A Quote I Am Reflecting On
“Don’t try to be interesting. Seek to be interested.”
- John Gardner
What I Am Reading
Articles & Blog Posts
Earnestness
Written by Paul Graham
Paul Graham (PG) is an incredible thinker and writer.
In this essay, PG, in my opinion, expands a trait shared by missionary founders- earnestness. He expands on why the best founders not only try to do something meaningful, but also how their entrepreneurial meaning translates into an intense work ethic.
Here is a great perspective from PG in this essay:
When you call someone earnest, you're making a statement about their motives. It means both that they're doing something for the right reasons, and that they're trying as hard as they can.
Another interesting perspective is his take on nerds- how naivete and a sense of being interested in something, when tied together with earnestness, makes nerds start the great companies and movements of our time.
This is an incredible essay and I urge you to revisit it every now and then.
Tweet of the Week
Meme of the Week
What I Am Listening To
Music
Japan (Satin Jackets Remix)
By Tycho
Scott Hanson (aka Tycho) is an incredible composer and producer. I have been listening to and enjoying his music for many years. His blend of etheral synths, grooving basslines, and precise beats make his music, mainly instrumental, a joy to listen to.
This track, Japan, is a rare exception as it features a vocal performance from Saint Sinner and is remixed by Satin Jackets, a German Producer.
Japan originally appeared on Tycho’s 2019, Grammy Nominated Album, Weather.
Click here to listen to the song on Spotify.
Podcasts
#483: Jim Collins on The Value of Small Gestures, Unseen Sources of Power, and More
From The Tim Ferriss Show
Jim Collins is an American Researcher and Author. His work focuses on topics such as Business Management, Company Sustainability, and Growth. His books include Good to Great, Built to Last, and Great by Choice… all massive bestsellers.
In his second appearance on Tim Ferriss’ podcast, they cover a wide range of topics, ranging from the true purpose of mentors, tracking creativity on spreadsheets, and the value of clock-building over time-telling.
Jim asks incredible questions and provides thoughtful responses, making the conversation enjoyable as well as powerfully valuable.
Click here to listen to the Podcast on YouTube.
What I Am Watching
Videos
Can Comedy Be Funny Anymore?
Presented by Andrew Schulz
Andrew Schulz is a standup comedian based in New York City.
He is best know for his YouTube content strategy and his appearances on numerous podcasts. His style is a mix of socio-political commentary with a generous dose of profanity. He doesn’t mask who he is or how he speaks. He is pretty authentic and this comes across in his TEDx Talk. He does turn down the profanity to a bare minimum as he knows, its a TEDx Talk.
In today’s Cancel Culture and Wokeness, Andrew is a beacon challenging conventional thinking.
He recently released a comedy special on Netflix called, Andrew Schulz Saves America.
TV Series
The Last Kingdon
Streaming on Netflix
I’m going to be honest, this is a terrible, terrible show, but it is absolutely a boredom-killer. The acting is lame and the storylines are insane. I think of it as a poor man’s Game of Thrones (although this show is partially based on true events).
It’s addictive because I find it comforting that I don’t have to think too much about the story or the deeper meanings in the dialogues. I just go along with the Uthred Ragnarson’s (name of the protagonist) ride and don’t worry about humanity’s problems for 45-60 minutes.
Click here to watch on Netflix.
Thank you for reading Don’t Be Boring #025.
You can follow me on Twitter. My handle is @vigneshs1994.
Wishing you an awesome week ahead.
– Vignesh