My New Year resolution is to eat *more* meat. I’ll be striving for 3 to 4 pounds of red meat every day.

Why is this important?

I recognize that red meat is the answer to my fitness goals. In terms of muscle growth, and seeing results from my work in the gym, it requires this state of hypertrophy.

“Hypertrophy” refers to the enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part of the body due to the increased size of the constituent cells. It’s commonly used in medical and fitness contexts, especially in relation to muscle growth.

The etymology of “hypertrophy” traces back to the Greek words: “hyper,” meaning “over” or “excessive,” and “trophē,” meaning “nourishment.” So, it essentially means “excessive nourishment,” referring to the way cells grow larger, but not more numerous.

Physiology first

The more I focus on increasing my muscle mass, and losing more fat, the sharper my mind and the healthier my body becomes. I believe that in order to become a better photographer and artist I must be at my peak physical condition.

Ctrl, Alt, Delete

One simple idea for this new year is to subtract more than you add. I believe that the approach going forward is via negativa and minimalism.

“Via Negativa” is a Latin term meaning “negative way” or “way of negation.” It’s a philosophical and theological approach that attempts to describe things (often the nature of God) in terms of what they are not, rather than what they are.

The etymology of this term breaks down as follows:

• “Via” means “way” or “path” in Latin.
• “Negativa” comes from the Latin “negare,” meaning “to deny” or “to negate.”

In practice, via negativa involves defining something by the absence of certain qualities. For example, in theology, God may be described as “immutable” (not changeable) or “infinite” (not finite). This approach is often used when it is believed that direct, positive descriptions of a concept or entity fall short or are inherently limited.

Some things to subtract:

• No porn, no fap
• No smoking, no alcohol
• No breakfast, no lunch
• No news, no social media
• No sunglasses, no hats
• No AirPods in public

Warrior Monk mode

My current path is towards a warrior monk minimalist ascetic lifestyle. Why? I think it’s sexier and appealing to me. I believe that by subtracting more things from your life, the more that you become. I realize that the simple things in life such a sleep, sunlight, walking, weightlifting, red meat, and smiling is all I really need to be happy.

Social Media’s Influence

A thought that crossed my mind on Christmas Eve, while walking through the Christmas Village here in Philadelphia, was the notion of social media’s influence on the masses. I was enjoying my time photographing, watching ice skaters, and taking in the sights and smells of the holiday season when a huge group of protesters gathered and marched around the village, exclaiming, “Nothing merry, nothing jolly!”

Critical Thinkers Are the Future

I have no problem with peaceful protests and protesters; it is a fundamental right of freedom of speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution. However, I can’t help but consider the power of social media and how it shapes reality. Could we even consider the election of Trump in 2016 as a result of social media’s influence?

If Twitter did not exist, would Trump have been elected?

In this modern digital age, narratives displayed on screens control the masses. People often don’t critically consider the information they consume, as it’s easy to become emotionally charged by the ideas spread online.

Be Skeptical About Hearsay

Imagine a viral news article claiming that a police officer murdered an innocent youth in your neighborhood. This devastating news spreads, and people become extremely emotional, hostile, and perhaps even violent. An uprising erupts in the streets, and the city is damaged. But the next day, we discover the story was false and never actually happened.

“Believe none of what you hear, and only half of what you see.” — Benjamin Franklin

What Is the Solution?

In the future, artificial intelligence and confirming the validity of information may play a critical role in this digital landscape. But a simple solution for now? Delete all your social media accounts and avoid consuming media on any platform. Another fun thought:

Just assume all social media users are bot accounts.

Disconnect from the shadows and enter the light. Spend less time indoors behind a screen, and more time outside under the sun. Focus on spreading kindness in your local community and making a tangible impact in the real world.

I believe the future depends on critical thinkers—people who think outside the box. Don’t get caught up in groupthink and hive minds online. Be fearless going forward. Go off the grid!

Assume they are bots

Our future

The American dream?

Thomas Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence, famously wrote about the “pursuit of happiness” as one of the unalienable rights. The exact quote is:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

This phrase reflects the Enlightenment ideals and emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and happiness as fundamental human rights.

The current year is recognized based on Jesus’ birth due to the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, which is anchored in the Anno Domini (AD) system. This system was developed by Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century. He sought to replace the Diocletian era, which was named after the Roman Emperor Diocletian, with a calendar system centered on the estimated year of Jesus Christ’s birth. Dionysius aimed to base the calendar on a significant Christian event rather than the reign of a Roman Emperor who had persecuted Christians.

His system marked the year of Jesus’ birth as 1 AD (Anno Domini, Latin for “In the Year of Our Lord”) and the years before that as BC (Before Christ). This calendar became widely used in Europe, especially after the adoption of the Gregorian calendar by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, which refined the Julian calendar to more accurately reflect the solar year.

The widespread use of this calendar, and thus its dating system, spread through European influence and colonization. Today, it’s recognized globally for secular and practical reasons, although alternative calendars are used in various cultural and religious contexts. The terms CE (Common Era) and BCE (Before Common Era) are now often used as secular alternatives to AD and BC.

