What I’ve been reading:
Nietzsche, Dogen and Gratitude by Anshi Zachary Smith
An engaging reflection on gratitude with the help of Nietzsche and Buddhism. Although multiple Buddhist thinkers are mentioned in the article, the main one is, as the tittle suggest, Zen Buddhist priest Dogen.
What I’ve listened to:
Francis Ngannou on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
I’ve written about Francis Ngannou multiple times on Existential Espresso and I continue to claim that he is one of the most impressive humans alive.
From working in sand mines in Africa, failing multiple times to illegally cross from Africa into Europe and being jailed for it, being homeless in France, to becoming a UFC heavyweight champion with just a couple of years of experience in MMA, to becoming one of the most hated individuals in his sport for standing his ground and not allowing to be exploited, to media and fans claiming that his career is over… To signing the biggest deal of his life and having a fight with the best heavyweight boxer of this generation.
I listened to this podcast leading up to his boxing debut. Where most people agree he won the fight but was robbed by the judges.
Either way, Francis Ngannou was a person who proved people wrong at all stages of life and in almost all imaginable scenarios. And if you listen to any of his podcasts, you will understand that it wasn’t because of luck that he managed to come out on top so many times in life; it’s because of his will and determination.
What I’ve been thinking about:
Self-love and striving for growth are not mutually exclusive.
You can be happy with yourself and it still won’t be hard for you to imagine becoming more than who and what you are right now.
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feely sorry for yourself.
Free Resources:
My free ebook: The Lost Art of Reading
Paid Resources:
The Art of Showing Up: A Clear and Practical Method for Mastering Consistency
The Gold Pill: Timeless Ideas for a Life Worth Living
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