Prune more from your life

In a world with unlimited distractions, the goal should be to spend more time pruning them from your life.

Some ideas:

• Stop watching TV
• Stop watching news
• Stop watching movies
• Stop watching social media
• Stop listening to music
• Stop using your phone
• Stop drinking alcohol/soda
• Stop smoking/vaping
• Stop eating processed food

DON’T TAKE THE SOMA

Modern men are like pigs, crawling around the mud, chasing a carrot dangling from a stick that they will never reach. It will inevitably lead them to a bottomless pit, where they will die, decompose, and be eaten by the worms underground.

Viewing Philadelphia as a modern-day Athens can be supported by highlighting several parallels between the two cities. Here are some key points to consider:

Historical and Cultural Significance

1. Birthplace of American Democracy: Like Athens, which is renowned as the cradle of democracy, Philadelphia played a pivotal role in the formation of American democracy. The city hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution at Independence Hall.
2. Philosophical Influence: Athens was home to great philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Philadelphia, while not as ancient, has its own intellectual heritage, being a center for Enlightenment thinkers such as Benjamin Franklin, who contributed to the philosophical foundations of the United States.

Architectural and Artistic Heritage

3. Public Spaces and Monuments: Athens is known for its public spaces and monuments like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Philadelphia boasts iconic structures such as the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and City Hall with the William Penn statue by Alexander Milne Calder, symbolizing the city’s artistic and cultural dedication.
4. Museums and Art Collections: Philadelphia is home to world-class museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Rodin Museum, much like Athens’ rich collection of ancient art and artifacts.

Educational Institutions

5. Centers of Learning: Athens was a center for learning in the ancient world. Philadelphia hosts numerous prestigious universities and colleges, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Drexel University, contributing to its reputation as an educational hub.

Political and Social Movements

6. Activism and Social Change: Both cities have been centers for significant political and social movements. Athens was known for its democratic assemblies and philosophical debates, while Philadelphia has a rich history of activism, from the abolitionist movement to contemporary social justice initiatives.

Diverse Population and Cultural Melting Pot

7. Cultural Diversity: Athens was a melting pot of cultures from across the Mediterranean. Similarly, Philadelphia is known for its diverse population, with vibrant neighborhoods reflecting various cultural heritages, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry.

Strategic Location

8. Economic and Trade Hub: Athens was a major economic and trade hub in the ancient world. Philadelphia’s strategic location along the Delaware River has made it an important commercial and economic center in the United States.

Modern Contributions to Knowledge and Arts

9. Contemporary Influence: Athens continues to influence the world with its ancient legacy, while Philadelphia contributes to contemporary culture, arts, and sciences, continually evolving and impacting global trends.

Intellectual and Civic Engagement

10. Public Discourse and Civic Engagement: Like Athens, Philadelphia fosters a spirit of public discourse and civic engagement. The city’s numerous public forums, community events, and active civic organizations encourage residents to participate in the democratic process and public life.

By drawing these parallels, Philadelphia can be seen as embodying the spirit of Athens in the modern world, with its rich historical legacy, commitment to democracy, cultural vibrancy, and intellectual contributions.

The fall of Athens to the Spartans in 404 BCE marked the end of the Peloponnesian War, a protracted and destructive conflict between the Athenian Empire and the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. Here’s the story of how this dramatic turn of events unfolded:

The Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War began in 431 BCE and was fought primarily between Athens and its Delian League allies and Sparta with its Peloponnesian League allies. The war was characterized by a series of battles, sieges, and shifting alliances. The conflict was driven by growing tensions and rivalries between the powerful city-states of Athens and Sparta.

The Sicilian Expedition

One of the turning points in the war was the disastrous Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BCE). Athens, hoping to expand its influence, launched a massive military campaign against Syracuse in Sicily. The expedition ended in a catastrophic defeat for Athens, with the complete destruction of its fleet and a significant loss of manpower.

Spartan Strategy and Persian Support

Following the Sicilian Expedition, Sparta capitalized on Athens’ weakened state. Spartan general Lysander forged an alliance with Persia, securing financial and naval support. This allowed Sparta to build a powerful fleet to challenge Athenian dominance at sea.

The Siege of Athens

In the final phase of the war, Sparta established a blockade and siege of Athens. The Spartans cut off Athens’ grain supply from the Black Sea, leading to severe food shortages and starvation within the city. The Athenians, weakened and demoralized, were unable to break the siege.

The Fall of Athens

By 404 BCE, Athens was on the brink of collapse. The city was ravaged by hunger, disease, and internal strife. Facing no other options, Athens finally surrendered to Sparta. The terms of the surrender were harsh: Athens had to dismantle its long walls, surrender its fleet, and become a Spartan ally.

Aftermath

The fall of Athens marked the end of its golden age. The city-state lost its political and military dominance, and its democracy was temporarily replaced by the oligarchic rule of the Thirty Tyrants, installed by Sparta. Though Athens eventually restored its democracy, it never regained the same level of power and influence it once held.

The fall of Athens to the Spartans was a pivotal moment in ancient Greek history, symbolizing the end of Athenian supremacy and the shifting balance of power in the Greek world.

Live Like a Homeless Person

Yesterday, while listening to the Wanamaker Organ, I was lying back, lounging underneath the eagle statue. I love just kicking back and enjoying this place to relax while listening to some beautiful music every day. They actually played the song most commonly associated with the movie “Titanic,” “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.

One man came up to me and said,

You must listen to this organ often!

I replied,

Yeah, I’m here every single day, I’m a local. I live just down the street.

