Life and Philosophy

A few weeks ago, I attended a beautiful wedding at a vineyard in California. During a brief escape from the summer heat beneath the moonlight, I engaged in a reflective conversation with an old friend named Hector. He lamented the escalating expenses of childcare, inflation, and everyday living costs. Despite being a multi-millionaire and a business owner, he too felt the strain of today's economic climate. It's a sentiment that resonates with many.

However, Hector's list of grievances extended to his live-in nanny, his new Tesla, private schooling for his children, premium cuts of meat, and fine wines. I casually mentioned that I could still find regular eggs for $2.99-$3.99 at Trader Joe's and that there are good bargains on chicken thighs at my local grocery store in NYC. To my surprise, Hector reacted with disdain, preferring only the finest organic eggs and high-quality steaks for his family. It’s his prerogative, of course, but this disparity highlights a growing disconnect.

Despite living in different cities, we both inhabit urban environments that symbolize mass consumerism and materialistic pursuits. While my home in NYC also exhibits these traits, I argue that it retains pockets of authentic culture and vibrant diversity.

As our conversation continued, Hector recognized that I spend less than 10% of what he does annually, despite residing in a higher-cost area. My wants are minimal, and I have little interest in accumulating material wealth. Currently, I am semi-retired, engaging in work I find enjoyable and meaningful. I have traversed a diverse career path, gaining experiences in various companies, from startups to major corporations.

In recent years, my focus has shifted toward reading, writing, and introspection. Over three years, I have reached a state of enlightenment, and I feel compelled to share my reflections today. The essence of my narrative is that, despite our shared history and achievements, I no longer find common ground with Hector’s lifestyle.

A brief recap for newcomers: my journey includes a failed retirement, numerous career shifts, and countless reflections documented on my blog. I have been fortunate throughout my career, navigating roles in financial compliance and consulting, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. My mission has been to democratize finance and safeguard against malfeasance in various sectors.

Yet, here I am, merely a voice on the internet hoping to inspire others to find peace amid life's chaos, as many grapple with financial stress, work pressures, and personal challenges. Who truly has the bandwidth to ponder life's meaning when inundated by distractions?

I am that individual who has touched upon these existential thoughts. I willingly took pay cuts to seek new experiences. Beneath the surface of daily life, I’ve explored various philosophical principles, all to expand my understanding and create meaningful contributions.

Despite my attempts to "retire" twice and travel, my soul yearned for a greater purpose, and I continue to strive for that throughout my life. Today, we will delve into the dissolution of several constructs in our pursuit of mental sophistication, armed with the principles of altruism and stoicism, while embracing elements of Buddhism and Taoism.

The first video titled "Class 1 - A Gift of Liberation 43: The Modern Bodhisattva (2024, Arizona)" explores themes of altruism and modern spiritual practices, providing insights that resonate with our discussion.

Killing Base Layer Thoughts

Humanity often exists at what I term "base layer zero," where we react to a constant stream of news and media. We are conditioned to respond emotionally to headlines, often without deeper reflection.

However, the "why" behind events is what truly matters. When individuals begin to explore this aspect, they form new perspectives and challenge outdated paradigms. Historical shifts, such as the right to vote or the rejection of aristocracy, illustrate how societal norms evolve.

With each headline, we miss the opportunity to absorb trends or recognize overarching patterns. Instead, we’re fed quick bites of information that leave us unaware of the larger implications.

To cultivate a deeper understanding, consider examining the "why" behind events. Explore connections across history and principles. While this may be challenging initially, it becomes easier with practice.

There are various methodologies to explore these "whys." Personally, I find comfort in visualizing relationships through lines and triangles—creating spectrums and dichotomies to illustrate how seemingly unrelated concepts intertwine. Alternatively, delving deep into root causes helps uncover the foundations of societal issues. Most negative phenomena stem from short-term thinking, fanaticism, or extreme self-interest.

Charlie Munger emphasizes understanding concepts from multiple disciplines, including military strategy and psychology. Engaging with diverse literature fosters clarity and helps discern the truth amid the noise.

Killing the Ego

I have chosen to disengage from status games entirely. This echoes the sentiments expressed by Marcel Proust, who critiqued the pursuit of societal validation as a futile endeavor.

