Sick Souls - Healthy Minds, The Power of Story, People Under the Stairs
Existential Espresso Vol. 76
What I’ve been reading:
Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life by John Kaag
Another book that wasn’t on my reading list. But the man this book is about, William James, has been on my to-read list for a while. In fact, I have already been touched by his work through excerpts of his writing and thinkers who were influenced by him.
Although I planned on starting with James’ original works, this book found me in a bookstore. The title resonated with me; I saw in the subtitle that it’s about the thinker I’m interested in, and most online reviews said that it explains precisely that part of James’ work that I’m interested in. So here we are. I will be writing a separate essay sharing what I got from this book soon.
What I’ve been listening to:
A hip hop duo People Under the Stairs
If walking down the city streets on a sunny day, feeling fly, and maybe drinking some ice-cold fruit juice had a soundtrack, it would be The People Under the Stairs.
Or at least that’s how I would explain their songs I’ve listened to so far, because I only found out about them a little over a week ago.
My personal favorite is Montego Slay.
What I’ve been thinking about:
The power of story.
Two weeks ago, on March 1st, Akira Toriyama, a Japanese manga artist and creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, died.
I can’t remember the last time I saw such a strong worldwide reaction to the death of a public figure. Athletes, artists, politicians, and millions of “regular people” from all over the world expressed their condolences to this legendary storyteller.
Last November, Charlie Munger, one of the most successful investors of all time, partner and mentor to Warren Buffet, died. Prominent figures in the business community and those who aspire to become prominent figures in the business community expressed their condolences.
First, apologies if this second part sounded insensitive. I am not trying to bring another man up by putting the legacy of another man down. Here is the point I am trying to make:
One man was literally one of the best ever at the thing so many people consider to be the most important in life: making money.
The other was one of the best ever at the thing we forget is at the essence of being human: telling stories.
There is no doubt in my mind which one created a greater, or at least a more positive, legacy.
Now, before people who are prone to false dichotomies come in with their arguments, I am NOT saying that making money in itself is bad or an unworthy pursuit. After all, Akira Toriyama made more money than all the people who will read this put together, times ten (at least). It is the cult of making money that I am speaking out against. The culture that both indirectly and directly suggests that all your worth is in the material wealth you are able to accumulate. And my point is best explained by bringing this example down to the scale of a “regular” person’s life.
Forget about legacy in terms of your impact on the world. In what way will you have a greater impact on your loved ones? By worshiping money and thinking that your worth is expressed in pursuing and making more and more of it? Or looking at money purely as a means to provide your family with a comfortable life, but beyond that, focusing on leaving behind a story? Not necessarily a story that was written, but a story that was created in the life that you lived and loved. Just something to think about.
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel 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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