As the Island of Knowledge grows, so do the shores of our ignorance—the boundary between the known and unknown. Learning more about the world doesn’t lead to a point closer to a final destination—whose existence is nothing but a hopeful assumption anyways—but to more questions and mysteries. The more we know, the more exposed we are to our ignorance, and the more we know to ask.
~ Marcelo Gleiser
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As the Island of Knowledge grows, so do the shores of our ignorance—the boundary between the known and unknown. Learning more about the world doesn’t lead to a point closer to a final destination—whose existence is nothing but a hopeful assumption anyways—but to more questions and mysteries. The more we know, the more exposed we are to our ignorance, and the more we know to ask.
~ Marcelo Gleiser
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It feels as if everything I know is fractal! Things are complicated by the fact that everything I discover, read, and learn creates a network of connections in my knowledge. I’m always trying to get enough perspective to see where that network is inbred; I’m always looking for ways to break out of my knowledge bubble. But sometimes, the knowledge bubble can be used to make manageable a task that would otherwise be impossibly large.
Consider the writings of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, known as Seneca the Younger, or most often just written as Seneca. Even just his series of letters to a student make for a 500 page tome. Worse, there are notes, references and multiple very different translations into English. As an example of the complexity, consider these translations of a small excerpt from letter 42. (There are 124 letters plus some additional fragments.)
So, concerning the things we pursue, and for which we vigorously exert ourselves, we owe this consideration—either there is nothing useful in them, or most aren’t useful. Some of them are superfluous, while others aren’t worth that much. But we don’t discern this and see them as free, when they cost us dearly.
~ Holiday and Hanselman from, The Daily Stoic, p75.
If I’m correctly understanding their notes, that’s their translation from the original Greek and Latin texts. I find this translation frequently on the Internet, sometimes crediting those authors/that book, and sometimes crediting, Seneca, Moral Letters, 42.6.
Next, this is from Richard Mott Gummere. My limited digging suggests his original work was published in 1917. I’m guessing it went out of copyright in 2017, because it’s pretty easy to find it entirely republished. (Search for “Seneca Richard Mott Gummere”.) The copy I have is a crappy version from Barnes and Noble. (It’s as if they printed the book at 50% oppactiy.) Gummere titled letter 42, “On Values.” (Seneca did not title them, he simply wrote letter after letter after letter to his student.)
Therefore, with regard to the objects which we pursue, and for which we strive with great effort, we should note this truth; either there is nothing desirable in them, or the undesirable is preponderant. Some objects are superfluous; others are not worth the price we pay for them. But we do not see this clearly, and we regard things as free gifts when they really cost us very dear.
~ Seneca, 42.6, translated by Richard Mott Gummere
Finally, here’s the rendering from a very new publication from Chicago Press, which—again if I’m interpreting things correctly—takes as its primary sources translations from 9 different authors, (including Gummere,) published between 1914 and 2010. The same section is presented with letter 42 titled in the Table of Contents as, “Good People are Rare.” (But the letters in the body of the text are not presented with their titles—recall, Seneca didn’t title them.) Interestingly, I cannot find the following text anywhere on the Internet, the book only having been published in 2015 may be the reason.
This indeed is a point we should keep in view. Those things we compete for—the things to which we devote so much effort—offer us either no advantage, or greater disadvantage. Some are superfluities; others are not worth the trouble, but we don’t realize it. We think things come for free, when in fact their price is very steep.
~ Seneca, 42.6, and translated by Margaret Graver and A.A. Long
As the length of this blog post attests: What starts simply as, “I’d like to read some of Seneca’s writing,” quickly gets complicated. Frankly, it gets impossibly complicated. Impossible as in: Never mind, I don’t have time for this. But I do want to read some of Seneca’s writing. (I have already read many of his letters.)
So my current plan is to use my collection of Seneca quotes to choose which letters to read again and more thoroughly. Thanks to the Internet, I can find the source letter given a snippette of text. Then I can enjoy the letter using my exquisite University of Chicago Press translation, which is magnificently annotated.
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A speech is like a love affair. Any fool can start it, but to end it requires considerable skill.
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A speech is like a love affair. Any fool can start it, but to end it requires considerable skill.
