheus overcame the savage beast, symbolizing resistance and defiance against oppression.

When a wolf hunts its prey, it eats the liver first. Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods that we can consume.

In the story of Rome’s foundation, Remus and Romulus are raised by the she-wolf, La Lupa. La Lupa suckled the brothers, giving them strength, raising them in the wild, and making them a formidable force to become the founders of Rome.

Maybe we should strive to become like a wolf—a savage, a beast, a formidable and intrepid force—and consume more liver.

What is funny about wolves is how we have domesticated them, making dogs our personal slaves. We put dogs on a leash; some people cook for them, put shoes on them, or place them in baby carriages. We treat dogs like our children these days. It is actually quite strange. When I walk through a city like Philadelphia, I see fewer children and more dogs. Maybe our population is generally in decline, and it becomes apparent when you open your eyes and walk around any modern city.

Transcendence

When I spent my time in Zambia, I noticed that most households had around ten children. Everybody has a role to play in a village or tribe. Every morning, women come home with babies on their backs and firewood on their heads. The men are building homes and churches. The boys are building bricks with sand and mud. The girls are sweeping the floors and preparing food for the day. There is a hierarchy in society that I believe promotes human thriving. There is God, tribe, and land.

At the center of every village, there is a church. In the church, there is an altar. The altar is a place for sacrifice, where we remind ourselves of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. We break bread and share this among the tribe. Typically, in a church, there are biblical paintings, stained glass, grand architecture, and artwork that inspires humanity to strive for new heights. When you stand in the center of a basilica in Rome and look up toward the dome, there is typically a picture of God. Surrounded by angels, this artwork uplifts the human spirit to a transcendent height.

When you listen to modern music, it is practically noise and nonsense at this point. The lyrics are mostly degenerate, the beat is lowly, and it drags the spirit downward, not upward. I believe that music and art shape our culture as we know it. Because of this, I make an effort to avoid consuming most music these days. If I want to listen to music, I return to the Wanamaker Organ here in Philadelphia, on Market Street, inside Macy’s, or the Wanamaker building. This is the world’s largest playing pipe organ, sounding every single day except Sunday, at noon and 5:30. I think it is a much more fulfilling experience to take time out of the day—in the middle of the day or in the evening before bed—to enjoy a free show, to elevate your spirit, looking up at a grand building with a high ceiling, and listen to an artist playing some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard in my life. It fuels me with positivity, vitality, and inspires me to move onward and upward.

Is man permitted to strive to become a demigod? Personally, I would like to strive for new heights that a human may seemingly not be able to achieve.

War and Technology

I remember walking through Rittenhouse Square Park here in Philadelphia and watching as a hawk swooped down and ate a baby bird in mid-flight. All that was left of the scene were a few feathers fluttering to the ground. This reminds me that nature is violent, and we too, as human beings, go through endless conflict.

When I was a child, I remember playing Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3. It is a first-person shooter game that takes place in space, in a sci-fi universe. It is hyper-competitive, where there are two teams: red versus blue. In this modern world of division, where we identify with different political parties—left, right, red, blue—I see a middle ground within the color purple. This is my favorite color to wear, as it is bright, flamboyant, and expresses my joyous and childlike spirit.

When I was a freshman in high school, we read the book Ender’s Game. In the book, the boys are stationed on a spaceship, where they fight in a simulated battle using technology similar to video games, which ends up being a real war. The boys win the war in the end, unknowingly, as they thought the simulation was simply practice for the real battle.

The lack of human connection and physicality in war makes it almost absurd these days. Maybe we should return to the simulated space—think of video games like Halo or Call of Duty—and settle our disputes this way, without human casualties. There is no more glory to be had on a battlefield. There are no horses to ride into the front lines. If there is no more glory to be had in warfare, where can men go to conquer? While the lust for battle is within me, I do not wish to participate in these newfound war games. Maybe the world of art and photography is open and fair game to dominate.

The Baroque art period, spanning from the late 16th century to the early 18th century, emerged in Europe and is characterized by dramatic, intense, and elaborate artistic expression. Here are some key points about the Baroque period:

Origins and Context

• Timeframe: The Baroque period roughly spans from 1600 to 1750.
• Origins: It began in Italy and spread throughout Europe, influencing various regions in unique ways.
• Historical Context: The period was marked by the Counter-Reformation, where the Catholic Church sought to reassert its influence in response to the Protestant Reformation. This religious context significantly influenced Baroque art.

