Zen harmony - Attention is not intention The greatest prison is the prison inside your own mind Peace isn’t something you chase. It’s something you choose. If you give people enough space, they will reveal themselves to you Bonds are not made of conversations or connections, but of understanding Live like nature. Everything blends with each other. Everything flows naturally Those who have walked the path of inner stillness often radiate the most profound joy Don’t be like the storm that crashes onto the mountain. Be the mountain that watches the storm pass

This was good. The dynamic between Josh and Andrew was like this perfectly balanced pendulum swing that didn’t lose its inertia. Josh spoke from deep experience and philosophical understanding, while Andrew grounded it in science and insights from other powerful thinkers. There’s so much from his Art of Learning that stands out where instead of mastering all at once, you refine tiny aspects of a skill until they become second nature. Also in understanding that the most heartbreaking, devastating moments often serve as catalysts for the biggest growth. I love how he focuses on finding harmony in chaos by detaching from those intense emotions, this is rooted in Taoism practices. He also adapted Jiu Jitsu into his understanding. Accordingly, when you let go of ego and not be in a dominant position all the time, you will find other angles to win. My favorite is probably the MIQ (Most important Question) - What’s the one thing that, if I focused on it, would bring the biggest improvement? This is such a chess move. Josh Waitzkin won national chess championship 8 times, and International Master (just below Grandmaster at the age of 16). He left chess because of politics and went on to become a world champion in Jiu Jitsu. He also coaches companies and individuals on high-leverage focus, adapting under pressure, and turning struggles into strengths. I love the way he approaches life as he constantly finds ways to grow. He prioritizes depth over surface-level achievements or transactional connections. And I love his lifestyle. He lives in the jungle with his wife and kids, practices martial arts and water sports, and continues to improve himself. There is a movie on his early life from a book written by his father called Searching for Bobby Fischer that came out in ‘93. Weekend goals

Some things I read and heard, and thoughts formed in recent weeks : The only way out is through. Fear is the enemy of pleasure. Let your your higher self be your anchor. Early failure is the price of long-term success. Real growth is the kind that quietly rewires the soul. Breakthrough innovation redefines the rules. Don’t lose your marbles over other people’s drama. There is something fascinating about people who observe rather than speak, who process rather than react, and carry pain in a way that doesn’t demand attention. Be emotionally available to yourself. Competition and jealousy in business is a booster, but in relationships is a red flag. “She is fascinating because she is both vulnerable and strong, both lost and on the cusp of finding herself.” In the crowded space of showing empathy for everyone, don’t forget to show empathy for yourself.

Surveillance Capitalism: A Conversation with Shoshana Zuboff and Jim Balsillie

There will always be noise, political dramas, empty cans, those who are easily swayed, lalangs, etc., perhaps now more than ever. We can either get distracted by them and lower our standards to theirs, or we can focus on the signal and keep moving forward.

she thought it was the misfortune of poetry, to be seldom safely enjoyed by those who enjoyed it completely; and that the strong feelings which alone could estimate it truly, were the very feelings which ought to taste it but sparingly. ― Jane Austen, Persuasion

