That’s not what I had assumed →

Published August 22, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 22

Khan’s first powerful victories came from the reorganization of his military units, splitting his soldiers into groups of ten. This he stole from neighboring Turkic tribes, and unknowingly converted the Mongols to the decimal system. Soon enough, their expanding empire brought them into contact with another “technology” they’d never experienced before: walled cities. In the Tangut raids, Khan first learned the ins and outs of war against fortified cities and the strategies critical to laying siege, and quickly became an expert. Later, with help from Chinese engineers, he taught his soldiers how to build siege machines that could knock down city walls. In his campaigns against the Jurched, Khan learned the importance of winning hearts and minds. By working with the scholars and royal family of the lands he conquered, Khan was able to hold on to and manage these territories in ways that most empires could not. Afterward, in every country or city he held, Khan would call for the smartest astrologers, scribes, doctors, thinkers, and advisers—anyone who could aid his troops and their efforts. His troops traveled with interrogators and translators for precisely this purpose.

~ Shane Parrish from, Ego is the Enemy: The Legend of Genghis Khan

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My understanding had been that Khan was a slew of things—vicious, ruthless, indefatigable, insatiable—which I’m certain I’d picked up through osmosis from countless small direct portrayals and indirect mentions I encountered randomly. I try not to rely on entertainment to be educating, but I hadn’t looked into this larger-than-life historical figure, and had wound up ill-informed.

This piece from Shane Parrish goes on to talk about humility. I don’t think anyone would have used that word to describe Khan. But it does make sense! What would someone who is humble do? (Click through. Click through!) They’d be continuously learning and always open to new ideas. They’d be searching for people who can teach them things. Sure, Khan went a step or three further to burn, pillage, etc. But he also did that continuous-improvement thing.

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Success →

Published August 21, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 21  ·  

The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.

~ Warren Buffett

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What’s the point? →

Published August 21, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 21

I think many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists simply to make money. While this is an important result of a company’s existence, we have to go deeper and find the real reasons for our being. As we investigate this, we inevitably come to the conclusion that a group of people get together and exist as an institution that we call a company so they are able to accomplish something collectively which they could not accomplish separately. They are able to do something worthwhile— they make a contribution to society (a phrase which sounds trite but is fundamental).

~ David Packard Jr. from, The HP Way: Dave Packard on How to Operate a Company

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“Important result,” as in: One way to measure value created is to use accounting, and money is a wonderfully well-understood thing with which to keep account. There are other ways to measure value creation, obviously. But even a not-for-profit company has to keep account of it’s balance; if its income doesn’t balance expense, eventually the creditors will cease extending their services. Everything—people, companies, communities—is somewhere on the spectrum from consumption thru creation, via accounting of value. The magic sauce is our minds. We each use our minds to create value, and we each find a vehicle for taking our ideas to fruition.

Anyway, that’s how I see it.

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Nuance with Emeric McCleary →

Published August 20, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 20

How can curiosity and nuanced listening enhance meaningful conversations, particularly in the context of podcasting?

A podcaster reveals how embracing curiosity and patience leads to unexpected and powerful storytelling.

The beauty of finding nuance is that it trains you to be a better listener, and it helps—at least it helps me—because I’m just infinitely curious. If you’re infinitely curious, you’re probably going to ask questions, or let people talk or give you more information, or again— looking for that gold nugget.

~ Emeric McCleary (5:04)

This conversation explores the value of nuanced listening and Emeric’s strategies for fostering meaningful conversations on his podcast. It begins with a discussion of the word “nuance” and its role in revealing subtle distinctions and insights within human interactions. He explains his process of recording long-form conversations, sometimes spanning hours, as a method to uncover the “golden moments” of authenticity and depth that arise over time. His podcast aims to provide hope and humor for widowed individuals, often featuring irreverent and candid topics that encourage openness and connection.

The conversation also addresses how curiosity plays a central role in crafting engaging episodes. Emeric reflects on how letting go of control and allowing guests to “unfold their stories” leads to unexpected discoveries. He shares his vetting process for guests, emphasizing the importance of selecting individuals who can engage deeply and authentically. Key influences like Joe Rogan’s interviewing techniques and resources such as “Never Split the Difference” are mentioned as tools for improving listening skills and uncovering deeper layers in conversations.

Takeaways

Curiosity as a foundation — Curiosity drives meaningful exchanges and trains listeners to explore subtle distinctions.

Long-form conversations — Recording sessions lasting several hours often reveal unexpected and authentic moments.

Vetting guests — Careful pre-screening ensures that potential guests can engage deeply and resonate with the podcast’s tone.

Nuance in podcasting — Allowing guests to unfold their stories fosters authenticity and richer discussions.

Listening as a skill — Effective listening enhances empathy, communication, and the ability to find hidden insights.

Resources

My Spouse Died Too

My Spouse Died Too podcast — Emeric’s podcast gives hope, so you can heal, find love again, and give grief the middle finger.

Never Split the Difference — Chris Voss’s book teaching negotiation and listening techniques to uncover unknown unknowns.

Joe Rogan Podcast — Referenced as an example of effective interviewing and curiosity-driven conversation.

Freakonomics Radio — Mentioned as a resource for learning engaging questioning techniques.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Embracing all the moments →

Published August 20, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 20

I’m starting to see the unifying principle behind all the philosophies that really appeal to me (e.g. Buddhism, Stoicism, Arnold Schwarzenegger). They view all of life’s moments as having equal value, at least where it counts, and what counts is your skill in embracing the moments that make up your life.

