I’ve been making some good progress on my opus work called Spiritual Science. Here’s a summary of the first twelve chapters as they stand so far, along with a brief summary of each of the last three parts of the book. If you want to read more, check out the chapter drafts here – I’d love your feedback! א – … Read More
2023 – Trends & Themes
Given that part of my professional life is spent as a futurist, I dedicate some time each day to “sensing” – the act of browsing through current conversations, taking notes about interesting things I find, and connecting data points across time to get a sense of trends. The following are three trends I’ve been seeing take shape over the last … Read More
In Flanders Fields – Extended Version
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders … Read More
Fear & Joy
People whose thoughts are overly influenced by fear are likely to be more attached to their own status and suffer from lack of self-confidence. They are so preoccupied with the threat of evil that they cannot see the opportunities that exist around them. This attitude is in contrast to the joyous outlook of those who are able to enjoy life … Read More
Whispering to Machines (An AI-Human Collaboration)
Legend Article On May 11, 1997, an artificial intelligence named “Deep Blue” made history by defeating the reigning world chess champion, Garry Kasparov, in a six-game series. Ever since then, the capabilities of computer programs have continued to match or surpass human abilities in countless spheres of expertise, causing many to question whether humans will still be good for anything … Read More
Soulpunk: Notes Toward a Manifesto
We live in an age of unprecedented technological achievement, global connection, and cultural sophistication. Yet, despite our vast stores of knowledge and advanced machinery, the average human being is more miserable than ever. The rates of depression, mental illness, and suicide continue to rise in developed countries, and many people remain deeply dissatisfied with their lives despite the “progress” we … Read More
Art Pour L’Art: The Origins of Creativity
Although the great monuments built by past civilizations are often the subject of wonder and admiration, no less wondrous are the feats achieved by our Palaeolithic ancestors living around the world tens of thousands of years ago. One example of these achievements is the literal invention of art, the precise origins of which have long mystified and intrigued researchers. Why … Read More
Andy Kaufman, Experience Design, and Caring About Your Audience
Andy Kaufman was an American entertainment marvel most active in the 1970s and 1980s. He is famous for his quirky sitcom characters, his on-stage gags involving co-conspirators from the audience, for wrestling a number of women as well as Jerry “The King” Lawler (pictured), and for dying of cancer at a very young age. Aside from his work that has … Read More
Optimism, vision, and the death of a Disney dream
You might not have heard of Peter Thiel, but he’s kind of a big deal in Silicon Valley. He co-founded PayPal with Elon Musk, was an early investor in Facebook, and currently manages an impressive investment portfolio that includes companies like SpaceX, Airbnb, Spotify, Asana, and Oculus. In short, Peter Thiel knows what it takes to start a business from scratch and grow … Read More