Dionysius Exiguus was a 6th-century monk who is best known for introducing the Anno Domini (AD) era, which is used in the Gregorian calendar to denote years following the birth of Jesus Christ. Here are some key aspects about him:

1. Background and Origin: Dionysius was likely born in Scythia Minor (now part of modern Romania and Bulgaria) around 470 AD. His name, “Exiguus,” translates to “the humble” in Latin.
2. Work as a Scholar: He was a learned monk and a proficient scholar, especially in mathematics and astronomy, which were crucial for calendar calculations.
3. Creation of the Anno Domini Era: Dionysius introduced the AD system around 525 AD. He sought to replace the Diocletian era, named after the Roman Emperor Diocletian, with a dating system based on the estimated year of Jesus Christ’s birth. His aim was to center the calendar on a Christian milestone rather than commemorating a Roman Emperor who had persecuted Christians.
4. Easter Table Calculations: Dionysius also made significant contributions to calculating the date of Easter, a complex task that requires understanding of both the solar and lunar calendars. His Easter table was designed to continue the old 19-year Metonic cycle but shifted its start to align with the Christian era he devised.
5. Legacy: Although his calculation of Jesus’ birth year is now thought to be slightly off, his AD system was widely adopted in Europe and eventually became the standard dating system used in the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar system most commonly used around the world today.

Dionysius Exiguus’ contributions had a lasting impact on how time is reckoned in much of the world, reflecting the significant influence of religious, cultural, and scholarly work in the shaping of global systems and conventions.

“Fight Club,” both the novel by Chuck Palahniuk and the film adaptation directed by David Fincher, delve into various philosophical themes, including:

1. Anti-Materialism: “Fight Club” criticizes the consumerist culture that prioritizes material possessions over genuine human experiences and connections. The protagonist’s initial obsession with furnishing his apartment represents this materialistic culture.
2. Identity Crisis: The main character’s struggle with his identity, which leads to the creation of his alter-ego, Tyler Durden, highlights issues related to personal identity and the search for meaning in modern life.
3. Masculinity Crisis: The novel and film explore the crisis of masculinity in contemporary society. It questions traditional male roles and the lack of meaningful rites of passage for men in modern culture.
4. Nihilism: The characters often exhibit nihilistic beliefs, questioning the meaning and value of life and societal norms.
5. Chaos vs. Order: Tyler Durden’s actions and philosophy are about embracing chaos as a response to the overly structured, predictable nature of modern life.
6. Destructive Therapy: The fight club and Project Mayhem represent destructive forms of therapy for characters who feel numbed and constrained by societal norms.
7. Isolation in Modern Society: The narrative delves into the themes of loneliness and isolation in a world where superficial connections often replace genuine human interaction.
8. Existentialism: The story touches on existentialist themes, where characters seek to find or create their own purpose in a seemingly meaningless world.

“Fight Club” is a complex narrative that intertwines these philosophical themes to critique and reflect on contemporary society and the human condition.

Break Societal Norms

Don’t worry about appearing “weird” around other people. Break a social norm today. This is the thought, the message I want to share with you: Don’t conform. Don’t be basic. It’s better to be a little crazy than to blend in.

Simple Assignment Ideas

• Walk in public without a shirt on
• Get kicked out of somewhere
• Do pull-ups on construction sites
• Blast music from your speaker

Go out there and break the rules. Don’t worry about the opinions of others. Treat the street like a playground.

“The mundane existence of everyday life is worth finding beauty within…”

Shoes Are a Scam

Why are we wearing shoes? I haven’t felt any stress on my back or legs since switching to minimalist, barefoot-style shoes. Regular shoes with thick soles and padding constrain your toes and weaken your posture. Barefoot shoes let me feel the ground, spread my toes, and avoid the pain regular shoes caused. Men should be aiming to get stronger each day, and a quick way to do that? Stop wearing shoes.

Food Is Poison

These ideas might sound crazy, but they kind of are. The food we’re given—especially the way it’s marketed—is poison. The food pyramid is a scam. If your boss hands you donuts at work, just say no. If others are heading out for lunch and snacks, remember that you don’t have to follow. Meat is all you really need. Eating two pounds of beef daily means I don’t feel hunger the next day; all the vitamins I need are already in the meat.

Blast Your Music

Instead of isolating yourself with air pods, just blast your music from your phone. Let everyone hear what you’re listening to. If you see someone wearing air pods, gesture for them to take them out and start a conversation. We live in an anti-social culture, especially after the pandemic. Now, let’s get closer. Engage with society, play with things, tinker with how we interact.

Stand Up Instead of Sitting Down

Men weren’t designed to sit down for long periods. If you sit for more than two hours a day, it’s detrimental to your health. Personally, I can’t stand sitting down for too long. It feels constraining. So if you’re in a meeting or a class and it’s been over two hours, just stand up.

Embrace Playful Banter

Men need to embrace playful banter, even a bit of naughty banter. Don’t be afraid of some back-and-forth teasing. If someone’s giving you a hard time, tease them back and make friends with them. Be playful with aggression. If someone shows hostility, that’s often the person you can connect with the most by being friendly in return.

Think of Life as a Video Game

These ideas might sound basic—just shoes, food, and socializing—but they’re about tinkering with life. Think of life as the ultimate video game. Each interaction with someone else is a chance to play. Be more joyful, sing, dance, talk. Tap into your feminine side. Don’t always use the logical side of your brain; feel more, speak what you think, listen to your gut, and play.

It’s fun to break social norms. It’s fun to be a little bit crazy.