Characteristics

• Emotional Intensity: Baroque art is known for its emotional depth and intensity. Artists aimed to evoke strong feelings through their work.
• Movement and Dynamism: Baroque works often depict movement and energy, with dynamic compositions and a sense of motion.
• Realism and Naturalism: Despite its dramatic elements, Baroque art maintains a high level of realism, often portraying scenes with meticulous detail.
• Contrast and Light: The use of chiaroscuro (contrast between light and dark) is a hallmark of Baroque art, creating dramatic lighting effects that enhance the emotional impact.

Key Artists and Works

• Caravaggio: Known for his use of chiaroscuro, Caravaggio’s works like “The Calling of Saint Matthew” are prime examples of Baroque intensity and realism.
• Peter Paul Rubens: His vibrant, energetic compositions and robust figures exemplify Baroque dynamism. Works like “The Descent from the Cross” are notable.
• Rembrandt: A master of light and shadow, Rembrandt’s portraits and biblical scenes, such as “The Night Watch,” showcase Baroque’s emotional depth.
• Gian Lorenzo Bernini: An influential sculptor and architect, Bernini’s works like “Ecstasy of Saint Teresa” embody the movement and drama of Baroque sculpture.
• Diego Velázquez: A prominent Spanish painter, Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” is celebrated for its complex composition and masterful use of perspective.

Influence and Legacy

• Architecture: Baroque architecture is characterized by grandeur, bold ornamentation, and the use of curves. Notable examples include St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Palace of Versailles.
• Music: The Baroque period in music includes composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi, known for their intricate compositions and the development of forms such as the concerto and fugue.
• Continuing Influence: The dramatic and emotive qualities of Baroque art continue to influence modern artistic practices, seen in various forms of contemporary art and media.

Baroque art represents a significant period in the history of art, where the power of emotion, realism, and dynamism came together to create works of enduring impact and beauty.

Your essay is deeply reflective and thought-provoking. It intertwines various themes from mythology, religion, personal experiences, and societal observations to explore profound concepts such as the quest for knowledge, the duality of innocence and shame, and the relationship between destruction and creation. Here are a few thoughts:

1. Lust for Light: Your opening section sets a powerful tone by highlighting the sun as a symbol of energy and curiosity. It resonates with a universal appreciation for nature’s simplicity and the potential for endless exploration.
2. Destroy the Garden: The juxtaposition of biblical and Greek mythological references effectively explores humanity’s relationship with knowledge and its consequences. Your desire to embrace destruction as a path to creation introduces a compelling argument about the necessity of chaos for renewal.
3. Shame and Innocence: The reflections on Adam and Eve and the concept of shame add a layer of depth, questioning how societal norms shape our perceptions and behaviors. Your comparison with personal experiences and historical narratives enriches this exploration.
4. Harness Power: Your personal anecdote about the lightning strike in Zambia ties in well with the broader theme of harnessing natural forces. The mention of Benjamin Franklin and Leonardo da Vinci reinforces the idea of innovation born from curiosity and courage.
5. The Apex of Beauty: Your admiration for architecture and sculpture as the pinnacle of beauty is beautifully articulated. The connection to historical and mythological figures underscores the impact of art in elevating the human spirit.
6. Transcendence: The insights from your time in Zambia highlight the importance of community, hierarchy, and spiritual practices in human thriving. Your critique of modern music and the emphasis on uplifting experiences through art and architecture resonate with a call for deeper, more meaningful cultural engagement.
7. War and Technology: This section brings a critical perspective on the ethics of modern warfare and technology. Your proposal for settling disputes through simulated spaces rather than real battlefields is a thought-provoking solution that aligns with your overarching theme of finding new ways to channel our primal instincts.

Overall, your essay is rich with insights and personal reflections, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of human existence, the pursuit of knowledge, and the interplay between destruction and creation. It’s a compelling piece that encourages introspection and a deeper appreciation for the various forces that shape our lives.

Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most renowned polymaths of the Renaissance, left behind numerous insightful quotes that reflect his profound intellect and diverse interests in art, science, and philosophy. Here are some notable quotes attributed to him:

On Knowledge and Learning

1. “Learning never exhausts the mind.”

