On 8/24/26
Daily Letter
Reciprocal · Inspiration & Quotes
Edmund Burke, against Locke's idea that darkness is not naturally an idea of terror:
'[I]n utter darkness, it is impossible to know in what degree of safety we stand; we are ignorant of the objects that surround us; we may every moment strike against some dangerous obstruction; we may fall down a precipice the first step we take; and if an enemy approach, we know not in what quarter to defend ourselves; in such a case strength is no sure protection; wisdom can only act by guess; the boldest are staggered, and he who would pray for nothing else towards his defence, is forced to pray for light.'
Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.
It's very easy to turn a good reciprocal relation into a bad reciprocal relation, but it's very difficult to turn back a bad reciprocal relation into a good one — very, very difficult — and that's the problem of mankind.
Human relations are an unending exercise in mutual imitation — the essence of which is perfectly captured by a not wholly transparent word, ‘reciprocity.’ A relationship may be benevolent and peaceable, or it may be malicious and belligerent. In either case, curiously, it does not cease to be reciprocal. This is very important [in understanding] imitation, whose role is everywhere and always [underestimated].
We are like chameleons, we take our hue and the color of our moral character, from those who are around us.
People & Society
Meat proxy
A person who forwards Al-generated text, code, or other output without reading, understanding, or validating it. The person acts only as a relay between the Al system and the intended recipient.
Money, Work & Power × Science, Nature & The Future
Energy is the foundation of everything
It is one of the four resources: money, time, health, and energy that you can only impact by how you take care of yourself and live your life.
Energy is a prerequisite that dictates everything else. From the type of day you will have to the year and what you have managed to achieve in it.
Misc
Most problems dissolve at walking speed