Is it true that nothing exists without human perception to perceive it?

No, it is not true that nothing exists without human perception to perceive it. There are many things in the universe that are beyond human perception and that exist regardless of whether or not humans perceive them.

But how does anyone know it exists without perception?

We can infer the existence of things without human perception through indirect evidence. For example, we can study the effects of gravity on other bodies in the universe and infer the presence of a massive object, even if we cannot observe it directly. We can also detect the presence of electromagnetic radiation from distant stars and galaxies, even if we cannot see them with the naked eye.

Don’t those data points have to come through perception? Can a rock know gravity exists without consciousness to perceive it?

No, a rock cannot know that gravity exists without consciousness to perceive it. However, we can still measure the effects of gravity on the rock, and use this data to infer the presence of a massive object in the universe, even if we cannot observe it directly.

But that measuring is only performed and assimilated through consciousness, so through perception? It would seem to suggest that without perception nothing exists.

No, it does not necessarily follow that without perception nothing exists. We can infer the existence of things without human perception through indirect evidence, such as measuring the effects of gravity on other bodies in the universe or detecting electromagnetic radiation from distant stars and galaxies. Therefore, it is possible to know that something exists without perceiving it directly.

But who knows something exists if not perception which is an extension of consciousness?

If consciouness ends, and there is nothing left to precevie the Universe, will it still exist if there is no memory nor perception to perceive it?

Yes, the universe will still exist even if consciousness ends and there is nothing left to perceive it. The universe is an independent entity that exists regardless of whether or not it is perceived. Even if consciousness ends, the laws of physics and the structure of the universe will remain unchanged.

But how do you know that if there is no consciousness to know it?

We can infer the existence of the universe without conscious perception through indirect evidence. This could include studying the effects of gravity on other bodies in the universe, detecting electromagnetic radiation from distant stars and galaxies, or using mathematical models to describe the structure of the universe. All of these techniques allow us to infer the existence of the universe without relying on conscious perception.

The first fundamnetal, inescapable truthn of your existence that to live is to choose. There is no escaping it. Even to choose to not live is a choice, but it would be the choice that ends all choice. For as long as you choose to live, you choose to live and you choose everything else that is exactly tracable back to that choice.

What confuses most is they don’t understand choice. They feel helpless and that choices for their life lie in something extenral. But they dont and never will. You are the only experinecing of your expeirneice, the only preceivier of your perception, the only consciousness of your consciouness.

There is no escaping this. What it means is everything is your choice. When you realize this power, you have the opportnity to finally weild it.

is everything in my life my own fault?

No, not everything in life is your own fault. Many things are beyond our control and are not our fault.

But is it not my responsibility to control how I react to them?

Yes, it is your responsibility to control how you react to things that are beyond your control. It is important to take ownership of how you respond to difficult situations, and to try to make the best of whatever life throws at you.

Duality is an idea in many philosophical and spiritual contexts which states that duality is a fundamental aspect of reality. It is the concept that there are two sides to everything, and that these two sides are connected and interdependent. In other words, duality suggests that there is a balance between opposites, such as good and evil, light and dark, male and female, and so on.

how do we embrace duality in life to our advantage?

One of the best ways to embrace duality in life is to accept that there is a balance between two aspects of life and to understand that each side can be beneficial in its own way. For example, one can understand that while stress can be a negative factor in one’s life, it can also be a source of motivation and drive. Additionally, one can try to embrace the idea of both/and instead of either/or in order to create a more holistic approach to life. By embracing the idea of duality, one can learn to better appreciate the complexities of life and to find balance in all aspects.

What are some specific examples of duality in human life?

What is a growth mindset?

A growth mindset is a belief that intelligence, skills, and abilities can be developed through effort, experience, and education. It is often contrasted with a fixed mindset, which is the belief that these qualities are predetermined and cannot be changed. People with a growth mindset view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, while people with a fixed mindset often give up more easily.

What are examples of the growth mindset?

What are examples of a fixed mindset?

What is the 80/20 principle?

The 80/20 principle, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a concept used to describe the unequal relationship between inputs and outputs. It states that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of the inputs. This principle can be applied to many different situations, including business, economics, and personal productivity.

How can we use 80/20 principle in life?

