Tag: life

Emulating ‘The Most Interesting Man in The World’

“You don’t have to be the most interesting man or woman in the world, but I think these commercials did do a good job of why it’s necessary in life to embrace curiosity, experience, adventures, and being charismatic.”

I am not a big fan of commercials or advertisements generally, however, if they can be humorous or insightful, such as one kind of commercial that has captivated me for years, on what it is like to be ‘the most interesting man in the world’. I have long had a soft spot for the now defunct ‘Dos Equis’ beer commercials focusing on the character of “The Most Interesting Man in The World.” These commercials were not only humorous but also served as a cheesy yet truthful take in my view regarding how to be a more well-rounded, open-minded, confident, curious, and adventurous person. You don’t have to be the most interesting man or woman in the world, but I think these commercials did do a good job of why it’s necessary in life to embrace curiosity, experience, adventures, and being charismatic.

“The police often question him because they find him interesting.” In many of the ‘Most Interesting Man in The World’ commercials, you see the character actor, Jonathan Goldsmith engaged in various activities such as climbing Mount Everest, arm-wrestling a military general, or flying a plane. The character thrives on experiencing life and all it has to offer despite the risk(s) and danger(s) involved.

Whether its fencing, sea diving, or rescuing a lion, he thrives on novelty and making the most out of what life is all about. I don’t see anything wrong with you incorporating this kind of mindset such as seeking out new hobbies or interests, traveling to unique places, and learning new things to make life more exciting and fulfilling. You don’t need to be the most interesting man or woman in the world to do that, but you do need to take action to make that happen.

“He has inside jokes with complete strangers.” Having charisma, being appealing to other people, and showing confidence in your actions will carry you far in life. What ‘The Most Interesting Man in The World’ commercials show us is that it does help to be charismatic, confident, and able to handle social situations with ease. This kind of character takes time to develop and won’t come easily, but like ‘the most interesting man’, it can pay off for you when you invest in your social life and take time to get better at building those social skills. The character in the commercial is not doing these activities alone and he is not at the bar or restaurant alone. He is self-assured, confident, telling a story, and being humorous to enhance his relationships. You should work on doing the same in terms of having those characteristics in both your personal and professional relationships. You never know when having these kinds of interpersonal skills will come in handy, but I can guarantee it will help you in life in one way or the other.

“He can speak French…in Russian.” The character himself is well versed in those activities and is knowledgeable in many fields such as learning languages, playing sports, or knowing different instruments. These commercials, while funny, do show the viewer the value of being a lifelong learner as it will make you a more well-rounded person. Being able to ride widely on different subjects, picking up new skills over the years, and engaging in a wide array of activities will make you stand out in a good way in terms of forming a holistic personality. If the character can do it, you can make it happen as well though take it one step at a time in terms of becoming a Renaissance person. You may not get there right away with being well-rounded, but years or decades of work will help you get there most often.

“People hang on his every word, even the prepositions.” The most interesting man in the world doesn’t boast and talk at length without being prompted first to share his adventures and experiences. He is intriguing because he is mysterious and saves his best stories for those, he wants to share them with. Even in these commercials, the actor has a real presence about him, partly because of his age but also because of his body language. You do not need to overshare with the average person or stranger, but you should intrigue people with your aura and your confidence. You can let someone new know a little bit about you without giving everything away. It takes time to get good at that, but you should save your best stories for your most intimate friendships or relationships. You should divulge a little bit about yourself at a time while maintaining some mystery for those people who really care to get to know you better.

“His blood smells like cologne.” When you dress well like the character does, when you have strong composure and when you carry yourself with both dignity and respect, people will treat you better and take you seriously. Remember to boost your confidence this way by paying more attention to how you present yourself, how you speak, and how you think you’re being perceived. You don’t need to be a fashion icon but like ‘the most interesting man in the world’, you have it in your power to dress well, have more refined taste, and present yourself as best as possible. Having good body language, dressing well, and being confident may not make you the ‘most interesting person’ but it will make you much more appealing and intriguing to know more about.

“Presidents take notes when he speaks.” Everything about these commercials suggest that ‘The Most Interesting Man in The World’ has a legacy worth remembering and that his persona lives on long after he’s gone. The idea of having a legacy, contributing to something bigger than yourself, and being part of a greater mission are all themes from these commercials. Being remembered well, pursuing meaningful work, helping others who are less fortunate, and making bold choices should never be shied away from. You don’t have to be a fictional commercial character to do all these things.