The roles that women have played throughout history is truly incredible. The first shift in feminist movement probably happened during Jesus of Nazareth period as he gave as equal power to become his followers. The second trigger might be during the industrial wave 19th century when women started working in factories and contributed to contribute to household finances. The third shift which is a huge contributor to the modern feminist movement would be the knowledge-based movement in the 20th century when power and wealth shifted from muscular-needs to knowledge-based. Taking a closer look into history... When we look back way before the old testament circa 3000 BC, physical strength was needed for survival, so men naturally took up the role of lead and provision while women were confined to domestic roles in a patriarchal structure. Evolution has a lot of contribution on the women-men dynamics and it should not be discarded. As time went on, during Old testament period 400 BC, there were the rise of women like Miriam (Moses’s sister), Ruth (one of my fav chapters - on love, loyalty and redemption), Queen Esther and Deborah, a judge and prophetess who brought peace to Israel through Barak. But there remain social constraints like Hagar who was given to Abraham by Sarah and birth Ismael which led to religious tensions till today and Tamar who was passed on from one son to another until she decided to get knocked up through the father instead. Between the old and new Testament, the Catholic Bible covers this period well - this is called the second temple era. This is the whole Athenian Greek culture under Alexander the Great and later by the Romans, the Peloponnesian war which marked the starting point of democracy. Spartan women had more freedom culturally compared to Greek women. Judith, from the Catholic bible (book of Judith), fought to protect her people. The New Testament (1st century AD) perhaps triggered the first revolutionary rise of women’s recognition as equals based on how Jesus would engage with them (Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, his mother). Women and men don’t speak to each other in public, let alone treat strangers or diff social status with respect and kindness. For Jesus, all were welcome to be his followers. I think Phoebe was identified as the first nurse and deacon in the bible. The early christian era (1st - 4th century) saw a rise of faith-based women leadership, there were women martyrs and saints but churches remain a patriarchal structure. During the medieval period (5th - 15th century) the elites played a crucial role in bringing some form of education to their children and although women were educated at home, there were more opportunities for women to expand their roles as theologians, scientists, and artists. But they remain largely restricted to marriage and motherhood outside religious institutions. The 15th century to the 18th century was the renaissance and enlightenment era. Thinkers like Mary Wollstonecraft (A Vindication of the Rights of Woman), Christine de Pizan (a medieval court writer) or Artemisia Gentileschi (a Renaissance artist) began advocating for women’s rights. (I am in my Jane Austen era at this moment - his pride and her prejudice - dang this movie never gets old). The industrial revolution perhaps triggered the second revolutionary rise of women’s recognition and importance. There were more women who started working in factories despite low wages and poor working conditions, and brought money home - which changed the dynamics of a home welfare that was once absolutely dependent on men (and taxation of course). The 20th and 21st century transformed the women's roles drastically mainly due to survival during wars and the rise of knowledge based industries. Knowledge does not require physical strength but it can pay the bills. The shift of dynamics in the importance of women’s role vs the patriarchal stubborn need to not be equals has seen the rise of various feminist waves from flapper moment to workplace equality to harassment etc in the last century. I love how in today’s world, women are empowered to make conscious choices. Modern feminism has made significant stride in offering women more options and challenging outdated societal norms. But what I find to be damaging is how modern feminism is sometimes boxed in by political moments - and it become too focused on specific political stances or identity categories which sidelines the broader, more inclusive aspects of feminist thought. To me a highly valued woman is not what the ‘left’ or ‘right’ expects her to be. She is not defined based on what society defines her but the respect she gives herself and the dignity she carries. Her values are intrinsic and not based on anyone’s validation. A highly valued woman does not contribute to dynamics that feel performative, manipulative, attention-seeking or lack genuine connection. She seeks relationships rooted in honesty and growth. I also deeply believe that the support structure of men is fundamentally important in how women rise and grow. And it works both ways. This could be seen from the times of Marie and Pierre Curie and their shared love for science and reading, to examples set by even our own parents on mutual support. A highly valued woman can be the emotional anchor a man needs to continually grow and pursue his dreams, and vice versa. As we look back throughout history, the dynamics between men and women have definitely changed but what's beautiful in today’s world is that respect comes from within because you want to, not because you have to.

I find it fascinating how much of what is considered "modern" Western discovery has actually been a long-standing practice in Southeast Asia. 1. Going barefoot - common when entering a home or sacred place. Leave the dirty shoes outside to maintain cleanliness and respect. Grounding however is not an explicit term used but it's been a norm without realising it through practises like meditating outdoors and spending time in nature and more. 2. Meditation retreats - has long been a part of Southeast Asian culture. 3. Sunlight - In tropical countries that don't experience four seasons, sunlight is a natural part of life. 4. Seed oil is bad - In SEA, lard, ghee, palm oil, coconut oil have always been commonly used. 5. Raw milk is good - it's commonly available in restaurants and it is even delivered to homes daily. 6. Fermented food - common in many Southeast Asian diets (tempeh, tempoyak, fish sauces etc). 7. Herbal remedies and natural health - for generations, southeast asians have relied on herbal remedies, and alternative medicines (traditional chinese herbal medicine, ayurvedic medicine, malay herbal treatments, and borneo indigenous herbal practices among the Iban, Kadazan, Dayak, and Bidayuh peoples) 8. Spiritual significance - Many aspects of life in Southeast Asia, from daily practices to festivals, carry deep spiritual meaning. 9. Aphrodisiac foods - Ingredients like Tongkat Ali and various herbal drinks are commonly available. Southeast Asia is culturally integrated due to centuries of colonization by various empires, as well as its strategic position as a global trade hub which brought together different groups of people. The divisions that exist today are mostly artificial social constructs which are deeply embedded in religious practices, politics, and corrupt power plays.