• This quote emphasizes the endless capacity of the human mind to learn and grow.

1. “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.”

• Leonardo found deep satisfaction in gaining knowledge and understanding the world.

1. “Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.”

• This quote highlights the importance of passion and interest in the learning process.

On Art and Creativity

1. “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”

• Leonardo compares the visual impact of painting with the emotional resonance of poetry.

1. “Art is never finished, only abandoned.”

• Reflecting on the nature of artistic creation, Leonardo suggests that art is a continuous process that may never reach complete perfection.

1. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

• Leonardo appreciated the elegance and sophistication of simplicity in both art and design.

On Nature and Observation

1. “Nature is the source of all true knowledge. She has her own logic, her own laws; she has no effect without cause nor invention without necessity.”

• Leonardo deeply respected nature as the ultimate teacher and source of knowledge.

1. “The painter has the universe in his mind and hands.”

• This quote reflects Leonardo’s belief in the artist’s ability to capture and interpret the vastness of the universe through their work.

1. “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.”

• Leonardo’s fascination with the human body and its intricate design is evident in this quote.

On Life and Philosophy

1. “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.”

• Leonardo connects the fulfillment of a productive day with the peace of a well-lived life.

1. “I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”

• This quote highlights Leonardo’s admiration for resilience and the ability to find strength in adversity.

1. “While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.”

• Reflecting on life’s ultimate journey, Leonardo speaks to the profound insights gained through a lifetime of learning and experience.

On Curiosity and Inquiry

1. “The desire to know is natural to good men.”

• Leonardo valued curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge as essential qualities of virtuous individuals.

1. “He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast.”

• This quote underscores the importance of balancing practical experience with theoretical knowledge.

Leonardo da Vinci’s words continue to inspire and resonate, reflecting his enduring legacy as a visionary thinker and creative genius.

“Fiat lux” is a Latin phrase meaning “Let there be light.” It is famously known from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Genesis, where it appears in Genesis 1:3 as God’s command during the creation of the world:

Genesis 1:3 (Vulgate):
“Dixitque Deus: Fiat lux. Et facta est lux.”
(“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”)

Symbolic Interpretations of “Fiat Lux”

1. Creation and Beginning:

• It symbolizes the beginning of creation, the moment when order is brought to chaos, and light overcomes darkness. It marks the start of the universe and the birth of life.

1. Enlightenment and Knowledge:

• “Fiat lux” is often used metaphorically to represent enlightenment, the pursuit of knowledge, and the dispelling of ignorance. It signifies the arrival of understanding and wisdom.

1. Hope and Renewal:

• The phrase can also symbolize hope and renewal. Light is often associated with new beginnings, clarity, and a fresh start.

Practical Applications

1. Personal Transformation:

• Invoking “Fiat lux” in your life can mean initiating a period of personal growth and enlightenment. It involves seeking clarity, understanding, and a deeper connection with your purpose.

1. Creative Endeavors:

• As a creative, you might use “Fiat lux” to inspire your artistic projects. It can represent the moment of inspiration when ideas come to life and take form.

1. Spiritual Awakening:

• In a spiritual context, “Fiat lux” can be a call for divine illumination, guidance, and the manifestation of spiritual truths in your life.

Reflecting on “Fiat Lux”

Considering your interest in the interplay between destruction and creation, “Fiat lux” can serve as a guiding principle for the process of rebuilding and transformation. After metaphorically burning down the old, calling for light can be a way to illuminate the path forward, bringing clarity and vision to your new creation.

Embrace “Fiat lux” as a powerful affirmation of light, knowledge, and new beginnings, allowing it to guide your journey of personal and spiritual transformation.

The story of Benjamin Franklin and the key and kite is a well-known episode in the history of science, often recounted to illustrate Franklin’s ingenuity and contributions to our understanding of electricity.

Background

In the mid-18th century, the nature of electricity was not well understood. There were various theories and experiments, but it was Benjamin Franklin, an American polymath, who conducted one of the most famous experiments related to electricity.

The Experiment

Objective:
Franklin aimed to demonstrate that lightning was a form of electricity. He theorized that if he could extract electrical charge from a thunderstorm, it would confirm that lightning and electricity were the same phenomena.