He then remarked,

Wait, so you’re homeless?

I broke out into uncontrollable laughter, stood up, and began chatting with this man, who was from Georgia, with a very obvious southern accent, just visiting for the weekend. I showed him around the Wanamaker building, took him to the organ on the second floor, we looked at the TV display which showcases the keyboard, and he even told me he knows how to play an organ. After showing him my sketchbook of photographs and talking about my adventures and lifestyle, he was quite impressed, but also made a comment that maybe a lot of people in my life, family, and friends, probably think it’s really strange or don’t get why I do the things I do. To be honest, I’ve always been the black sheep.

I Am the Black Sheep

I remember when I was a kid, and my neighbors, brother, and I wanted to learn how to Ollie. We spent an entire summer doing manuals down the hill and jumping over sticks. While the Ollie is certainly a good trick to learn and the foundation of pretty much every skateboard trick, I always wanted to pick the board up with my hands, and instead of doing an Ollie, I would always simply do a boneless, planting my foot on the ground, and grabbing the board with my hand. This felt more natural to me, and I found that it allowed for more creativity in the streets when I skateboarded. Even when everyone was trying to learn the kickflip, I would simply flip the board with my fingers and do my own thing. The beauty of skateboarding is that it allows for the individual to express themselves creatively as much as it is a technical endeavor. I just never liked doing what everyone else did.

Life is too short to do things just because other people are doing it or because society tells you that you should behave a certain way. We should become more gay, jolly, and authentic, similar to that of skateboarders, expressing themselves in their unique way with courage at the forefront.

I’ve always enjoyed solitude and simply going my own way. When I was around 12 years old, I would ride my bike for miles on end, following the Schuylkill River Trail into the far distance, sometimes going even 50 miles by myself because none of my friends could keep up. I remember exploring Valley Forge, the log cabins, the bunkers, monuments, and this beautiful national park on long summer days, on my own. In eighth grade, everybody got the iPod touch, and I was the first person to find out how to jailbreak them, and install software that would allow me to play all of my favorite games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and upgrade the device to its fullest potential. Everybody paid me 5 dollars before we got on the bus, and I jailbroke the entire class’s iPods by installing Cydia. I spent my days after school modifying Nerf guns and making it so the darts could shoot farther as I explored with them in the forest where I would build bridges with stones and tipis with sticks.

I always loved to explore, go on adventures, tinker, break things, and create anew.

When I got to high school, I felt confined to the box of a classroom and did not enjoy public education in the way that they force you to learn useless information. School was always very easy for me, and I excelled in every class except for Algebra, with a high GPA. I remember deciding to take physics instead of the basic algebra classes they offered, and preferred the way math was applied to reality. I would skip class, explore the park outside, the streets, and even the university nearby. I felt like time just passed by, and my soul was slowly dying, as I sat there, waiting for the bell to ring. The only people I found myself relating to in high school were the break dancers that would also ditch class and glide along the floor in the halls, perfecting their craft. I’ve always desired to express myself creatively and had a call to adventure bubbling up within me from the time I was born until I turned 18 years old.

When it came to art school and photography during my time in university, it seemed like most students preferred the conceptual approach to making pictures, but I just wanted to hit the streets and explore. Nobody ever appreciated my work, and my professors and peers would always slam me in critiques because I was an outsider, making street photos in Baltimore. They always wanted me to discuss concepts of “race,” and how this played a role within my photographs. The hilarity to me is that my photographs have nothing to do with race. I could never take these questions seriously, simply wouldn’t respond, or just walk away.

While I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, in a nice neighborhood in Andorra, and attended a very nice Catholic school, I also spent my summer days in West Philadelphia, in Overbrook, at my grandmother’s house, drinking hugs, eating water ice, walking to the papi store, playing football, basketball, and attending block parties with a demographic of 100% African Americans. I was always the only Caucasian person hanging out on the block. The fact that the demographic of people in Overbrook was different from my neighborhood in Andorra meant nothing to me.

So, when I am posed with critique or questions regarding race in an academic setting, it’s quite baffling to me. The fact that people in “higher education” are concerned with some of our most base differences is honestly just amusing. I never thought anything of it and just continued exploring Baltimore, where I made some of my best work.

Will we ever move on from our primal instincts to divide ourselves?

I’ll never forget in 2016, when one of our projects was to make work for a theme, “culture war,” because there was an election coming up between Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton.

Why so much division?

I just don’t understand why we always have to divide ourselves based on the color of our skin, political ideology, and call for a culture war. In a world that is so red versus blue, black versus white, can we just find the middle ground, and find peace with purple?

I Have an Open Mind

I decided to study abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I initially began photographing around the old city of Jerusalem, prayed in a synagogue, saw some cool sites, and learned about the local area. As I walked around, I noticed the big looming wall that separates Israel and the West Bank, and I started to take interest in traveling beyond the wall, as I’m an American citizen who can freely travel there. I would take the road from Jerusalem to Jericho very frequently, and found myself photographing in various Palestinian cities all throughout the West Bank. I probably visited every major Palestinian city there is. I even tried to enter the checkpoint of Gaza but was not permitted entrance, and spent some time in Ashkelon instead, which was just nearby.

When I would go to class and put my photographs on the wall for critique, one professor treated me like I was the cream of the crop. He was always so amazed by my work and would say nothing to improve or change. However, he told me that I should strap fake bombs around a child inside a Palestinian home, and make a photograph of this staged scene, constantly making a joke about my photographs saying, “Allah Akbar baby!” This was extremely shocking, as the teacher holds the “power” in a classroom setting, and you can’t really talk back, just have to keep your mouth shut, and walk away. I will never forget finishing my six months traveling all throughout the West Bank and displaying hundreds of photographs of Palestinian life on the walls of Hebrew University, of places that none of the students have or will ever experience in their lives.