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Conversations are difficult to end well. I’ve spent considerable time thinking about how to end them, and talking to people about how to end them. (I am aware it’s awfully meta to have conversations with people about how to end conversations.) As with anything (making toast for example), it’s good to first figure out common ways to horribly muck it up (try burning the toast), and learning to consistently not muck it up.
Here are three ways to muck up a conversation so as to avoid having a good ending.
First: Drag the conversation on until your conversation partner is exhausted. One might think it could make for a good ending—just the sheer relief of it ending! But alas (poor Yorick), it’s just an ending and not a good one.
Second: Get the last word in. If you’re the host (of the podcast, the dinner party, etc.), insisting on being the last one to touch the conversation baton is guaranteed to make a bad ending.
Third: If it’s going well, always keep going. That way, you only end when it’s not going well. In other words: Actively choose a bad place to end.
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There are no radical creative choices that do not carry with them an inherent risk of equally radical failure. You cannot do anything great without aggressively courting your own limits and the limits of your ideas. […] There is nothing more powerful than failure to reveal to you what you are truly capable of. Avoiding risk of failure means avoiding transcendent creative leaps forward. You can’t have one without the other.
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There are no radical creative choices that do not carry with them an inherent risk of equally radical failure. You cannot do anything great without aggressively courting your own limits and the limits of your ideas. […] There is nothing more powerful than failure to reveal to you what you are truly capable of. Avoiding risk of failure means avoiding transcendent creative leaps forward. You can’t have one without the other.
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Sometimes it’s a single word that makes me pull a quote. In this case it was that “aggressively”.
There are times, in certain situations, where aggression is what’s called for. I’m often reflecting and journaling about how I need to temper my, well, everything. Moderate my ego. Moderate my thoughts. (“The snow globe that is my mind,” as I often put it.) Moderate my activity. Moderate my assault on grammar, even. But there are times when the right course of action is to start getting shit done, taking down names, and delivering letters to Garcia. (And, yes, I’m aware that the whole thing about delivery of a letter from President McKinley to Gernal Garcia is false, but the point of the essay is still patently clear and useful.)
Until I’d read that quote from Tyler, I’d never really thought about “aggressively” courting my own limits. Courting them, sure. But not aggressively.
So, yeah… come at me ‘bro!
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To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart.
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It was one of Seneca’s observations—that nearly everything in life is circular: there’s an opening and a close, a start and a finish. Life, he says, is a collection of large circles enclosing smaller ones. Birth to death. Childhood. A year. A month. “And the smallest circle of all,” he writes, “is the day; even a day has its beginning and its ending, its sunrise and its sunset.”
~ Ryan Holiday from, The Perfect Day Begins with a Good Evening
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In there, among several other great points, is, “going to bed at a set time.” Which it turns out is just about now.
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What does it mean to find freedom and self-awareness through movement and how can that be applied to personal growth?
Movement becomes a metaphor for life, showcasing resilience, mindfulness, and adaptation.
I don’t have any goal when I go out to move. I just want to move and to enjoy it.
~ Sam Govindin (7:00)
The conversation begins by exploring the concept of movement as both a physical and mental discipline. Same reflects on the importance of being present and adaptable in their practice, emphasizing how energy levels, emotions, and focus shape their approach to movement. He discusses how mindfulness influences the experience of flow, and how setting aside expectations allows them to enjoy the process without frustration.
A key topic is the balance between freedom and structure, particularly in dance and parkour. Sam shares insights into how they aim to let go of control while maintaining composure. Personal anecdotes illustrate the journey of finding confidence and authenticity in public and private settings, highlighting the interplay between external judgments and internal self-awareness. The idea of smiling as a cue for readiness exemplifies their thoughtful approach to movement and life.
Takeaways
The importance of listening to one’s body — Adjusting movement practices based on energy levels and emotions enhances safety and enjoyment.
Avoiding the trap of competition — Prioritizing personal growth and enjoyment over external validation prevents burnout and injury.
The power of mindfulness — Using techniques like visualization and smiling fosters calmness and focus in challenging situations.
Freedom in movement — Embracing unstructured, spontaneous actions leads to greater self-expression and creativity.
The role of community — Finding meaningful connections with like-minded people enriches the experience of movement.
Balancing technicality and artistry — Exploring ways to transcend rhythm and technique brings unique insights into dance.