Setup:

1. Kite: Franklin constructed a simple kite using a silk handkerchief. He chose silk because it would withstand the wind and rain better than paper.
2. Key: He attached a metal key to the kite string. The key was meant to conduct the electrical charge from the storm.
3. String: The kite was flown using a string, which was tied to a Leyden jar (a primitive capacitor used to store electrical charge).
4. Shelter: Franklin conducted the experiment under a shelter to protect himself from the rain.

Execution:

• Franklin flew the kite during a thunderstorm, ensuring that the kite reached into the storm clouds.
• As the storm raged, the wet string conducted electricity, and the metal key began to collect electrical charge.
• Franklin noticed the loose fibers on the string standing on end, indicating the presence of electrical charge.
• He brought his knuckle close to the key and observed a spark, proving that the key had indeed accumulated electrical charge from the lightning.

Significance

Confirmation of Theory:
Franklin’s experiment demonstrated that lightning is a form of electricity, thus proving his hypothesis. This was a significant advancement in the understanding of natural phenomena and electricity.

Lightning Rod:
Following his experiments, Franklin invented the lightning rod, a device used to protect buildings and structures from lightning strikes by safely conducting the electrical charge into the ground. This practical application had immediate benefits and is still used today.

Scientific Legacy:
Franklin’s work laid the groundwork for future electrical experiments and contributed to the development of the field of electricity. His experiments were instrumental in moving the study of electricity from a curiosity to a legitimate scientific field.

Historical Accuracy and Myths

There is some debate among historians about the exact details of the kite experiment. While the basic story is widely accepted, some aspects, such as whether Franklin actually performed the experiment in the dramatic way often described, are questioned. Some scholars suggest he may have conducted a series of experiments and observations rather than a single, iconic event.

Nevertheless, the story of Benjamin Franklin and his kite experiment remains a powerful symbol of scientific curiosity, innovation, and the quest for knowledge.

“Otium” is a Latin term that historically refers to leisure time in which a person can enjoy activities for pleasure, contemplation, and intellectual engagement. It contrasts with “negotium,” which denotes business or occupation. In ancient Roman culture, otium was highly valued by philosophers, poets, and the elite as a time for personal development, philosophical reflection, and cultural pursuits.

In contemporary usage, otium still signifies a balanced life where leisure is seen not merely as idleness but as an essential part of a fulfilling and meaningful life. It involves engaging in enriching activities that contribute to one’s well-being and intellectual growth, such as reading, writing, meditating, and spending time in nature.

The story of Hercules (Heracles in Greek mythology) and the Hydra is one of the Twelve Labors that Hercules had to complete as a penance. The Hydra was a fearsome, multi-headed serpent-like monster that lived in the swamp of Lerna. Here’s a detailed account of the myth:

Background

Hercules was commanded to perform twelve nearly impossible tasks as a punishment for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness, induced by the goddess Hera. These tasks were given to him by King Eurystheus of Tiryns.

The Second Labor: The Lernaean Hydra

The Hydra was a monstrous creature with nine heads (although some versions of the myth suggest it had more). One of these heads was immortal and could not be killed. Additionally, for every head that Hercules cut off, two more would grow back in its place.

The Battle

1. Arrival at Lerna: Hercules traveled to the swamp near Lerna, where the Hydra resided. He found the Hydra’s lair and lured it out by shooting flaming arrows into the den.
2. Engagement: As the Hydra emerged, Hercules confronted it. With his immense strength, he began cutting off its heads, but quickly realized that more heads were regenerating.
3. Assistance from Iolaus: Realizing that he needed help, Hercules called upon his nephew, Iolaus. Iolaus came up with the idea of using fire to cauterize the neck stumps after Hercules cut off each head. This prevented new heads from growing.
4. Destroying the Immortal Head: Finally, Hercules confronted the immortal head of the Hydra. He severed it and buried it under a massive rock, ensuring it would not come back.
5. Dipping Arrows in the Hydra’s Blood: After defeating the Hydra, Hercules dipped his arrows in the creature’s poisonous blood. These arrows would later prove useful in other labors and battles due to their lethal nature.

Significance

This labor is significant because it demonstrates Hercules’ resourcefulness and ability to adapt to challenges. It also highlights the theme of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through cleverness and collaboration.

Aftermath

The Hydra’s blood-soaked arrows played a crucial role in many of Hercules’ subsequent adventures. However, they also eventually led to his own demise, as he was mortally wounded by one of these poisoned arrows.