Because I fell in love with the holy land, I decided to return for three months in the summer, and volunteered on an Israeli kibbutz in Haifa. I worked on a cow farm, gardened, and even traveled to Caesarea for a tour of the famous aqueducts. I wasn’t finding many interesting things to photograph in Kibbutz life, as most of the volunteers I was with just sat around drinking and doing nothing after we finished our chores, and were quite separated from the local inhabitants of the kibbutz. There wasn’t really anything to do or anywhere to explore, as you were just isolated on a farm. My intuition told me to leave, so I packed my bags, and headed back to Jericho, where I volunteered and lived with a Palestinian family. I started to go to the mosque and integrated myself much more deeply with the Palestinian lifestyle. I would wake up each morning, knock on my friend Mohammed’s door, and go water Hassan’s plants. I even traveled all throughout Jericho from Mosque with an Imam named Hirsham.

The thing about me is, I’m extremely open-minded, and will pray in a synagogue and a mosque, despite my Catholic upbringing. I might be one of the only people that can say I traveled all throughout Israel, worked on a Kibbutz, and lived and worked amongst the Palestinian people in the West Bank. I enjoy experiencing new things, people, and different ways of life, and is why I decided to join the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Zambia, Africa, working with the department of fisheries as a rural aquaculture promotion specialist.

Ultimately, I’ve learned that we are more similar than dissimilar after all of my experiences. My critique of modernity’s obsession with identity is that it simply divides us more than anything else. I seek a middle ground, where we can return to challenging each other, not censoring ourselves, and speaking the truth more. Maybe this will mean that you will be somebody who stands out, a black sheep, somebody who is perceived as weird or different. I don’t like fitting myself in any box. I want to be boundless and carve my own path.

I Just Want to Be Left Alone

At the end of the day, I just want to be left alone, and maybe it is most wise for me to do the same for others. I just want to make art, sing, dance, and explore. I don’t want to sit down, take orders, and live for the future. I want to let the chips fall as they may, embrace the spirit of play, and seize the day. I’ve never felt like I fit in anywhere, it’s always been hard for me to relate with most people in my hometown, and I’ve always desired to go beyond the horizon.

I’ve always been a homeless wanderer. I’ve traveled from place to place, just getting by on scraps of pita bread and hummus. I never really needed much, and can travel anywhere with just a backpack. The endless pursuit for wealth for wealth’s sake seems like a foolish goal. None of our toiling is even worth it if there is no spiritual growth. I feel like we’re losing touch with things that matter most in life, such as family, love, and curiosity. We’re replacing these simple virtues with materialistic and hedonistic pursuits.

Consider the story of Aladdin and the cave of wonders. When Aladdin entered the cave, he was surrounded by beautiful treasures. If he were to take the treasure, he would be locked in the cave forever. However, Aladdin decided to take the lamp that contained the genie in the bottle, omnipotent power, knowledge, and wisdom. There is a lesson to learn here, that the pursuit of wisdom is much more fulfilling than anything material.

Consider the story of the allegory of the cave from Plato. I believe this is very applicable to this day, even thousands of years later. Prisoners are shackled in a cave, and they’re watching shadows casted on the wall from the light that is peering from the outside. The shadows in the wall become the truth for these prisoners. When they come out of the cave into the light, it is blinding to them, and they deny that this is the real truth, and find comfort in the cave. Perhaps this is applicable to modern society and the way in which we use technology. The news and media that is shared upon the phone screens, TVs, and computers, become the shadows on tbe wall, similar to that cave allegory by Plato. I believe we are living in a spiritual war, a battle for your mind. The information that we consume, consumes us, and often times be deceiving.

Just recently, while walking through City Hall in Philadelphia, the largest municipal building in the country, draped with beautiful, sculptures, detail, columns, and grand tunnels, a man was walking with his girlfriend, and said, in a very disgruntled and angry tone,

“This was built with slave labor.”

I should’ve just held my tongue and left him alone, but when I hear falsehood, I have an urge to speak the truth. I replied,

This way actually built by a diverse group of European immigrants, long after the abolition of slavery.

I feel a burning desire to always tell the truth. One thing I’ve recognized about our independence hall location here in Philadelphia is that when you visit George Washington’s house, our first president, all you really learned is that he owned some slaves. Maybe the way that we frame history, and share information, is to blame for his misinformed observation about City Hall. We just assume that America was built by slaves.

One person that mocked Plato and who was very critical of his philosophy was Diogenes of Sinope. The more I learn about the famous Diogenes, the more I can relate to him. He lived an extremely ascetic and simple lifestyle, spending most of his time laying outside in his house that was just a big clay pot. One day, Alexander the Great visited Athens, and everybody in town went to visit him. The only person that didn’t go to see him was Diogenes. Because of this, Alexander the Great went out of his way to visit Diogenes himself. When he approached Diogenes, he asked him if there is anything he could do for him and that he would grant him any wish.

Diogenes replied,

Stand out of my sunlight.

Alexander then went walking away with his comrades, describing to them how if he were not Alexander the Great, that he would be Diogenes. His commitment to self-sufficiency and independence is inspiring to me.