The 80/20 principle can be used to improve personal productivity and efficiency in life. By focusing on the activities that produce the most results, you can save time and energy by focusing on the tasks that are most important. Additionally, by using the 80/20 principle to identify the most important tasks, you can prioritize them and focus on achieving the desired results. This can be applied in many different areas of life such as work, school, personal projects, and relationships.

Why is it so hard to utilize the 80/20 principle?

It can be difficult to utilize the 80/20 principle because it can be difficult to identify which activities are producing the most results. Many people tend to focus on activities that they enjoy or that they feel they “should” do, rather than the ones that are producing the most results. Additionally, it can be difficult to prioritize activities and to consistently focus on the most important tasks.

What are some practical tips for thinking in the 80/20 way?

Is this statement true: less is more?

Yes, this statement is true.

why?

This statement is true because it suggests that when less is used, it can lead to a more effective and efficient outcome. This is often seen in areas such as design, where simplicity can be more effective than complexity. It can also be applied to other aspects of life, such as in decision-making, where less information can be more useful than more information.

Does it mean I should do less things to get more results?

It can mean that, but it depends on the context. It is important to consider the situation and the objectives before deciding to do less in order to get more results. In some cases, doing more may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

How can I apply less is more to life?

Less is more can be applied to life in many ways. For example, it can be used to simplify tasks and processes, so that they can be completed more efficiently. It can also be applied to decision making, where it is important to focus on the most important information and consider the consequences of each decision. Additionally, it can be used to limit distractions and focus on what truly matters, allowing for more meaningful experiences.

Might it be an antidote to the information and distraction-rich environment we live in?

Yes, it can be an antidote to the information and distraction-rich environment we live in. By simplifying tasks and processes, and limiting distractions, one can be more productive and focus on what truly matters. This can help to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Additionally, it can help to create a more meaningful life, by allowing one to focus on the most important aspects of life.

Why do they say it’s about the journey not the destination?

This phrase is meant to emphasize the importance of the experiences one has while traveling rather than simply focusing on the end result. It acknowledges that the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination, if not more so. It encourages people to enjoy the moment and appreciate the journey's beauty, rather than simply rush to the end goal.

Is that why people feel sad after they accomplish their goals?

Yes, it is possible that people may feel a sense of sadness or emptiness once they have achieved their goals. This is often referred to as post-goal blues and can be attributed to the sense of loss experienced when a long-term goal has been accomplished. It can be difficult to adjust to life after the goal is achieved and it can be helpful to have a plan for what comes next.

So is the answer to always set new goals?

Not necessarily. It is important to take time to appreciate the successes one has achieved, to celebrate and enjoy the journey, and to take a break if needed. It is also important to reflect on the process and the experiences gained from accomplishing the goal, and to be mindful of what comes next. Setting new goals can help to create a sense of purpose and direction, but it is not the only answer.

what is the flow state

Flow state is a mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. This is a state of intense concentration and focus in which a person is completely absorbed in what he or she is doing to the point of forgetting the outside world. The term 'flow state' was coined by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, a Hungarian psychologist and professor.

How do I get into a flow state?

Flow states are often achieved through activities such as exercise, meditation, creative pursuits, and artistic endeavors. It is important to remember that flow states are subjective and can be achieved in any activity that is personally meaningful and engaging. To get into a flow state, you need to be in an environment and situation that is conducive to concentration and focus. Eliminate all distractions, set a goal or challenge that is difficult enough to be stimulating but not too difficult to be frustrating, and focus your attention on the task at hand. If you can maintain a sense of enthusiasm and enjoyment while engaging in the activity, you are more likely to enter a flow state.

Is flow important for happiness and human meaning?

Yes, flow is important for happiness and human meaning. Experiencing flow can lead to increased feelings of satisfaction, meaning, and purpose in life. Flow enhances the sense of pleasure and enjoyment in activities, and can help people to appreciate the present moment. Researchers have found that when people reach a flow state, they often report increased feelings of happiness and contentment. Flow states can also be helpful for enhancing productivity and creativity, as well as sparking innovative solutions to problems.

Change is a conostant -

https://lex.page/d/58e365e3-c630-47cd-b25d-27ba38afb8f2

To only be me and act accordingly.

Whenever I make shit decisions, I'm operating from a place outside of myself.