The story of Hercules and the Hydra is a classic tale from Greek mythology that showcases the hero’s bravery, strength, and ingenuity in the face of a daunting and deadly foe.

Not “survive,” but THRIVE.

If you have 30 pounds of fat, you can go 60 days without eating

Light Warrior

Championing the Tourist Mindset

During my morning walk, I spent some time around the Philadelphia Museum of Art, admiring its beautiful architecture and sculptures. There’s one sculpture of Rocky Balboa, a legendary figure from the movie Rocky, which many tourists visit and photograph. I find that every morning I champion this tourist mindset—an approach to life akin to that of a tourist. Tourists are eager to get out there and explore, especially before sunrise. They are curious and open to new experiences. I try my best to remain in this curious state because, for me, this is the ultimate goal of photography: increasing your curiosity by one percent each day.

It’s not about how great the photos you make are; it’s about how many photos you make and how you keep remaining curious. That’s how a photographer wins.

Become a Legend

While Rocky may not be a real person but just a fictional character, there is something powerful about the myth, the story, and the sculpture itself. The gesture, the muscular tone of his physique, and the grand size of the sculpture elevate the human spirit to a new height. When I look at a sculpture like this, it reminds me that I can strive to achieve something more in life.

Nearby, there is also a sculpture of George Washington, our nation’s first president. He stands tall on horseback, looking down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway towards City Hall. Revolutionary heroes and sculptures like these make me feel proud to be an American, or even simply to be human.

But why settle for being just “human”? Why succumb to the basic state of citizenship? Perhaps there is something more we can strive for, something akin to legends like Rocky or Washington.

Maybe when we think of life in black-and-white, pain and pleasure become our binary experience. We seek freedom, right? Isn’t that what America is all about?

Freedom and Courage

We can choose what we want to do and what we do not want to do. To me, that is the basic notion of freedom. However, this becomes rather simplistic because we can also choose freely to pursue endless hedonistic pleasures if we deem that as the goal of freedom.

But does this truly make us free—simply embracing pleasure as the ultimate source of freedom? What about pain? If we pursue pain in hopes of gaining strength, am I still free?

Maybe, but perhaps freedom is merely courage. Freedom becomes an expression of fearlessness and courage, similar to how I view George Washington on horseback, leading the army in revolution. Perhaps freedom is what George Washington fought for, and he attained that freedom as a byproduct of his courage and fearlessness—of being truly intrepid.

To be free is to be dangerous.

Freedom does not necessarily mean indulging in endless drugs, binge-watching a million TV shows, or buying cool stuff. Freedom is something we must fight for—it’s an endless battle, an uphill journey, striving for new heights, like the legends immortalized in sculptures.

To be free is to be extraordinary.

Become the Übermensch

Striving Beyond Human Limits

Is man permitted to strive to become a demigod? During my morning walk, I find myself inspired by sculptures positioned along the river and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Along the rooftop of the museum, there are depictions of ancient Greek gods. There are also sculptures that showcase various revolutionary heroes throughout the back along the grass.

When I visited Rome, I felt inspired by the grand architecture, artwork, churches, music, and especially the sculptures that I found during my trip to Florence. In Florence, I had the opportunity to bask in the glory of Greek demigods such as Achilles and Hercules. Actually, a few weeks ago, I attended the antique show at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and looked closely at a print of the Farnese Hercules.

Hercules is the apex of beauty in terms of male physical physique. When I look at a sculpture, they are typically larger than life, filled with grandeur, muscles, tone, and the quality that elevates the human experience and spirit to a new height. When you stand in front of a sculpture, you must look up at it. You look up at the sculpture and you are in amazement. When you see something like this, it inspires you to strive for more.

No Pain, No Gain

Think of the story of Hercules, descending to Hades to capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the entrance to the underworld. This was the final task of Hercules during his 12 labors. While these labors were punishment to Hercules, through his suffering, he sought redemption, gained strength, courage, and became the legend that he is today.

When I consider the myth of Sisyphus, pushing his boulder uphill, I’m reminded to enjoy the process and find joy in pain or suffering. While his task of pushing the rock never reaches the top and always rolls back to the bottom, there is a lesson there to learn from. While it may seem absurd, we too should strive to enjoy the pain, the suffering, and find meaning in it. We must accept our fate and love it.