Maybe I’ll just live like a homeless person from here on out. You can find me chilling under the eagle statue, lounging back, relaxed, without a care in the world. We may not be able to become the next Alexander the Great, as there is no more land for man to conquer. However, we can become the next Diogenes, and conquer the realm of art and photography.

Diogenes of Sinope (c. 412 or 404 – 323 BCE) was a Greek philosopher and one of the most famous figures in the school of Cynicism. He is best known for his ascetic lifestyle and his belief in living in virtue in agreement with nature. Diogenes used his life as an example to challenge social values and institutions.

Life and History

Early Life:
Diogenes was born in Sinope (modern-day Sinop, Turkey) on the Black Sea coast. He moved to Athens with his father, Hicesias, who was involved in the production of currency. Both father and son were exiled from Sinope for defacing the city’s currency, which likely inspired Diogenes’ later disdain for societal norms and conventions.

Philosophical Career:
Diogenes arrived in Athens and became a disciple of Antisthenes, a former student of Socrates. He quickly adopted and radicalized Antisthenes’ teachings, emphasizing extreme asceticism and living a life devoid of material wealth and social status. Diogenes is often depicted carrying a lantern in daylight, claiming to be searching for an honest man, thus highlighting his belief that honesty was rare in society.

Lifestyle:
Diogenes lived in a large ceramic jar (often mistakenly referred to as a barrel) in Athens, rejecting conventional housing and material comforts. His lifestyle was marked by extreme frugality, and he often begged for his sustenance. He was known for his wit and sharp criticism of social norms.

Famous Anecdotes and Stories

Diogenes and the Lamp:
Diogenes would walk around Athens during the day with a lantern, stating that he was looking for an honest man but finding none. This act was a critique of the moral and ethical decay he perceived in Athenian society.

Diogenes and Plato:
Diogenes often clashed with Plato, mocking his philosophical ideas. When Plato defined a human being as a “featherless biped,” Diogenes plucked a chicken and brought it into Plato’s Academy, declaring, “Here is Plato’s human.” This forced Plato to amend his definition to include “with broad flat nails.”

Diogenes and Alexander the Great:
One of the most famous stories involves Alexander the Great visiting Diogenes. Alexander, impressed by Diogenes’ austerity, offered to grant him any wish. Diogenes replied, “Stand out of my sunlight.” This bold response highlighted Diogenes’ disdain for power and wealth, emphasizing his commitment to self-sufficiency and independence.

Famous Quotes

1. “I am looking for an honest man.”

• Diogenes’ quest for honesty was a central theme in his life and philosophy.

1. “Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards.”

• This quote reflects his cynicism about society’s values and priorities.

1. “It is not that I am mad, it is only that my head is different from yours.”

• Diogenes often claimed that his unconventional behavior was a rational response to an irrational society.

1. “I threw my cup away when I saw a child drinking from his hands at the trough.”

• This story illustrates Diogenes’ commitment to simplicity and self-reliance.

1. “Of what use is a philosopher who doesn’t hurt anybody’s feelings?”

• Diogenes believed in challenging and provoking people to think critically about their lives and society.

Legacy

Diogenes’ philosophy laid the groundwork for the Cynic school, which later influenced Stoicism. His life and teachings emphasized the importance of virtue, self-control, and independence from material desires. Despite his often provocative and confrontational methods, Diogenes is remembered as a philosopher who lived his beliefs to the fullest, challenging others to reconsider their values and way of life.

Diogenes’ life serves as a reminder of the power of simplicity and the courage to live authentically, regardless of societal expectations. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek to live a life of virtue and integrity.

Health is Wealth

Our physical bodies are our greatest assets. We are bipedal beings with two legs, two arms, and a spine that allows us to stand upright. We are designed to be outside, moving, and engaging with our environment. Yet, modern life often confines us to sedentary routines, especially those long commutes and hours spent in offices.

Instead of being confined like zoo animals, we should embrace our natural state—moving, standing, and thriving outside. This reminds me of Prometheus in Greek mythology, who defied the gods to bring fire to humanity, enabling civilization. Although he suffered for his actions, his story underscores the importance of progress and resilience.

The ancient Spartans are another great example of physical resilience and strength. They wore armor that weighed between 60 to 70 pounds, a testament to their rigorous training. Wearing a weighted vest like the Rogue plate carrier can simulate Spartan training, especially when combined with barefoot shoes to engage our natural posture and movements.

Embracing Simplicity

In today’s world, we might be better off living like Diogenes, who found joy in simple pleasures and defied societal expectations. This philosopher lived with minimal possessions and valued his freedom above all. His famous encounter with Alexander the Great, where he asked Alexander to “get out of my sunlight,” is a powerful reminder of prioritizing what truly matters.

Reflecting on Modern Life

Walking around Philadelphia, I see the contrast between historical art and modern technology. The Philadelphia Museum of Art stands as a citadel of culture, while the modern Comcast tower symbolizes today’s corporate world. Yet, with all our technological advances, it’s crucial not to let them enslave us. Instead, we should use technology as a tool to enhance our freedom.

Consider the tragic irony of modern work life: spending long hours in offices, commuting, and sitting in cars. This lifestyle often leads to a decay of our physical and mental health. It’s time to break free from these constraints. Instead of sacrificing our health for wealth, we should see health as the ultimate wealth.

Allegory of Aladdin

This reminds me of the allegory of Aladdin in the cave. Aladdin enters the cave and discovers the genie in the bottle amidst all the treasure. Choosing the genie over the treasure symbolizes choosing wisdom and knowledge over material wealth. In today’s context, it means recognizing that health and well-being are more valuable than material possessions.