Resources
Sam Ultima @sam_ultima — A collection of videos and photos showcasing movement and dance practices.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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The acquisition of riches has been for many men, not an end, but a change, of troubles.
~ Epicurus
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How does photography intersect with movement and identity, and what responsibilities and privileges come with its practice?
Parkour and photography share a symbiotic relationship in challenging barriers and fostering connection.
Photographing parkour in these spaces was giving these monuments kind of new narratives and demonstrating that beyond the history, there is the potential to make something new that brings people together.
~ Andy Day (6:45)
The conversation explores the interplay between photography, movement, and identity, particularly through the lens of parkour. Topics include how photography informs the practice of parkour and vice versa, the evolution of creative expression in urban landscapes, and the role of privilege and access in documenting and engaging with spaces. The discussion emphasizes the ability of photography to give new narratives to contentious historical monuments and to encapsulate communal experiences.
The conversation also addresses broader societal issues, such as the responsibilities that come with privilege in accessing spaces and creating narratives. Reflecting on the dynamics of representation, Andy and Craig go into how capturing and sharing images contributes to personal and collective identity. The dialogue concludes with thoughts on being both part of and separate from a community, offering insights into the role of an observer who participates critically.
Takeaways
Photography and movement — A reciprocal relationship that fosters exploration and understanding of spaces.
Historical monuments and narratives — Controversial monuments can be reimagined through photography and parkour.
Privilege in representation — Awareness of privilege is crucial in both movement and photography.
Role of photography — A tool for identity construction and validating effort within communal contexts.
Community and critical distance — Being both part of and apart from a community provides a unique perspective.
Intersection of arts and culture — Parkour and photography converge to challenge barriers and unite diverse groups.
Evolution of practice — Growth in creative endeavors often involves cycles of learning and unlearning.
Resources
Andy Day’s website — Features articles and photographs detailing various journeys and projects.
Zofia Reych’s book, Born to Climb — Explores the cultural history of climbing.
Photographs and articles on former Yugoslavia’s war monuments — Provides insights into the project’s journeys and discoveries.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.
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Like nature, which removes mistakes to progress, you can remove things to not only survive but thrive. (This is one of the ways we can apply via negativa, an important mental model.)
~ Shane Parrish from, Friction
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It’s a semi-interesting, but short, article. But this bit about via negativa made me down-shift. Because I’d never heard that little latin phrase. I wrote a blog post about how not to mess up endings of conversations… and then went directly to a bookmark on that Parrish article and realized that via negativa was exactly what I had just been writing about.
Via negativa is simply the idea of improving by studying what one should not do. Addition by subtracting one might even say.
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How does the experience of transitioning between different roles—such as coach, business consultant, and relationship coach—shape perspectives on community, creativity, and personal fulfillment?
For Maggie Spaloss, transitioning from coaching parkour into coaching relationships and intimacy felt like a natural progression. She discusses her connection parkour, and how it’s evolved from mom, to coach, to business consultant. Maggie shares her thoughts on coaching, and her transition into relationship and intimacy coaching. She describes her work on Kiskeya Athletics, and how she stays passionate about parkour and giving back to the community.
I do want to also say, as a mom, that I think I can appreciate from a different perspective these kids whose lives were really very deeply impacted by parkour. Where they were able to develop, some self confidence, and some sort of identity with kind of a tribe they could relate to.
~ Maggie Spaloss (30:00)
Maggie Spaloss is a coach, project manager and mover. She has over 10 years of coaching experience including certifications as a personal trainer, parkour instructor, behavioral change specialist and relationship coach. Maggie is also project manager for Kiskeya Athletics, a multi-sport facility currently under construction in South Texas. Maggie splits her time between managing the development of Kiskeya Athletics and helping people build stronger relationships and deeper intimacy.
The conversation explores the journey from parkour coaching to relationship and intimacy consulting, reflecting on the influence of embodiment and community. Maggie discusses how her experience in parkour, from her origin story to coaching and gym management, shaped her ability to foster connections and build supportive environments. A recurring theme is the importance of adapting to physical and mental challenges, particularly as they evolve with age.