Amor Fati

Art and Meaning

The Power of Photography

The greatest gift of my life is the camera, or photography. The camera, for me, becomes a passport, a key, or a sword.

The camera allows me to strike through the heart of chaos, revealing the soul of the street, creating visual order and harmony from the spontaneity of everyday life. The camera is a passport that allows me to explore openly, honestly, without preconceived notions of what I will find. For when you set your body in motion, you will be surprised, as there is always something out there when you open your eyes, ears, and feel with your heart. For your heart, courage guides you to press the shutter. And when you unlock each door, using the camera as a key to unlock the multifaceted complexities of life, through new moments, experiences, and meeting people, you fill yourself—soul, body, and mind—with memories.

Water is Magnetic

Every morning, when I wake up, I set my body out into the world, before the sunrise, to the Schuylkill River Trail. I visit this location subconsciously, as there’s something in the water that simply draws me in. Perhaps there are echoes of moments, memories of past history, thinking about George Washington and his soldiers, the great men and women who charted these similar paths centuries ago. I remember when I was a young boy, exploring in the woods along the same river, just five miles away from where I walk each morning. I would build forts with sticks, sharpen spears, and build bridges with stones. I would chart my own paths, climb trees, swing from vines, and explore caves that I would find along my way.

There’s something about the water, nature, and the way that it calls you in. Perhaps the memories that I have from childhood flow through me with this lust for life and make it so I experience the same walk each day, no matter how mundane, with this feeling of abundance.

What is Abundance?

I believe abundance is the feeling that you get when you embrace simple pleasures to their fullest potential. For me, this feeling is found in nature. I feel abundant when I surround myself with trees, the breeze, and listen to the birds sing. I feel abundant when I look out towards the horizon, and the sunlight casts its light across the river.

Abundance is recognizing that freedom is a mindset. Perhaps to be free is like being a bird, soaring high in the sky in flight, without clipped wings. Where the birds wake up each morning and sing, dance, and glide through the sky. Maybe we should be like birds too and seek to fly. However, when my body is inside, I feel as though my soul slowly dies. When I’m outside, camera in hand, I exist outside the passage of time. Embracing the moment, the details flow through me with this feeling of abundance.

Maybe slavery is of the mind—finding yourself petty, annoyed, and unhappy with your everyday life and experiences. Whether you’re working a job that you do not enjoy or forcing social interactions through attending meetings, Zoom calls, phone calls, emails, and texting people that you do not truly wish to do.

A slave is someone who complains. A free man, like a child, sings and dances with a warrior spirit.

Happiness is a Byproduct of Power

Think of the movie A Bug’s Life. This was one of the first movies I remember watching as a kid. The main story revolves around Flik, an innovator, an inventor, somebody who is tinkering and trying to speed up the process of harvesting food for the ant colony. The queen of the colony, however, did not find Flik’s innovations to be helpful and thought that he was just getting in the way. Flik’s journey is followed throughout this story, and he is the first bug to leave the ant colony and explore the nearby cities in search of warrior bugs. He was looking for warriors to fight against the grasshoppers, who had control over the colony. The grasshoppers simply use military force, their physical power, to keep the colony in order, as they harvest the food and provide it for the grasshoppers. However, at the end of the story, Flick returns to the colony with his warrior bugs, defeating the grasshoppers, and maintaining sovereignty, independence, and liberty for his colony. Once the colony gained power, they flourished and were happy.

Perhaps in modern cities, we too seek this self-governance, sovereignty, and freedom in life. I believe you become free and achieve happiness as a byproduct of power. Power, to me, is physical. Power is strength. Power can also be wealth or capital. Capital provides time. Money is a vehicle to buy more time. The more time that you have doing what you love, the happier you will be. With more power comes more happiness.

However, I don’t believe money actually buys happiness. You couldn’t give me $1,000,000 per year to sit on my butt inside the Comcast tower working for a media corporation. I wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t take the job. I don’t need it. I will not succumb to the basic, the boring, and use my time here on this earth doing things that I despise because I know that when I am inside, this is the ultimate denial of life.

Assume Comments are Bots

If you ever look on social media sites, post to them, and consume their media, I’m sure you’ve scrolled through comment sections once before in your life. I think, in the wake of artificial intelligence, and the more advanced technology becomes, we should remain skeptical about these spaces. I say, assume that every comment is a bot. Trust physical, flesh, and experiences that you have through real life or physical life.