Breaking Free

The goal is to transcend the constraints of modern life and find ways to connect with our natural state. Whether it’s spending more time outdoors, engaging in physical activities, or simply lying on the grass and enjoying the sun, these actions ground us in our humanity.

Let’s embrace the lessons from the past and apply them to our lives today. Prioritize health, physical strength, and time spent outdoors. Strive for excellence and creativity, much like the men who built the beautiful structures like City Hall and the Wanamaker building in Philadelphia. These works of art stand as a testament to human potential and our ability to transcend the ordinary.

As we move forward, let’s focus on creating more and consuming less. Whether it’s through art, music, or physical activities, we have the power to shape our reality. Health is indeed wealth, and it’s the foundation for a fulfilling and purposeful life.

He who walks the most shall win

Rogue Plate Carrier – 40 Lbs
Vibram Men’s FiveFingers El-X Knit Shoe

Wearing a 40-pound plate carrier from Rogue for one hour every morning can offer a variety of health benefits and work multiple muscle groups. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Muscles Worked:

1. Leg Muscles:
   • Quadriceps
   • Hamstrings
   • Glutes
   • Calves
2. Core Muscles:
   • Rectus Abdominis
   • Obliques
   • Transverse Abdominis
   • Erector Spinae
3. Upper Body Muscles:
   • Trapezius
   • Deltoids
   • Pectorals
   • Latissimus Dorsi
   • Rhomboids
4. Stabilizing Muscles:
   • Hip Flexors
   • Lower Back Muscles
   • Ankle Stabilizers

Health Benefits:

1. Increased Cardiovascular Endurance:
   • Wearing a weighted vest increases the intensity of cardiovascular activities such as walking, running, or bodyweight exercises, improving heart and lung capacity over time.
2. Improved Strength and Muscle Tone:
   • The added weight enhances the resistance, leading to greater muscle activation and strength gains, particularly in the legs, core, and upper body.
3. Enhanced Caloric Burn:
   • The increased load boosts the metabolic rate, resulting in more calories burned during and after the workout, aiding in weight management and fat loss.
4. Better Posture and Balance:
   • The weight distribution requires you to maintain proper posture and balance, which can improve overall body alignment and stability.
5. Bone Density Improvement:
   • The added resistance helps in increasing bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
6. Increased Functional Strength:
   • Wearing a weighted vest mimics the resistance experienced during daily activities, improving functional strength and making everyday tasks easier.
7. Enhanced Core Stability:
   • The added weight forces the core muscles to work harder to stabilize the body, leading to improved core strength and stability.
8. Improved Aerobic Capacity:
   • Over time, training with a weighted vest can enhance aerobic capacity, allowing you to perform physical activities for longer periods without fatigue.
9. Boosted Mental Toughness:
   • The physical challenge of wearing a weighted vest can improve mental toughness, resilience, and determination.
10. Increased Endurance:
    • Regular use can improve muscular endurance, enabling you to perform physical activities for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.

Tips for Safe Usage:

• Start Light: If you’re new to using a weighted vest, start with a lighter weight and gradually increase to 40 pounds to avoid injury.
• Proper Fit: Ensure the vest fits snugly and does not shift during movement to prevent chafing and discomfort.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid overexertion, especially if you experience pain or excessive fatigue.
• Hydrate: Stay well-hydrated as the added weight can increase sweat and fluid loss.

Incorporating a weighted vest into your routine can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your workouts and contribute to overall health and fitness improvements.

I Am the Lighthouse Keeper

The other day, in the morning, I was doing some yoga, just some simple stretches in the sunlight, to start my day. Another guy saw me, and when I approached him, he told me how he was feeling uplifted watching me. He told me how his energy was low, but after seeing me glow, he felt good. It was a very positive interaction. Also, he was listening to some Christian rap music on a speaker, which actually sounded really cool!

Social contagion is real. What I mean by this is, you can pick up the energy of other people around you. When I see somebody slouched, bent over, head down, I can feel the negative energy in the air. It’s easy for other people’s energy to rub off onto yours, and so I believe it’s important to surround yourself with more positive, gay, jolly, and strong people. In these uncertain times, where drama, negativity, and bad news fill the air, I say we should strike through the darkness like a lighthouse, as a beam of light.

Man VS Nature

A few months ago, along the Schuylkill River Banks, the boardwalk here in Philadelphia, I hopped over the fence and was trying to explore underneath it. I saw a bunch of cool rocks, I wanted to grab one and throw it in the river. However, when I went to grab the rock, there were a bunch of weeds growing in between them, which apparently I later found out were called stinging nettle, and they rubbed my skin. When I went home, I rinsed myself off, took a shower, and woke up the next day with extremely itchy rashes on my wrists. I made sure to apply some Cortizone cream for the next few days, but the pain was insane and required me to train my mind and my body to resist the temptation to itch.

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, I was pruning some trees, which were overflowing with these suckers and weeds everywhere. I needed to clean this tree because it was just so beautiful, and these suckers are like leeches, draining the energy from this source of life. However, the next day, I looked at my wrist and saw that I contracted poison ivy. I’ve never had poison ivy or any of these funny rashes from nature before, not even when I was a kid, exploring out in the woods endlessly.

Nature is violent. I remember walking through Rittenhouse Square Park, and seeing a hawk swoop down from the tree, eating a baby bird in midflight. All I saw from the scene were a few feathers falling to the ground. The plants are violent, the insects are violent, and the animals show no mercy. There is a hierarchy in nature, and the most dominant, with the most will to power, shall win. However, when it comes to nature, perhaps it is foolish to try and tame it.