Another focus is the creative and collaborative aspects of parkour, both in training and in broader projects like gym design and event planning. The discussion highlights the shared obstacles within parkour as a metaphor for building camaraderie and fostering vulnerability. Maggie also touches on the transition from personal training to a more holistic, life-oriented coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal passion with professional responsibilities.
Takeaways
Embodiment in practice — The guest emphasizes the value of being in tune with the body to guide decisions and uncover limiting beliefs.
The transformative power of community — Parkour’s tight-knit culture fosters vulnerability and mutual support.
Creativity in movement — Training parkour is described as an inherently creative act, akin to art.
Adapting with age — Challenges with physical limitations prompt a recalibration of expectations and approaches to training.
Balancing roles — Navigating multiple professional identities offers insights into personal fulfillment.
Integrating passions — A unified approach can merge interests in movement and relationship coaching.
Parkour’s broader potential — Expanding the sport’s reach through innovative projects like the Kiskeya facility.
Resources
Maggie Spaloss’s web site and @cultivate_movement on Instagram
Kiskeya Athletics — A planned parkour and athletic facility in South Texas, incorporating innovative design and community programs.
Lorena Abreu @lorenaparkour — Parkour athlete and collaborator on the Kiskeya project.
Unf*ck your brain — Podcast mentioned
Brandon Douglass — Designer of the parkour gym layout for the Kiskeya facility.
Art of Retreat — A gathering for parkour professionals and enthusiasts, instrumental in knowledge-sharing.
NASM Certification — The certification pursued by the guest for personal training expertise.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.
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Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
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“You don’t need [machine learning,]” Bryan said. “What you need is inverse Fast Fourier Transform.”
~ “Shift Happens” from, «https://www.getrevue.co/profile/shift-happens/issues/moire-no-more-688319»
I stumbled over a blog post, containing a pull-quote where someone mentioned inverse Fast Fourier Transform. (A mathematician named Fourier invented a fast way to do a certain sort of transformation that comes up a lot in science; It’s called a Fast Fourier Transform. There’s also a way to undo that transformation, called “the inverse”. Thus, Fast Fourier Transformations (FFT) and inverse FFT. Well, FFT/IFFT is the first thing I can recall that I could not understand. It was shocking. Every other thing I’d ever encountered was easy. But there I was, 20-some-years-old, in graduate school, and I encountered something that was beyond me. I think I had it sorted about 6 times and every time, the next morning, upon waking, it had fallen out of my head. Holy inappropriately long parentheticals, Batman!)
Anyway. Blog post. IFFTs. Time machine to the early 90s. Emotional vertigo.
…and then I clicked thru to the magnificent post which is brilliant. And then I realized the by-line was, “Shift Happens.” o_O This entire thing. I’m in nerd heaven.
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PS: Sorry, what? Oh, you read my title, heard the Italian word, “amore,” and wanted a, That’s Amore! pun? Okay, here: When an eel climbs a ramp to eat squid from a clamp… Yes. Really.
We have far more control in our lives than many embrace. We create or co-create our experiences in life, and each day is a new opportunity to be fully engaged in the present moment. It’s the present moment where glimpses of our potential are revealed and expressed. A living masterpiece is not drawn on a canvas or etched in stone or inked by pen. It’s the pursuit and expresssion of applied insight and wisdom.
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We have far more control in our lives than many embrace. We create or co-create our experiences in life, and each day is a new opportunity to be fully engaged in the present moment. It’s the present moment where glimpses of our potential are revealed and expressed. A living masterpiece is not drawn on a canvas or etched in stone or inked by pen. It’s the pursuit and expresssion of applied insight and wisdom.
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I disagree with, “[w]e have far more control…” because clearly we actually have no—absolutely no—control. If that strikes you, I suggest you pause. Imagine something you have control of. Now imagine the scenario where your control is taken away. I’m not trying to scare you; there’s nothing here you don’t already know. All of the “control” is fleeting; that’s not actually control. That an illusion of control.
If I could change that quote I’d just quibble with that first, “control,” and suggest it be changed to “choice.” Because the rest of that quote is frickin’ powerful. Literally every person has choices. For me, my “worst case” choices are quite rosy. (“First World Problems” is the meme.) There are certainly people who are literally only able to choose among various evils.
The illusion of control is toxic. But the reality of choice is empowering.
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To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.
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