Welcome to the first newsletter of 2022! I hope you’ve had a triumphant transition into the new year.
🌞 Highlights of my January:
—> I began the month with a trip to Banff to celebrate my 31st birthday. I enjoyed the cavernous hot pool at The Fox and the continental breakfast.
—> The kitchen renovation project with Francis came to an unofficial end. He’s still waiting for a dishwasher and Ikea hardware for a handful of drawers. So no satisfaction of a finished project quite yet.
—> I enrolled in a video storytelling course to develop my video skills and nudge myself beyond my comfort zone. The process of giving and receiving feedback from other video creators has been hugely helpful.
📹 For my first course project, I made a video titled “Story of Wade”. It’s an abbreviated tale of my two years with Wade, the troublesome Jeep Patriot.
🌎 Three things I enjoyed this month:
I. BOOK that will change your perception of people and power
The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
This is a fantastic book. It’s essentially a condensed highlight book of Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power, Art of Seduction, Laws of Human Nature, and Mastery. It’s easier to peruse than those books with just as much valuable wisdom. The book is formatted as a daily reader, with a lesson for every day of the year. Very digestible. I read it in two weeks because it was so engaging. I’m working my way through it again, day by day.
I will return to this book many times.
II. ARTICLE that overviews the decline of discourse in the West
Why I am no longer a tenured professor at the University of Toronto by Jordan Peterson (10 minute read)
Jordan Peterson is a polarizing figure. He is adored by countless and demonized by many. I believe he is an intelligent, thoughtful man. When I read this article, I did not see signs of a demagogue fueled by some malevolent agenda. I saw rational critiques of problematic aspects of the creeping, purveying culture in Canadian institutions.
I invite you to read this article as though it was written by a highly respected psychology professor not named Jordan B. Peterson. Take away the fame and mysticism that has come to surround Peterson, and consider the perspective presented. Regardless of your political beliefs, the issues presented in this article affect all of us.
III. MOVIE that expertly combines social commentary and entertainment
Don’t Look Up on Netflix
I love when satire is woven into a good story. This movie is a fun, entertaining ride. Great characters, great acting, and an engaging storyline. It holds up an ironic mirror that reflects back many unfortunate aspects of the culture we live in.
A Quote to Consider
“If your best friend were to ask you how he or she could live a better life, you would probably find many useful things to say. And yet you may not live this way yourself. On one level, wisdom is nothing more profound than an ability to follow one’s own advice”
— Sam Harris
Photos of the Month
Video of the Month
Reply to say hello or let me know of a book, podcast, video, or anything else!
I hope you have a felicitous February!
Until then,
Scotty
P.S. Don’t blink.
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