It’s Friday!
Knowledge
Against Extremism: Yesterday’s knowledge section discussed how CEOs are now the 4th branch of government. Mike Moritz’ recent essay, “Business must set aside self-interest to battle extremism,” is an eloquent moral call-to-action with a parallel theme. Mike’s words speak for themselves.
It’s up to all of us in the world of business to play our part and make sure the extremism of both left and right in America is seen for what it is: a menace to our future together.
We are all culpable. Some of us were ineffective with our warnings. Some provided support to forces of darkness. But all of us are guilty of not listening closely enough to the arguments of our opponents.[…]
The past four years have demonstrated there are times when it is best to set self-interest aside. Given the choice between appealing policies and a dark character, and objectionable policies and a respectable character, it is always safer to pick the latter.
Wisdom
Japanese Aesthetics: The Aesthetic discipline in Japanese culture is a refreshing and eye-opening change of pace from Western norms. Here’s an introductory course:
Wabi: Beauty is in simplicity. Ideal beauty is a state of less-than-ideal forms, which add up to a whole greater than the sum of the parts. It’s why your favorite cafés are a bit worn down; an environment in balanced disrepair is tranquil.
“In the small [tea] room, it is desirable for every utensil to be less than adequate. There are those who dislike a piece when it is even slightly damaged; such an attitude shows a complete lack of comprehension” (Hirota, Namporuku, 226)
Sabi: Age can be beautiful. Age is experience, wisdom, tranquility. Age is lonely, but admirable.
We do not dislike everything that shines, but we do prefer a pensive lustre to a shallow brilliance, a murky light that, whether in a stone or an artifact, bespeaks a sheen of antiquity. . . . We love things that bear the marks of grime, soot, and weather, and we love the colors and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them. (Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows, 11-12)
Yugen: Mystery is beautiful. Depth; a state of the unknowable, is inspiring.
When looking at autumn mountains through mist, the view may be indistinct yet have great depth. Although few autumn leaves may be visible through the mist, the view is alluring. The limitless vista created in imagination far surpasses anything one can see more clearly. (Hume, 253–54)
Inspiration
Too Late: James Clear recently reached 1,000,000 email subscribers. Here’s what he had to say on the milestone:
When I began writing in 2012, I thought I was too late. It seemed like blogs and newsletters had already peaked.
It’s not too late. Someone is starting the next 1M person email list right now.
The internet is in like the 2nd inning. Get in the game. There is a lot of fun ahead.Perspective is important too. 1,000,000 people subscribe to my newsletter. But there are 328,000,000 people in the US alone. 99.7% of Americans have never heard of it.
In one sense, it’s huge. In another sense, nobody knows about it. There is so much room to run.
The takeaway: it’s not too late to get started creating on the internet. The internet is only in the second inning.
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Notes
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