We live in the creative renaissance.
Access to infinite information, it's never been easier to learn.
Or shall I say: it's never been "easier" to learn.
Because what's hard is finding the desire.
Our western minds want a guarantee.
"If I learn X, then I will become rich and well-liked."
In a sense, that's what college is. "A guarantee for prosperity."
But real learning is diving into the unknown. Choosing where to dive based on your intuition, and seeing what you find.
Is it possible that learning could be fun?
That being childlike is not irresponsible, but the source of all creativity?
We have this false concept that, unless it hurts, it's not working.
That if you're not "serious," you're not real.
It's kind of hilarious. Because everyone is a kid on the inside, yet we walk around pretending like we're not. We wear our masks well!
The good news is that it's just the beginning of this creative renaissance.
Smartphones have only been popular for like 10 years. The internet's been around for what, 20?
We have a long way to go. It's never a bad time to start, unless you tell yourself that.
Nobody is coming to give you permission. But your example may be that to others.
We are all endlessly creative if we allow ourselves to be.
New Product I Love
Many weeks when I write this section, it feels as if I'm screaming, "please buy this thing! Within it lies eternal salvation."
That's how I feel this week.
I've been record-player-curious for about a year now, and just pulled the trigger a couple weeks ago.
It's incredibly satisfying to watch the record spin. As if you're looking at music.
It's also nice to see the records in your room.
In the same way it's nice to see books in your room. Whenever I love a book I read on Kindle, I'll order a physical copy after. It's nice to randomly glance at your favorite art.
But my favorite parts are more subtle.
Listening to music supposed to be passive, and having a record player makes that more true. It's not a "magic device that can do anything." It's a device that can do 1 thing, which is magical in its own way.
You also realize the value in listening to an album together. Each album is a unique vibe, and it's hard to capture that when you're only listening to the hits. Suddenly, the songs that seemed "bad" finally make sense.
Shoutout Asa for recommending this record player.
Quote I'm Pondering
"Throw away holiness and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times happier."
– Lao Tzu
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