I’ve tapped into my knowing enough times, and the opposite plenty, to know it comes from within.

Rebelling - outwitting the devil, emerson and thoreau quotes

• How to stop telling yourself stories, how to change your stories, how you are your stories

Stories about it having to be perfect or you don't do it at all -> that's just fear and resistance. Nothing more, nothing less.

Deep Work

Flow state -> not feeling rushed. becoming immersed in what you’re doing. Having such deep concentration that you let go of everything else - you dont worry, think about the future or past, you’re in the NOW. is it any surprise that flow state partiptants report high levels of life happiness and meaning the more they get into the NOW. Buddha would be proud

• 80/20 + examples

◦ Shallow work -> 80% of stuff that generates only 20% of your results

◦ Deep work -> 20% that generates 80% of your results ▪ maybe this is a deep conversation where you connect with someone and that leads to a new clent ▪ It could be writing a script, deep research, coding, editing, drawing, painting, etc. ▪ For me: When I build things in this state, I move the needle forward the most • exapmles include;

The Better Human newsletter • Adding new emails to Wild foods email list • writing the CEO newsletter which generates me around $2k every time I send it. • Spending a lot of time deep into researching keywords and coming up with title and outlines for articles/content - • Building robust systems for my team • Leading (though it doens’t feel like it, this is actually a highly leveraged activity)

1st you have to start. Starting is hardest part. Just do the thing.

After starting you have to be in the frame of ONE THING AT A TIME and you have to stick to that until you’re done without bouncing around and getting distracted

You have to GO -> even if you dont have a clear end point, just go and pivot/adjust along the way. That’s the key. The more you spend in creating, learning, and going, the more momentium you build. At some point that quantum flywheel start spinnign without you and you can just ride the wave.

Success in modern economy is about ACTION - it's not perfect action, it's imperfect action. Almost all action is imperfect. Even action that works out.

few short tips

Hey Tribling,

The last mastermind was epic. Time for round 2.

Topic: Goals and Change

🗓 Date: Wednesday, Dec 14

🏠 Location: Sapien Center - 2316 Morelos St Austin, TX 78702

🚘 Parking: driveway and plenty of street parking

💨 6pm - 8 pm

Yes, you can always bring a friend.

THEME: TOPIC → Goals - Change -> The thing is always WHAT DO YOU DO which is exactly connected to HOW DO YOU THINK.

INTRO → Go around intro yourself, what you do, plug your business/website, then tell us 1 goal for 2023

Goal of this talk is to identify the things that help you get what you want in life.

I always go to first principles. Strip away everything and let go of all the assumptions, maybes, what ifs. What you have left that you know for sure, those are your first principles. Build from there.

The best way to implement focus is a DEEP WORK routine that gets you into flow as often as possible

Nietzsche identified the rise of nihilism with his famous "God is dead" line.

He warned of the danger of the masses losing the meaning they traditionally found in religion.

We see EXACTLY what he meant soon after he died in 1900—WW1 & 2 and the spread of nationalist and collectivist political schools of thought, from communism, marxism, fascism, and Nazism, all of which set humanity's potential decades back.

We see it today. John Vervaeke meaning calls it "The Meaning Crisis." Simply put, modern humans' greatest struggle is the struggle for meaning.

As they further isolate themselves, glued to devices, mindless entertainment, and altered states through alcohol, recreational drugs, shallow relationships, or the constant consumerist pursuit of MORE, the meaning crises only get worse.

These behaviors move one further away from the meaning-filled activities we are designed for—community, helping others, real-life in-person interaction, and other communal efforts that echo our ancestral past.

This crisis is playing out at the individual level and the societal level.

We can't change society, but we can change ourselves.

So, you must ask yourself, "How do I want to live?"

Are you chasing externally defined values like fame, money, and accomplishment because you think you'll one day wake up and feel complete and finally happy with yourself?

Are you spending less time on your relationships and in-person interaction because you'd rather "be productive" (I know I fall into this trap all the time.)

Are you giving your family at least 15 minutes of focused attention daily? Or are they just around you at home while you do other stuff and otherwise live in your head or on a device? (Guilty, but aware and working on it)

Finally, how could you live better? By creating a life based on your values, not those incepted into your subconscious by society, your childhood, and the people around you.