I’ll never forget being a young boy, where I spent my youth, in Longport, New Jersey, playing on the beach all day during the summer. My grandmother would lounge on her chair, tanning her skin, and enjoy her watermelon and an Italian hoagie. However, the seagulls would always swarm us, and I remember one time a seagull snatched the hoagie straight from her mouth! The seagulls and nature have no idea of right or wrong. Nature shows no mercy and always gets what she desires.

I love starting my day off with a walk along the river here in Philadelphia and find myself at an elevated view, standing at the edge of a cliff, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I love looking out towards the horizon, the water, and the tree canopy in the farthest. It reminds me of how open this world is and how much there is to do and explore. The act of standing on the cliff, with my feet as close to the edge as possible, is quite foolish. The wind could push from the left or right of me, or even behind me, and knock me forward, falling to the ground, bashing my head against the cliff, maybe breaking some bones, or even dying. Maybe some worms would start to eat my body as I decompose, and that’s the cycle of life.

“You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You’re the same decaying organic matter as everything else. We are all part of the same compost heap.” – Tyler Durden

Think of a goat, and the way they graze upon the cliff sides. When an eagle kills a goat, it uses the easiest method possible. The eagle simply swoops down and knocks the goat off the cliff. When the goat falls and dies, the eagle comes down and has its feast.

Humans may be the most strong, apex predator, with technology, weapons, medicine, etc., but the more we fight against mother nature, the more it will fight against us. We could use our nuclear weapons and destroy this world if we truly wanted to. Perhaps we are like the eagle and use the easiest method possible to kill, with guns, missiles, drones, and nuclear weapons.

Have you ever stood on the shoreline and looked out towards the ocean?

This is one of the most beautiful sights you can witness in life, as the horizon seems endless, and the ocean is so open. It’s very inspiring to stand on the beach, with the water crashing before your feet. However, the ocean is scary.

I remember it took a lot of time for me to overcome the fear of the ocean when I was a young boy. I saw one of my friends get stung by a jellyfish, and there were lots of crabs crawling around. I found comfort in the warm sand, by the entrance of the beach, digging holes, making sand castles. But once I met a group of boys, and had a band of brothers or friends with me, we would all go out into the ocean together, boogie boarding, bodyboarding, and just riding the waves with rafts. We would go out there when there was a red flag, and the waves would crash fiercely. It was exhilarating to ride the waves. Once I got a surfboard and attempted to go out deeper, I regretted my decision. The ocean was pulling me back further and further away from the shoreline, and there was an undertow. A lifeguard actually had to come out and save me because I was so small, and the ocean was so strong, that I could not paddle back to the shoreline. Needless to say, I became much more into skimboarding along the shoreline, and avoiding surfing from there on.

While it is important to be dangerous, courageous, and overcome your fears, perhaps nature will always teach us a lesson.

However, if Mother Nature is queen of the universe, should we truly worship her? I’d say not, and just leave her alone.

Nature is both beautiful and ugly.

The seeds start to bloom into beautiful flowers, but over some time, they wither away, and decay, back down into the ground. It is important to recognize the cycle of nature, with growth, death, and rebirth. We should not fear nature but rather recognize our role within nature.

We are nature. We are the world. We are the universe. We are the cocoon, the caterpillar, and the butterfly. We are workers, like the ants, dancers, like the birds, and predators, like the lions.

We are the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper, along the shoreline of the vast ocean, shining brightly in the dark unknown.

Humans Are Like Zoo Animals?

Maybe humans are becoming like domesticated dogs. But what I find funny about the way that we domesticate dogs is that they are very fierce in nature. Dogs were once wolves, but then found a campfire, with some guys chilling, we decided to cuddle up with it, and make it our friend. When I spent time in the West Bank, exploring all the various Palestinian cities, I noticed how they use dogs. Dogs are used as predators, security, and guards. They chain them up inside, muzzle their mouths, and hardly feed them. They use their dogs for war games and attack.

Perhaps humans too are like these dogs, or wolves, fierce and capable of doing harm. Think of Hercules, descending to Hades, to conquer Cerberus, the three-headed dog. Or even Harry Potter, in the Chamber of Secrets, before he descended into hell, to fight the basilisk. He had to tame these dogs, by putting them to sleep, before slaying the beast underneath.

I feel as though humans are like these dogs from Harry Potter, asleep, tamed, and the beast within us has been killed. We prefer comfort and pleasure through all of our hedonistic pursuits. We look for the easy route and enjoy our routine. The cool air conditioner on a hot summer day, and the four corners of a room, are soothing and make us feel good. Humans shouldn’t feel good all of the time. We must endure pain, and suffering, and overcome ourselves in order to be free.

Design Your Character

Have you ever played a video game, an open-world, adventure, RPG, such as Skyrim? In the very beginning of the game, your character is naked, and you design him from the ground up. You choose your body type, eye color, size, shape, etc. Maybe we should go back to the beginning stage of the video game and design our real-life character in reality, too.

Go Discalced

The term “discalced” comes from the Latin word “discalceatus,” which is a combination of “dis-” (a prefix meaning “apart” or “away”) and “calceatus” (meaning “shod” or “wearing shoes”). “Calceatus” itself comes from “calceus,” meaning “shoe.” Therefore, “discalced” literally means “unshod” or “without shoes.”