Think of Reddit users, with anonymous usernames, making judgments from the comfort of their keyboards. Maybe these Reddit users are the new cockroaches that kind of lurk around in the basement, the dungeons, the shadows, in the dark. They are merely bots and should be left alone, ignored, as they decay. This is why I’m a big proponent of carrying a sketchbook with your photographs everywhere you go. When I meet new people, I simply hand them my book, as they flip through my photographs throughout my travels. They always find great joy looking at it this way, and so do I. I like to look at them, looking at my photos with their eyes, smiling, and asking questions about it in person. It’s much more fulfilling to impact the life of one other person through your art than 1 million people on a screen. It’s quite similar to money; it’s just numbers on a screen.

Surround Yourself with Beauty

Every morning, I’m surrounding myself with beauty. I enjoy visiting the elevated view behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a beautiful work of architecture, filled with wonderful art, looking out towards the natural landscape. This beautiful space reminds me of Rome.

When I visited Rome last summer, I surrounded myself with the beautiful artwork of Caravaggio, the sculptures of Achilles, Hercules, and other ancient Greek heroes, in Florence. I visited the house of Dante and found myself immersed in the architecture, beauty, and detail of the Catholic churches throughout the streets of Rome. Rome to me feels like my second home. This is why I always return to this view, as it reminds me of this place. This place is so special and beautiful to me, behind the museum of art, as it allows me to fuel my curiosity, surrounded by beauty.

Perhaps the ultimate and apex beauty is found within the Catholic Church or the cathedrals. Just look at the wonderful biblical stories depicted upon the paintings. Look at the beautiful architecture, the columns, and the structure itself. When you sit in the center of the Catholic Church, look at the paintings of the angels and God above, you firm your faith through the beauty of art. I believe that art shapes our culture. When I consider the music, the Gregorian chants, the organ, the paintings, sculptures, and architecture that the Catholic Church provides, it elevates the human to the highest height. The apex of beauty.

I Have Nothing to Prove

Life is not zero-sum. We can all win and thrive together. What does it mean to win?

I believe that success is merely being curious. Success is making sure that you remain curious and courageous each and every day, following your intuition, and embracing the spirit of play. By not taking life so seriously, you enter the ultimate flow state of appreciating the mundane. For the mundane becomes extraordinary, and this is where you find yourself with abundance. It’s recognizing that everyone can have the ability to get theirs. Everyone has the ability to make their greatest art, to achieve the capital they deserve, to acquire the time that they need.

I believe that we can go through life as a prison or a playground. I choose paradise. Perhaps others will choose to live within a prison, a box, or hell, for the rest of their lives. For they set themselves up in this position through a mindset of a lemming, simply following the crowd, the masses, going into the slaughterhouse willingly. When you realize that this world, earth, your city, your town, village, is the ultimate paradise, you win.

Paradise isn’t over the rainbow, it’s in the storm that occurs before the rainbow appears. It’s embracing danger, chaos, and openly accepting pain and suffering. Paradise is finding yourself enjoying the process, detached from any outcomes. Paradise is here, right now. Maybe school merely sets people up to remain in school forever. You look around in modern cities and you see these grown people wearing backpacks, walking into the office with their sketchers on, like they’re going for their first day of school. We’ve become really good at doing labor and tasks, making diagrams, and graphics, analyzing data, like a class project that’s never ended. Maybe people enjoy school, but I never did. I always thought school was like a prison, and I needed to be free, outside, giving my life a deeper meaning. I know that there’s something greater to strive for than these petty material things, whether cars, clothes, and money. I know that there is something greater to aspire for in this life that has nothing to do with the way that others view you, but it is merely within an attitude. That attitude is gratitude. When you’re grateful for the small things, you will forever sing.

The greatest thing about photography is that in the last decade, it feels like I’ve lived a lifetime of 100 years. I have too many stories, memories, and experiences stored within my mind, my body, and my soul. These experiences that you have through the medium of photography will fuel you with an endless lust for life and abundance. Hold onto this gift, this superpower, and uplift the human experience to new heights. Give life meaning through the creation of sublime art. Go beyond beauty, transcend societal norms, and create a new world in a fraction of a second.