The world needs Better Humans choosing lives based on understanding biology and figuring it out for themselves.

No one can think for you, feel for you, act for you.

It’s up to you and you alone.

You have the ultimate power to choose, yet you still look outside yourself for answers.

figure out why and everything changes.

No one cares except you.

Caring is a choice. Suffering is a choice. Accepting is a choice. Letting go is a choice. Learning is a choice. Adapting is a choice. Moving on is a choice

When you see that everything is your fault/responsibility/choice, you have no choice (ha!) but to accept it and then weld it to live a better life.

That’s what life is all about: living life on purpose!

My goal with Better Human is to help more humans wake up to their power and take complete ownership of their lives. From that waking up, one builds a personal philosophy and lifestyle based on their beliefs and values. Sure, they learn from others around them, but they follow what Bruce Lee suggested: “Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”

That new life is their life, created by them, and becomes integral to their self-created meaningful existence.

It's The Art of Life, not the art of living someone else’s life, vision, or ideal.

Cultivating a long-term mindset is very hard.

In economics, this is called "low-time preference."

Low-time preference thinkers tend to plan for the future.

They are more likely to make investments now that will bring greater rewards later on.

Warren Buffet is the ultimate example of a low-time preference thinker. He made most of his money after he was sixty.

Becoming a long-term thinker is directly connected to experiencing death close up.

Losing loved ones has a powerful effect on your psyche. Ironically, it's forced me to appreciate the present more while also planning for the future.

How this worked for me went like this:

Death brought self-awareness through the internal struggles needed to overcome. Self-awareness brought me inner meaning. Inner meaning helped me identify what I value rather than looking to others for what to love (mimetic desire).

What I want now is not even close to what I thought I'd like growing up.

How this affects my personal financial choices are profound. For example, I have zero interest in using money to impress others. So I avoid wasting money on things that don't benefit me long-term.

Instead, I invest in my future rather than overpay for designer nonsense designed solely to make myself "feel good" based on the perception that others notice.

Then there are the long-term implications of providing for a family and ensuring they grew up secure in a topsy-turvy world like today, where one push of a button could send our species back to the stone age (to name just one of the many existential threats modern humans face.

Don't get me wrong; I'm highly ambitious. I want to own cool things, travel, and do cool stuff, all of which cost money.

I definitely have the Rich Dad, Poor Dad mindset around these extravagancies: I want my assets to pay for them.

You could say I'm asset-obsessed.

Owning assets is hard. Sometimes they even take money out of your pocket (ask any real estate developer or business owner about that).

You could own millions of dollars in assets and end up with a tax bill each year. Of course, you likely built up equity in those assets, but cash nonetheless came out of your pocket. I've seen it time and time again. Of course, you generally see a return later, but that can take time.

And that's where low-time preference thinking comes in.

This mindset also applies to health.

Caring enough about your long-term health must override your desire for short-term pleasure otherwise, you'll abuse your body with processed foods, alcohol, and other unhealthy activities that feel good at the moment but take a long-term toll.

Long-term thinking and compounding are how some people get exponentially greater results than others.

Humans are not hard-wired to think long-term. Our ancestors had to be content with where their next meal would come from and didn't have the time to think about what would happen next week or next month. Our idea of time is a modern invention directly connected to economics, money, investment, etc.

So it makes sense that so few develop the skills needed today to produce outsized health, wealth, and happiness returns.

But as a thinking, rational, email-reading hominid, you can CHOOSE to think long-term.

And I hope you do.

fragile mind

inability to handle stress, even the smallest forms

poor lifestyle habits

inability to say what you need

identity crises

weak body

and the worst one of all: trying to control everything instead of accepting people and reality

Addiction to comfort manifests as:

fragile mind

Poor lifestyle choices

Not saying want you need/want

Lack of identity

Weak body

Poor reasoning

Trying to control externals rather than accept them

Dear Wildling,

Crazy time of year.

No matter how much you guard against them, problems always arise.

It's a byproduct of fighting entropy and the complexity of all these things we humans stick together.

Stuff always breaks.

You patch one leak, then another spring. And you keep doing that forever.

Because when you "make it," your primary problem becomes meaning.

How do I find meaning when I don't have to do anything?

How do I find meaning when the kids leave the nest?

