Thoughts

1. How I want to spend my short time on this earth
2. What I learned as a peace corps volunteer
3. How to be happy
4. Be fearless
5. Explore
6. Adventure is in my blood
7. Embrace your child like curiosity
8. Strive to create beautiful art from a state of pure joy
9. Stop trying to be perfect
10. Carte blanche
11. Change the world
12. Your body is your soul
13. The now
14. Break societal norms
15. Curiosity and exploration
16. Nobody will notice
17. Take the more interesting path in life
18. Boredom is a tragedy
19. Think legacy
20. Create anew
21. What is the goal?
22. Be mindful of the music you consume
23. Why is the news always negative?
24. Ignore hollywood and social media
25. Social media’s influence
26. Limit phone use
27. Who and what is that?
28. Avoid miserable people like the plague
29. Treat life like a videogame
30. A world without art is an ugly world
31. The goal of life isn’t happiness
32. Bring back beauty
33. Unlimited resources
34. Life is the videogame
35. Dreams and nightmares
36. Isn’t life so grand?
37. The goal to transcend
38. Why think?
39. Life is meaningful
40. Why I’m so passionate about the outdoors
41. What inspires me?
42. You only live once
43. Go slow and appreciate the detail
44. Become a creative barbarian
45. A life of movement and dynamic experiences
46. Every moment is beautiful if you look close enough
47. The problem with video games
48. Don’t worry about the future
49. I’d rather be on the battlefield than locked away in the castle
50. Reality is beautiful
51. Why longevity matters
52. Real love comes from within
53. Three things I learned from living in a village in Zambia, Africa
54. Create endlessly
55. Spread joy and kindness
56. Love and fear
57. God, family, and land
58. Be foolish
59. Light VS Darkness
60. How to stay focused?
61. Insatiable lust for life
62. Made of love
63. Individual VS Collective
64. How to find deeper meaning in life?
65. Soul & Body
66. Subtract
67. When to ignore?
68. Don’t be afraid!
69. If it hurts, let it die
70. Life is a visual feast
71. Full of color
72. Assume you won’t wake up
73. Set your body in motion, and don’t stop!
74. Don’t talk about others
75. Why root for the underdog?
76. You’re the only one that can give life meaning
77. Be hard in a soft world
78. The universe is a miracle

Don’t Talk About Others

When interacting with people, it’s often better to talk about yourself and your own experiences rather than focusing on others.

My simple heuristic: Don’t talk about others.

Whether it’s acquaintances, celebrities, or politicians, keep conversations about others to a bare minimum and avoid gossip at all costs.

“Leave the gossip girl chitchat for the lemmings.”

Assume You Won’t Wake Up

Maybe it’s best to assume you won’t wake up in the morning before you go to bed.

With this in mind, it becomes easier to focus on what truly matters in the moment. Let this thought guide your actions and priorities, helping you live fully and intentionally.

SUBTRACT

The Path to Minimalism

I believe minimalism is a powerful approach to everyday life. It’s about subtracting the unnecessary—whether it’s excessive phone use, TV, Internet, or social media. Even in your diet, removing processed junk and sugar can lead to a more fulfilling and healthier lifestyle.

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Photography Made Simple

Strip it down to the basics. By removing color from your frames and embracing black and white photography, you simplify your art. Black and white photography is easier to read, focusing on light, shadow, and form.

Simplicity is the path forward.

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Just Remove It

Look in your closet. How many clothes lie there unused? It’s time to subtract. Donate them to family or a thrift store.

As for shoes, I’ve been going barefoot for over a year now. I can’t imagine going back. The simplicity and comfort speak for themselves.

“Remove any clothes or items from your life that you don’t need.”

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Minimalism isn’t about having less—it’s about making room for what truly matters.

In order to innovate and push forward with new creations of art, we *must* make more mistakes. It’s our duty as artists to fail, get back up, and restart over and over again.

In terms of photography, it’s 99% failure and 1% success.

Own your mistakes as a vital part of the process.

Why Root for the Underdog?

I’ve noticed that people generally root for the underdog.

Maybe this stems from an excessive emotional state and an abundance of empathy. Perhaps it’s because misery loves company, making it easier for people to identify with those who are struggling or suffering.

In rooting for the underdog, people may find a reflection of their own challenges, drawing comfort from shared vulnerability.

In the city, it’s much more difficult to find patches of sunlight due to the tall buildings. However, I find that walking by the river provides an open space where I can catch the most sunlight no matter the time of day.

More sun, more joy

I think the reason why people on the West Coast are much more easy-going and joyful is because of the amount of sunlight they get year round. Here in Philadelphia, there are much more cloudy days than sunny days during the winter months. Because of this, I find people are generally much more irritable and not as happy.

God, Family, and Land

During my time as a Peace Corps volunteer living in a remote village in Zambia, I discovered that a well-adjusted society operates within a clear hierarchy: God, Family, and Land. These three elements form the foundation of life in the village.

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God

Regardless of religious affiliation—whether Atheist, Muslim, Jewish, or Christian—there is an undeniable recognition of the divine connection between the people and the land they inhabit. This spiritual bond reinforces a sense of purpose and belonging within the community.

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Family

In the village, family is government. Life isn’t dictated by external institutions like politicians or lawyers. Instead, the family unit functions as the primary source of governance and support. Each person has a distinct role to play, ensuring the well-being of the collective.

“In a thriving community, your life is just as important as your neighbor’s.”

Meals are shared, responsibilities are distributed, and everyone works together toward a common goal. The family becomes a microcosm of the larger community—a single tribe, one family.

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Land

The land is both a resource and a responsibility. It provides sustenance and livelihood, grounding the community in a shared effort to thrive. The connection to the land is sacred, emphasizing stewardship and respect for nature.

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Final Thoughts

God, family, and land create a harmonious balance in a well-functioning society. These principles remind us that life is about more than individual success—it’s about community, collective responsibility, and a deep connection to the world around us.