Our modern existence is influenced by an innate desire for survival, shaped by our hunter-gatherer ancestry, where social standing often dictated success. Consequently, the competition for status remains pervasive in our lives.

Imagine a world where titles and wealth hold little value. Externally, one may still engage in these games to attract partners, yet internally, true liberation emerges when you realize their insignificance. Finding a partner who shares this perspective is exceedingly rare.

Letting go of workplace politics and ambitions transforms one's purpose and perspective on daily experiences. There is immense power in the ability to decline offers of corporate prestige or financial gain, as it reflects true autonomy.

Ultimately, the allure of fame and wealth is merely a facet of materialism. Historical texts remind us that the love of money can lead to destruction. Yet, we often remain trapped in this cycle of consumption, driven by a desire for validation.

True fulfillment arises from possessing minimal desires, as articulated by Epictetus. I have experienced deep discontent during my tenure as Chief Compliance Officer at a fintech startup, underscoring that titles do not equate to happiness.

While I encourage exploration of career ambitions, many may find that the relentless pursuit of status lacks substance over time. The essence of fulfillment lies in self-agency—choosing what to fill your life with, whether it be materialism or a higher calling.

As individuals reach significant financial milestones, they often split into two categories: those who succumb to hedonism and material accumulation, and those who renounce status entirely. I identify with the latter group.

Navigating the question of "when is enough, enough?" requires introspection and self-awareness.

Killing the Primitive Brain

Each day, I strive to overcome the primitive instincts that drive our desires.

This struggle relates to our basic needs, controlled by the primitive regions of our brain, which provoke a relentless pursuit of more—whether it be wealth, power, or affection.

As higher-evolved beings, we possess sophisticated cognitive faculties that distinguish us from lower species. Yet, many choose to exist on autopilot, merely going through the motions of life.

Every day presents an opportunity to transcend these primal urges. Resist the temptation of superficial desires; recognize these impulses for what they are and reclaim your autonomy.

When faced with luxury items or indulgences, push back against those primitive thoughts. Defeating these urges daily transforms struggle into your new default state of happiness.

This philosophy aligns with teachings from Buddhism, Nietzsche, and many other thinkers advocating for self-discipline and the avoidance of indulgence.

The Modern Buddha's Method for Global Betterment

As I reflect on how Siddhartha would navigate today's world, I recognize the challenges posed by contemporary interpretations of altruism. Here, I offer guiding principles for modern living:

1. Identify what ignites your passion—whether it’s helping others, teaching, or creating.
2. Prioritize function over form in your pursuits.
3. Seek genuine freedom, recognizing chains of materialism.
4. Value intentions above outcomes.
5. Uphold principles over mere results.
6. Focus on execution rather than recognition.
7. Choose action over optics.
8. Embrace complexity in your thoughts.
9. Value higher concepts over superficial headlines.
10. Understand that struggle often leads to fulfillment.

These principles guide my journey toward personal contentment.

Final Reflections

Writing about abstract concepts can be challenging as many fear the uncertainty they evoke. Yet, I find joy in exploring these ideas more than in mundane reality.

In time, I have grown to cherish solitude and the perspectives of a few kindred spirits. Large gatherings now feel more like distractions.

Ultimately, the ability to walk away from substantial financial offers with a smile represents true self-actualization. This state of being is the foundation for aspiring toward collective and cosmic understanding.

We must ascend beyond our basic human instincts to engage with profound questions of morality and existence. Recognizing our privilege is essential, but I see it as a distraction from deeper conversations.

While I may not achieve extreme wealth, my ambition now lies in making a meaningful impact, combating wrongdoing, and rediscovering my creativity.

Together, we can embrace the spirit of striving for enlightenment, navigating the challenges and keeping our aspirations alive. True honor lies in the path we choose, even amid adversity.

If you found value in this reflection, consider subscribing to my publication for further explorations of personal finance, early retirement, life, and philosophy.

The second video titled "Embark on Your Quest: The Epic Voyage of Self-Discovery | Buddhism | Buddhist Teachings" invites viewers to explore the journey of self-discovery and the teachings of Buddhism, aligning well with the themes discussed here.