Day #7: American Dream
We are disciples of the exponential; we are incapable of growing anything linearly. Apart, maybe, for regrets, excuses and lies we tell ourselves.
Time is limited, and as we consume it, the pressure to make something out of it mounts.
Everything inflates while the time at your disposal deflates.
That pressure can make or break you. Alternatively, you could be so unaware of it that you lead a happy life.
I chose violence, or violence chose me, what is the difference anyway?
They say the mind is our own worst enemy. You can live in the moment and enjoy yourself, or you can dwell on what you should or shouldn’t have done, drowning in the “what-ifs” and pondering all the Sliding Doors that lead to your Final Destination.
If you married your high school sweetheart, you might find yourself seeking a lover. If you’ve been a considerate saver and investor, you might indulge in a sports car, perhaps a vintage one, or both.
The same applies to organisations and countries; ultimately, they are composed of humans with herd-like behaviour.
Boom and bust cycles may be a feature, not a bug.
The virtuous are punished and tortured until they are rewarded. Most perish, but those who withstand will rebuild in the aftermath of the bust.
Yes, because we need the fittest. We cannot rely on those whom nature has selected for elimination.
The old lady knows. Yes, she’s a she and proud of it, you can just tell. Look around yourself and smell some flowers.
Pain is just a signal until it becomes noise.
You can be the turkey, or you can be the cockroach. You can enjoy the steak in the Matrix or the watered-down porridge in real life.
Like it or not, even if you consume the metaphorical steak, you still need to eat in the real world. Keep that in mind, and keep your soul strong and your mind stronger.
Beneath the dust, you’ll find beauty. Don’t be buried under it.
It’s always brightest before sunset.
By the way. Nice rides. They scream of opportunities, dreams, and “hell yeah!”.
The American dream. What happened to it?
Join My Journey: One Shot, One Story
Each day unfolds with a single random image from Unsplash, sparking the creation of a story.
Why?
This ritual is not merely about storytelling; it’s a pathway to a legacy I’m building for my children, something I wish I received from my parents instead of “stuff” — a book that delves into the intricacies of mistakes, healing, pain, success, and the shifting sands of societal values.
This narrative explores the devaluation of human virtues, the nuances of grift and speculation, addiction, the evolving roles within society, the impact of feminism, leadership, and the vital importance of responsibility and accountability.
Cool, but who for?
It’s a story meant to answer questions that distant relatives, whom I’ve never met or fallen out of touch with, might ponder about our shared lineage and the world that shaped us.
As a devoted father, this endeavour is my beacon, guiding the legacy I wish to leave behind. Writing, in a language that wasn’t my first, presents a unique challenge — one that I tackle with stoic determination. It’s an effort to break barriers, to communicate more profoundly, not just with my immediate family, but with anyone on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
But who are you anyway?
With a background in engineering, entrepreneurship, investments, and a heart that beats for art, beauty, and nature, I am deeply passionate about technology, history, psychology, and uncovering the layers of what makes things ‘weird.’ Above all, I’m a family man, a software artisan committed to lifelong learning, eager to share the insights gleaned from my quest to minimise regrets.
Follow my journey here and on X, let’s connect even if you simply want to tell me how much my content sucks. I’d love some honest feedback!