I think the first step to redesigning ourselves quite literally does start from the ground up. By removing your shoes, and going barefoot, you reconnect with our natural way of being. I’ve been wearing the Vibram FiveFingers ELX shoes for around a year and a half now, and I cannot see myself going back to normal shoes. I feel way more comfortable and natural feel the sensations of the ground below me, strengthening my legs, my feet, and my posture. My thought is, these big, rubber soles, between us and the ground, are weakening our physical bodies. Let us design our character from the ground up, remove the shoes, and become the strongest and best versions of ourselves.

The Ultimate Goal of Humanity?

So I live in a building here in Philadelphia with 99% elderly people residing in it. A lot of the times when I’m on the elevator, I have conversations with them about their grandchildren, and how happy they make them. Perhaps grandchildren become the fountain of youth for the elderly, a source of vitality and hope for the future.

It is quite obvious that we live in a world with a population on the decline. When I walk through the streets of Philadelphia, I notice way more single people with dogs than children. So what can we do about this? What do we young men have to think more critically about?

The word “semen” has its origins in Latin, where it directly translates to “seed.” In Latin, “semen” is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *sē-, which also means “to sow” or “to plant.” This root is the source of various related words in different languages, all pertaining to seeds or the act of sowing. In English, the term has been used since the 14th century to refer to the reproductive fluid containing spermatozoa in males, reflecting its original sense of something that can generate new life.

We should strive to either generate new life or generate new art. These two options are the choices we have to give life deeper meaning. Go inward and ignore the external hedonistic distractions of modern life. Learn to overcome yourself. Don’t blow your semen or power.

Maybe we should just wait until marriage before having sex?

If the ultimate goal of humanity is to form families and generate new life, let’s become super critical about this and choose how we decide to use our ultimate source of vitality and power as men. Let’s set new virtues, or rather, just restore old ones, and return to tradition, for the sake of humanity.

Focus Right Away in the Morning

Every morning, I slam four espressos at 4 AM, and get right outside. I think this is the best routine for me, as I truly thrive out on a walk. As soon as I start walking, it’s much easier for me to think, write, and make my videos. As a street photographer, our ultimate goal should be movement, and walking throughout the day as much as possible. Because of this, I tend to get out there right away and make pictures along the river trail. While I walk the same lane every single day, in this seemingly mundane fashion, I find beauty in it. This walk brings me focus and clarity as I reach the peak of the cliff, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and look out at the horizon from an elevated view.

“You cannot step in the same river twice.” – Heraclitus

When I look out at the landscape, this beautiful vista, I make a photograph. When I make this photograph, every single day, I remind myself that you cannot make the same photograph twice. The light, and the way that it casts upon the surfaces, giving shape and form to places, faces, and things, intrigues me as a photographer. Because of the power of light, nothing ever stays the same. The sun is the omnipotent power, that allows nature to bloom, and also provides us with the endless canvas to photograph upon. You can visit the same location every single day, but a photograph that you make there will never be the same. Embrace the change of light, and simply follow it.

Focus as soon as you wake up. Become the creator.

Fiat Lux.

Let there be light!

Excelsior

Most music is dark these days. The lyrics are negative, the beats are lonely, and the culture surrounding it is degenerate. One thing I’ve been doing for the past two years is making an effort to listen to the Wanamaker Organ at the Macy’s building here in Philadelphia, every day at 5:30 PM. There’s a free show that lasts around a half-hour to 45 minutes for the public, every day except for Sunday, at 12 and 5:30, twice per day. I’ve made an effort to detox from music, and only listen to it during this particular part of my day.

While walking around the Wanamaker building yesterday, I noticed these beautiful plaques depicting the original 13 colonies and their mottos. One in particular, New York’s, read, “Excelsior.”

“Excelsior” is a Latin word meaning “higher” or “loftier.” It is derived from the Latin word “excelsus,” which means “high” or “elevated.” The word “excelsior” is often used to convey a sense of striving for higher goals or reaching for excellence.

When I listen to the Wanamaker Organ, which is the world’s largest playing pipe organ, the music vibrates throughout the entire building. The building has a very tall ceiling, and the organ is positioned at an elevated spot that requires the listener to look up at it. I believe that architecture, sculpture, and music are the apex of art. When you step in front of the beautiful eagle statue, thousands of feathers, rock by hand, built of bronze, in the center of the building, gaze up at the high ceiling, and listen to the music that sounds from the organ, it uplifts your soul to a transcendental height.

The goal of art is to uplift the human spirit, to elevate, and to transcend this world.

I believe that the Wanamaker Organ is one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements, and I’m very grateful to have a place like this in my city to listen to music. One day, they even displayed a silent black and white Charlie Chaplin film upon a projector, just below the organ, and synced the music to the movie.

When I was a child, I would sit at the Eagle and watch the late show every Christmas season. My grandmother also worked in this building, in the beauty department. When I listen to the organ, I think to myself that my grandmother probably listened to this too when she was alive. Art has the capability of fueling your soul with vitality and resonates with the listener, or the viewer, on a deep and emotional level.

If you ever want to listen to the organ with me, just join me at 5:30 PM at the Eagle statue!