How do I find meaning when I solve this big problem and have all this time on my hands?

How do I find meaning after a relationship where much of it was derived?

So on and so forth.

Struggle creates meaning because it completes the balance of yin/yang that opposing forces require to establish equilibrium.

I get it. That doesn't mean I'm not still constantly striving to eliminate the problems from my life.

My back pain has been getting much better. So I remind myself to be grateful for it.

So, where does my mind go next?

What to work on?

Too many things to do.

How do I simplify?

What's next?

From one issue to another.

But I guess that's the point.

Embrace the struggle for what it is—absolutely necessary to a functional and meaningful life.

Be deathly afraid of no struggle... that's when the dark abyss of nihilism stares back.

Value and scarcity and proof of work are all connected.

You think you want what you want right now, the easy way.

You're wrong.

The second you get things fast/easy, you stop valuing them.

The only thing that matters then is the work.

Less is more. To me, less isn't about doing less. It's about doing fewer things but going DEEPLY into one thing (or maybe a couple).

Your results in life are directly correlated to how deep you go in your... thinking work research experiments understanding You're competing with over a billion humans with the same access. Do you think you can compete without intense focus?

We lived in Wimberley on 11 acres for over a year. It was quiet, beautiful, and far from Austin.

It came with a big mortgage.

So we sold it at the peak prices as the great migration of humans started leaving blue-run lock-downed states.

I didn’t feel like it was our forever place. So I resisted investing in the property and doing all the things I wanted to do. (Like a half-built treehouse).

So we were not back living in the Austin City Limits and feeling the itch to get back out to nature.

It’s also just better for the kids. It’s how I want them to grow up.

So we have to figure out the balance between city, community, distance, space, etc.

Five acres is a decent size. Ten is still what I want at least, 25-50 is fantastic, and 100 is eventually.

I also would prefer to be within 30 minutes of Austin. One hour is too far.

My goal is to create a place where friends/fam/clients/visitors can come to stay and experience nature, Real Food, community, and a slowing down of life. Eventually, it will be the bootloader for the Better Human School (a completely new, fully immersive program for adults to change everything).

I’m going to start looking again in 2023. Stay tuned for updates.

And if anyone reading this is interested in co-investing/being apart of the larger vision, hit me up.

Goal: A daily fitness program I do when I get home from work

Struggle: inconsistency / long gaps between my weight lifting sessions—complicated by racquetball Tuesdays/Thursdays due to overtraining/soreness.

Hypothesis: figure out a mobility/light weights/calisthenics routine that I can do daily in addition to racquetball / and is the same format so I can build it into a subconscious daily routine without having to think about it or garner external motivation.

I’m working on a daily training program and will throughly dissect some of his exercises here and see what I can add to my routine.

For the past few years, my weight lifting program has struggled. I’m already fit and healthy and I’m not training for anything specifically, so it’s been a challenge to figure out what the perfect dose is for longevity/general fitness.

I kept falling out of an MWF routine no matter how many calendar reminders I set. What I think will work best is a daily program that I don’t have to think about and one designed not to tax my CNS and muscles too much so I can perform it daily. So far, it consists of some backward sled pulls, overhead squats (lightweight), presses, ab cable curls, farmer’s carries, dips, and pistols. I have to figure out the exact reps/weights to make it a daily program I can sustain. I am currently working through it

6 Principles For Health and Happiness... 👇

1.  Real Food: Eat the highest quality, most real food possible. Source locally when possible. Avoid packaged mass-produced foods from big companies. Eat lots of healthy and sustainably raised animal products.

2.  Sleep: Pitch-black room. Use sound machines. Sleep when the sun is down and rise when it's up. Get sunlight for at least 15 minutes first thing each morning—this helps set your circadian rhythm. Avoid blue light at night (f.lux and nightshift on iPhone).

3.  Stress: Chill. Disconnect. Take a slow walk. Live in the moment. Meditate. Play.

4.  Movement/Fitness: Walk daily. Take the most of most resistance, not least. Lift heavy objects a few times a week. Sprint at least once a week. Find a sport you love to play at least once a week, and you're set for life.

5.  Community: Your relationships are an essential aspect of long-term fulfillment. Prioritize them, or you will undoubtedly regret it alter.