My Favourite Things (Winter 2022)
Blog Post
I’ve read many great blog posts this year, it was difficult selecting the best one. Especially as I’m graduating and I’m entering a transition phase, these three blog posts particularly resonated. All three are worth reading.
The Right Kind of Ambition - Zat Rana
True Learning is Done With Agency - More to That
Becoming a Magician - Autotranslucence
TV Show
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
I can’t say enough of Bourdain’s show. This was a show I loved watching as a kid. The cinematography, writing, and Bourdain’s style of learning about other cultures through food is gravitating. Bourdain brings this sense of genuineness, comfort, and humour to his show and he’s never scared to ask the tough questions. No matter where he travels, he manages to show these places in an authentic, respectful, and positive light.
I think where Bourdain’s show shines is when he goes to places in or recovering from strife. A few of my favourite episodes include the Istanbul, Congo, and Iran (which I shared above) episodes. I also recommend watching episodes where he visits your ancestral roots. I had a smile (and a few tears) on my face during the entirety of the Philippines episode.
Product
Book
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
Honourable Mention: Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds
Podcast
Stewart Brand on Starting Things and Staying Curious - Conversations with Tyler
Song
Idea
The Monk’s Riches
There is a wandering monk making his way through the forest who comes across a farmer.
The farmer tells the monk that he had a vision the night before that he would run into a monk carrying the biggest diamond in the world and that the monk would give it to him.
The monk proceeds to pull a massive diamond out of his bag and hand it to the farmer. With a gentle smile, the monk says, “Yes this one. I found it in the forest a few days ago. You’re welcome to have it.”
The farmer cannot believe his luck. He rushes home with his newfound riches, while the monk goes to meditate underneath a nearby tree.
Several hours later the farmer returns to the forest and finds the monk sitting under the very same tree, deep in meditation.
The farmer taps the monk on the shoulder and says, “Can you do me a favor?”
“What is it?” asks the monk.
Holding the diamond in his hand, the man says, “Can you give me the riches that make it possible for you to give this thing away so easily?”