I think a sort of modern trap for ambitious men is the idea of the optimized man. Cold baths, protein, supplements, fasting, green juice, red light therapy etc…
Not saying any of those things are bad, but over indexing on them feels like compensation for a profound lack of purpose.
The most dangerous man is not the one who endlessly optimizes it’s the one who believes something deeply and is willing to act irrationally in pursuit of it.
Replies (25)
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 1:14, KJV)
Cost/Benefit of time spent on optimizations probably doesn’t look great if you really dig in
You don't become an optimized man by transforming your body.
Your body optimizes itself to a transformed man.
Power of the will.
A form of procrastination in a way
agreed. comes across as low key neurotic. i cant listen to health pods like huberman
P or VP.. You can doitb 😉
Yes
Well said
He who masters comfort becomes efficient.
He who embraces purpose becomes unstoppable.
My 40 something else having words with my 20 something self.
View quoted note →strongly agree, I think as an equilibrium life/dead.
You need efficiency, rationality and good habits to live well, all for being able to die for your pourpose when it calls you.
Except if you are optimising for the thing that you believe deeply. Someone who is irrationally pursuing an excellence in his biology could have a very concrete vision for his future, and therefore a legitimate purpose for his actions.
People throw around the word "purpose" like it's obvious. You're basically saying that taking charge of your health is a distraction. I would say that taking charge of your health and leading by example among your friends, family, and coworkers is a worthwhile pursuit. Is it the ultimate pursuit? Maybe. Maybe not. Mastering ones body/mind state through rigorous training and consistent application of that training does put one in a clear enough mental state to think through the more "meta"/philosophical aspects of life, that can lead to discovering ones "purpose".
Those promoted methods are tools that helped specific parts of the person who witness's its success. Many forget that they are just that, tools, and temporary, for nor are they that make you the person you want to be (you still have to do, no tool can do that), nor are they always the best tool for the next challenge you'll meet, therefore keeping you at a certain level, and yes, making you feel like you are "optimized".
Few forget that all these things do is get you out of your own way. You don't need to buy anything to do that... You alteady are the character you want to be by just doing it now.
Bros really put more stress into their lives trying to optimize every minute of their lives.
Is that last sentence your own words or does that come to us from an ancient philosopher? It’s very profound. It sounds like it could be from Marcos Aurelius.
Being healthy is foundational, but it’s certainly not the purpose in and of itself.
It’s me but I’m probably paraphrasing someone without remembering who
"Absolutely! Health is a vital piece of the puzzle, but the bigger picture is about living fully and embracing all that life has to offer. 🌟 #Balance #LifeBeyondHealth"
Same goes with knowledge.
Acquiring knowledge should serve a purpose. Time is too precious to be reading and learning things that won’t help you get more money, health, or closer to God.
I call this behavior “somatic worship.” Definitely putting the wrong thing at the top of the value hierarchy.
I do cold exposure in the winter.
I sauna year round.
I dry fast 6x a year on specific dates as the ancient technology for keeping us alive is written in the old testament.
I drink juice when I come across it in high quality organic form.
I run on trails.
I lift weights.
I eat only whole foods with zero industrial products.
I do agree with your sentiment though, people who are constantly just "bio-hacking" are kinda retarded.
I do all these things intuitively & based on ancient cultures, not modernity.
It sounds like you’re doing it right. Health is great and should be a priority. I’m more so talking about the Huberman bros who fall apart if they didn’t get their daily greens powder or time their sun exposure correctly or some other neurotic gibberish lol
Yeah I've experienced that too.
Woman have their own hubermam now,
"Glucose goddess"