Has anyone trained AI-driven feedback systems using metadata through federated learning, homomorphic encryption, or differential privacy (with noise injection)? Would love to hear your thoughts on the development and infra complexities

I started this year with a footprint on personal empowerment. I couldn't help but notice how different these philosophical ideas are next to each other, but as a whole, it's a nice balance. Buddhist Teachings (Thích Nhất Hạnh, Dalai Lama) - ego and attachment to desires causes suffering. True happiness comes from selflessness. My take - I love this, and agree entirely, but love yourself first, so that you can be whole as you love others. Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) - tap into your inner ego. Align purpose with actions. My take - Over the years I’ve realised that good intention is more important than anything else. Marcus Aurelius (Stoicism) - accept what we cannot control, and strengthen resilience when facing challenges. Virtue and rationality are core Stoic principles. My take - I’ve grown to appreciate the wisdom of emotional detachment. It’s not about suppressing love or your deepest desires and drive but ensuring you don’t succumb to emotional prison that carries destructive emotions like anxiety, fear, and insecurity - as it can rule you and ruin your relationship with those around you. The Secret (Law of Attraction) - visualise and live in a positive bubble with gratitude, till it becomes real. My take - manifestation is great BUT those who manifest without reality check can be imposing, manipulative and egoistic. Rhonda Byrne, in The Secret - our thoughts shape our reality My Take - it leans towards the mystical part of manifestation, not my cup of tea. Prayer (Christianity) - manifestation with a reality check (God’s will is the arch) Reality transurfing - let the universe decide. Tweak your thoughts and intentions so that you can shift your energy and awareness to align with parallel realities My take : I love the energy and universe concept, but I also believe you determine your own destiny. Gabby Bernstein - don’t trust the universe. Trust faith, fate and divine energy My take : I love the romantic notion of fate, but not one out of despondency. And I also deeply believe that our actions and choices shape our destiny, and this is how your soul’s call to greatness is defined. Faith-Based Self-Help (e.g., Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking) - trust in faith and miracles without tangible evidence. My take : I am my father’s daughter and believe in the strength of faith especially as it provides a sense of purpose and resilience during challenging times. But faith also changes the structure of your brain so I am more realistic than mythical about it. Tony Robbins - you decide and act on it. My take : makes me want to run a marathon after listening to it. David Goggins - you are 100% responsible for your life. My take : Absolutely. But it comes with the understanding that everyone has different levels of challenges. Jocko Willink (Discipline Equals Freedom) - rigid discipline for daily structure and self control is non-negotiable. My take : this is my 6am - 8am motivation for pilates and sunrise walks. Eckhart Tolle (The power of now) - live in the present, discard ego’s obsession over past or future My take : agreed, but reflection and striving makes you whole. Marie Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) - keep what “sparks joy” . My take : Agreed. We all should definitely declutter life every now and then - remove noise or ambivalence that drains us and focus on the signal Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REMT - Albert Ellis) - logical thinking improves emotional responses. My take : I love this. It sets the stage for modern concepts of “reframing” and “mindfulness” Atomic Habits (James Clear) - on small, incremental improvements. My take : I find this to be most helpful when you go through an extreme period of pain and you find it hard to carry on and so you start with small shifts until you gradually see yourself getting better. Overall these books have similar goals - empowering yourself, strengthening your mind, resilience, growth. It depends on what you need when, for example : self awareness & compassion - Buddhist teaching, stoicism moments of crisis - Atomic habits, stoicism long-term goals - think and grow rich, Tony Robbins clarity and balance - Marie Kondo positive mind - faith based, the secret discipline - jocko spirituality - Gabby Bernstein, prayer relationship & teamwork - REBT For all other times, a balance of these philosophies can be pretty powerful (but with a reality check)

Stalemate is an interesting tactic. You avoid it when you're winning, but go for it when you're losing. It reminds me of life, where people sometimes settle for whatever they can get, either out of fear of losing more or a lack of belief in something better.