Day 1 or Eons of Existance
Don’t Judge, Just Join the Party
Let’s inaugurate the new year with one of the greated openings in US fiction from the Great Gatsby:
“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since: ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’”
And the criticism can be self-inflicted as well, by the way.
As a nation, and to yourself.
Here’s the advantage you have, and I just realized a few months ago: Substack.
We have the fruit of all knowledge, interpretation, and chance to give back in one platform.
Like a dumbass, I didn’t realize, consciously, that the ability to connect with incredible people, learn from them, participate in actual culture instead of just observing it from my lonely tower was just darn foolish.
All because of my engagement with Dino | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 🇺🇸
So for my few readers but with very good taste I just want to help you focus on what’s important and not feel overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, with all the power at your disposal, there is one limiting factor - time.
So to help you with that, I’ll share with you my journey and how I enjoy what I can consume and discard the rest. I just don’t care.
What I missed out?
How many times have I heard that, but not “boy, I should have avoided that at all costs.”
Since 2020, I have been on Substack, following and subscribing to 4 accounts:
Alexander Cortes who Tic Toc Trading for his great trader insight, speculative stock plays, and price levels
Ted Gioia who is without the cartoons, the New Yorker of the bunch and gives me the Cliff Notes version of the culture I need to feel I am in the know.
He gave a great tip in investing in Substack (I think) and how the big Tech guys are destroying culture. I disagree with his AI perspective.
Secret Salsa It’s good he’s a secret as crypto imploded and I cant figure out if he’s still around
Poetic Outlaws sends out great black and white memes on FB and I joined his daily poem routine. Simply the best.
But here’s what I keep seeing work everywhere: The guy who is social and participates wins.
Bob Dylan Didn’t Stay in Minnesota
Recently reading about Bob Dylanand the folk scene is a perfect example of this. He joined the NYC folk scene (as a complete unknown) from Somaliland (formerly known as Minnesota). By being part of a culture, each one lifts himself up.
And he had the confidence to befriend Woody Guthrie. Just walked up to his hero.
Meanwhile, I get stage fright.
Dylan didn’t become Dylan in Hibbing. He became Dylan by showing up to the Village and participating in the scene.
So this is it. Day 1 from eons of existence.
“My father told me not to judge people because I’ve had advantages.”
Fine.
But he didn’t say what to do when you feel otherwise.
What I’m doing with that advantage is that I’m going to engage with whom I follow, share what I like/dislike, and chat up other like-minded individuals.
It will only help enlighten what you are consuming and gain deeper appreciation if you like the vibe or not.
Dylan showed up to the Village. Got caught up in it. Became famous.
Vibe changed and went Electric and never looked back. Hung out a lot with the “Band”
It lifted him, the Band and every listener as you will when you join what makes sense to you.
Don’t judge.
Just join the party.
May we all have a banger year
Eric
PS. Today is the beginning of my attempt of a book club with Benjamin Graham as the writer.