Octavius Valentine Catto

Octavius Valentine Catto (1839-1871) was a prominent African American civil rights activist, educator, and intellectual in Philadelphia during the 19th century. Here are some key points about his life and contributions:

1. Early Life and Education: Catto was born on February 22, 1839, in Charleston, South Carolina, but his family moved to Philadelphia, where he grew up. He attended the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY), an important educational institution for African Americans, where he excelled academically and later became a teacher.
2. Civil Rights Activism: Catto was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, particularly in the fight for voting rights and against racial segregation. He was a leader in the Pennsylvania Equal Rights League and worked tirelessly to ensure that African American men could exercise their right to vote following the Civil War.
3. Desegregation of Streetcars: One of Catto’s notable achievements was his role in the successful campaign to desegregate Philadelphia’s streetcars. Through persistent advocacy and protest, he helped ensure that African Americans could use public transportation without discrimination.
4. Military Involvement: During the Civil War, Catto was active in recruiting African American men to serve in the Union Army. He was instrumental in raising troops for the United States Colored Troops (USCT), demonstrating his commitment to both civil rights and the Union cause.
5. Education and Legacy: As an educator, Catto taught at his alma mater, the Institute for Colored Youth, where he influenced many students and became a respected figure in the community. His dedication to education and equality left a lasting impact.
6. Tragic Death: Catto’s life was tragically cut short on October 10, 1871, when he was assassinated on his way to vote in a municipal election. His murder was part of a larger wave of violence and intimidation against African American voters during the Reconstruction era.
7. Honors and Memorials: In recent years, Catto’s contributions have been increasingly recognized. In 2017, a statue was erected in his honor at Philadelphia’s City Hall, making him the first individual African American to be so honored with a statue on public land in the city.

Octavius V. Catto’s legacy as a civil rights pioneer and educator continues to inspire and be celebrated in Philadelphia and beyond.

The Will to Power by Friedrich Nietzsche: In-Depth Summary with Key Quotes

Overview and Structure: “The Will to Power” is a posthumously published collection of Friedrich Nietzsche’s notes, compiled by his sister Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche. It offers insight into Nietzsche’s philosophical thinking, presenting themes like the will to power, critique of morality, the concept of the Übermensch, and the idea of eternal recurrence.

Key Themes and Concepts

1. The Will to Power: Nietzsche’s central idea is that the fundamental driving force in humans is the will to power—a striving to assert and enhance one’s power and influence. This drive encompasses more than just political or physical power, including intellectual and creative power.

Key Quote:

• “What is good? All that heightens the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself in man. What is bad? All that proceeds from weakness.”

Summary: The will to power is the essence of life itself. It drives human actions and creativity, pushing individuals to overcome obstacles and grow stronger. It is the root of ambition and the pursuit of excellence.

2. Master-Slave Morality: Nietzsche contrasts master morality with slave morality. Master morality is characterized by values such as strength, courage, and nobility, while slave morality is driven by weakness, resentment, and conformity.

Key Quote:

• “The noble type of man regards himself as a determiner of values; he does not require to be approved of; he passes the judgment: ‘What is injurious to me is injurious in itself’; he knows that it is he himself only who confers honour on things; he is a creator of values.”

Summary: Master morality is about creating one’s values and living authentically, while slave morality seeks to impose universal values based on weakness and fear. Nietzsche champions the former as a more genuine and powerful way of living.

3. Übermensch (Overman): The Übermensch is Nietzsche’s vision of an individual who transcends conventional morality and limitations, creating their own values and living a life of authenticity and power.

Key Quote:

• “Man is something that shall be overcome. Man is a rope, tied between beast and Übermensch—a rope over an abyss.”

Summary: The Übermensch represents the pinnacle of human potential, someone who has embraced the will to power and created a life of purpose and meaning beyond traditional values and norms.

4. Eternal Recurrence: This concept suggests that life eternally recurs, with every event repeating itself infinitely. It is both a test and an affirmation of one’s life.

Key Quote:

• “What if some day or night a demon were to steal after you into your loneliest loneliness and say to you: ‘This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable times more.'”

Summary: Eternal recurrence challenges individuals to live their lives as if every moment would be repeated eternally. It is a call to embrace life fully, with all its joys and sorrows, and to live in a way that one would willingly repeat forever.

Important Chapters and Notes

On the Nature of Life: Nietzsche explores life as a process of overcoming, growth, and expansion through the will to power. He criticizes philosophies that deny this fundamental drive and praises those that recognize and harness it.

On Morality and Religion: Nietzsche critiques traditional moral systems, particularly Christianity, for promoting slave morality. He argues that these systems suppress the will to power and hinder human potential.

On Truth and Knowledge: Nietzsche challenges the notion of objective truth, arguing that what we consider truth is a construct shaped by the will to power. Knowledge is not about discovering absolute truths but about creating perspectives that enhance life.

On Culture and Society: Nietzsche examines the impact of culture and society on individuals, emphasizing the need to break free from conformist pressures and to cultivate one’s unique potential.

Notable Quotes and Their Summaries

1. “He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”

• Summary: This warns about the dangers of confronting evil or chaos. One must be vigilant not to become what one opposes.

2. “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”

• Summary: Life inherently involves suffering, but the key to survival and flourishing is to find or create meaning within that suffering.

3. “In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.”

• Summary: Nietzsche observes that while individual madness is uncommon, collective madness is a frequent occurrence, reflecting his skepticism of mass movements and societal norms.

Conclusion

“The Will to Power” is a profound exploration of human nature, morality, and existence. Nietzsche’s philosophy encourages embracing life’s inherent struggles and uncertainties, creating one’s values, and striving for personal excellence and authenticity. Through concepts like the will to power, master-slave morality, the Übermensch, and eternal recurrence, Nietzsche offers a vision of life that is dynamic, challenging, and ultimately empowering.

“Excelsior” is a Latin word meaning “ever upward” or “still higher.” It is often used to convey a sense of striving for excellence or aiming to achieve greater heights. The term is famously associated with the state motto of New York, symbolizing aspiration and progress.