It’s a genius idea, possibly the smartest thing human beings ever came up with. Embracing all moments as a rule transforms every day into precisely what you’re looking for: an interesting variety of experiences, every one of which offers you what you value, regardless of what happens in particular.

~ David Cain from, When All Moments Have Equal Value

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In addition to the sources listed by Cain, I’d add Jerzey Gregorek.

To me, this is all about mindfulness. Practicing being aware of each moment is a terrific way to swim in the joy of life. All the struggle and worry comes from my setting expectations—reasonable or otherwise makes no difference—which are always frustrated by the vast complexity of reality.

I’m fond of the Chinese proverb: “If things are going badly, relax, they won’t last. If things are going well, relax, they won’t last.” It’s of course super-helpful to be reminded to relax. But it’s far more helpful to be reminded that there’s really no difference between the “going badly” and “going well” parts, which brings me again to Cain’s point.

Choose what at first appears to be the harder path, because it is—as you soon discover—actually the easier path.

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Possibilities with David Nebinski →

Published August 19, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 19

What is the role of podcasting in creating possibilities for connection, transformation, and personal growth?

A single email or podcast episode can spark life-changing connections and opportunities.

You don’t know what’s going to happen. You don’t know if there’s going to be a chance to talk to somebody. […] There is a big emphasis on possibility right? You are trying to reach out to somebody to have a conversation, and that space between an idea, to then having an incredible conversation, is full of possibility, full of uncertainty, full of potential.

~ David Nebinski (1:29)

This conversation examines the intersection of podcasting, creativity, and possibility. It begins with the idea that podcasting is more than conversations—it’s an exploration of potential. David reflects on how podcasts can create unique connections, foster trust, and spark transformative experiences. Possibility, in this context, is framed as the unpredictable and magical space between starting an idea and creating something meaningful.

The discussion also touches on practical and creative aspects of podcasting. Topics include strategies for sustaining creativity, managing constraints, and experimenting with formats such as roundtables, curated episodes, and thematic compilations. David emphasizes the importance of consistency, passion, and community support while highlighting how the medium inspires personal growth and strengthens connections with others.

Takeaways

The power of possibility — Podcasting provides a space for unexpected and transformative opportunities.

Connection and trust — Conversations in podcasting foster unique bonds that differ from ordinary interactions.

Creative experimentation — Exploring different formats keeps podcasting fresh and engaging.

Consistency and passion — Maintaining a regular schedule fuels the creative process and supports long-term growth.

Community and collaboration — Communities play a vital role in celebrating, supporting, and inspiring podcasters.

Sparking opportunities — A single email or introduction can open doors to significant relationships and collaborations.

The thrill of outreach — Reaching out to potential guests and reconnecting with old contacts energizes the podcasting process.

Resources

Portfolio Career Podcast — David’s podcast helping people build and grow their portfolio careers.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Convince me →

Published August 19, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 19  ·  

When one of the company said to him, “convince me that logic is useful,” he said, … Would you like me to demonstrate it to you? Then I must make use of a demonstrative argument? And how will you know, then, whether I am deceiving you with a sophism? And when the man remained silent, he said, … You see how you yourself admit that logic is necessary, since without it you cannot even determine whether it is necessary or not.

~ Epictetus

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Word words werds →

Published August 19, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 19

It begins to look, more and more disturbingly, as if the gift of language is the single human trait that marks us all genetically, setting us apart from all the rest of life. Language is, like nest building or hive making, the universal and biologically specific activity of human beings. We engage in it communally, compulsively, and automatically. We cannot be human without it; if we were to be separated from it our minds would die, as surely as bees lost from the hive.

~ Lewis Thomas from, Lewis Thomas on our Social Nature and “Getting the Air Right”

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I’m going to guess you just spent some time trying to work out what I mean to convey through this assembly of: my title, that pull-quote, who might Thomas be, and that bit of vaguely familiar Latin. Interesting.

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Real progress →

Published August 18, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 18  ·  ,

If progress is real despite our whining, it is not because we are born any healthier, better, or wiser than infants were in the past, but because we are born to a richer heritage, born on a higher level of that pedestal which the accumulation of knowledge and art raises as the ground and support of our being. The heritage rises, and man rises in proportion as he receives it.

~ Will and Ariel Durant from, Is Human Progress Real or An Illusion?

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So much is written and discussed about history: recording it, studying it, learning (or not) from it, does it repeat or rhyme, etc.. But why don’t more people talk about each of our personal histories? The most important thing— The thing I unequivocally must do, and must do first, is to take care of myself. (“Put on your own oxygen mask before attempting to assist others.”) I must put myself first. I must be the change I want to see in the world. Only if I am healthy, empowered, and vigrously prepared can I sally forth to do good things.

Certainly, I can work on myself by studying humanity’s history for lessons. You know what works better? Studying my history, because there are so many questions I can usefully ask of myself. What couldn’t I accomplish if I spent decades studying my own history and studying humanity’s?

That would be real progress.

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24 by 365: Why? →

Published August 17, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 17  ·  

Work will happen 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, if you let it. We are all in that place where we are all letting it for some reason, and I don’t know why.

~ Shonda Rhimes

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