The overall message behind this part of the character is something that we all can relate to in our lives. We want to have a positive impact in the world and leave something good behind whether that’s a family, a garden, or a charity. Whatever legacy you intend to have, ‘The Most Interesting Man in The World’ encourages us all to life a life worth remembering and one in which we have a positive and memorable impact on the lives of other people.

At the end of the day, The Most Interesting Man in the World may be a fictional character from a beer commercial, but the essence of his magnetic and charismatic persona offers real life lessons. By embracing curiosity, confidence, and a spirit of adventure, anyone can cultivate a richer and more well-rounded life by following this example.

Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling to unfamiliar places, or simply carrying yourself with both charisma and composure, you can become more interesting as a result, man or woman. The key to remember here is to stay open to new experiences and never stop growing as a person. You don’t have to be the most interesting person in the world or even the most likable person in the world but by following the character’s example, you just might become the most interesting person in the room and that’s a big deal. Stay curious, stay bold, and of course, stay thirsty, my friends.

My First Attempt at English Poetry (March 2025)

Taking a break from my Spanish poems to write some poems, the first in a series on English language poetry, which I am new to!

1. Layover Nights

Jetlagged again,
3 AM blinks on the clock,
Sleep slips through my fingers,
Mind unraveling miles away.

Is this the life I chased?
A suite with a view, but you’re not here.
Other side of the world,
Feet to the floor,
Another day in paradise—
Or just another day alone?

2. Trapped

Loveless job,
Loveless bed,
Loveless life?

The hamster wheel spins,
But I refuse to run.
Not again.
Not this time.

Life’s too short
To live behind glass.

3. Hotel Bar

A stranger in a dim-lit room,
Another Elton John hit sways through the air.
The piano man knows the chords,
The bartender waters down the whiskey,
And your eyes hold a question.

Shall we dance to Tiny Dancer?
No names, no promises,
Just a song, just a moment
Before morning erases us both.

4. Big Fish or Small Fish

Catch the big fish,
Be the big fish,
So much pressure on both.

Is it better to swim unseen,
A small fish in deep waters?
Or to rise, to glisten, to be devoured,
A trophy too tempting to let go?

Big fish take the bait,
Small fish slip through the cracks.
One feeds on ambition,
The other on time.

Who really wins?

Unlocking More Freedom By Escaping The Hamster Wheel

“I am hopeful that everyone reading this article can find a way to escape at some point in the sense that you keep pursuing a life that is freer, more fulfilling, and less constricted than what is expected of you rather than what you are wishing for.”

Life can feel a lot like a ‘hamster wheel’ the older you get. The responsibilities, bills, obligations, and societal expectations can pile up without you even noticing at first. The hustle and bustle of life can keep us trapped without a way out. I am hopeful that everyone reading this article can find a way to escape at some point in the sense that you keep pursuing a life that is freer, more fulfilling, and less constricted than what is expected of you rather than what you are wishing for.

It is easy to settle into the steady job, the steady paycheck, the comfort of the ‘daily grind’ despite the dislike of it that a lot of us feel about it. It’s called a ‘grind’ for a reason and while there’s nothing wrong with steady work, paying your bills, and handling your responsibilities like an adult, but it’s about not questioning or working towards a different path that may make you get more out of life and what it has to offer you. You should not resign yourself to a life of constantly chasing something that you don’t even want or what doesn’t make you fulfilled. You should consider the ‘hamster wheel’ as a temporary station and not your permanent status in life.

Society often encourages each of us to take the ‘safe route’ and to ‘climb the ladder’ without thinking about if it’s really fulfilling or giving you the purpose and satisfaction we yearn for as human beings. It’s a cycle of working, earning, spending and saving, and while that’s fine if that’s your choice, I do believe there is more to life than that and you have to try to figure out which path is the right one for you off the wheel.

You may want to get off the proverbial ‘hamster wheel’ if you have a feeling of monotony and boredom each day, there’s a lack of passion or purpose in what you’re doing, and if you’re not earning or having the kind of success you envisioned in your current role in whatever work you are currently doing. Time slips away faster and faster as you age, and you really got to ask yourself more and more is if it’s worth my time and effort. If you’ve aged five years and your goals are still not in reach or if the job or vocation you chosen isn’t doing it for you anymore, you need to have some internal reflection on whether your life is heading in the right direction.

Productivity and achievement can be fulfilling at first but if you find the work to be repetitive, listless, or without any growth, it will often lead to burnout and a lack of overall fulfillment. If you are feeling that days are becoming more listless, directionless, or without any purpose, you may need to adjust your career, your lifestyle, or even your values to decide if where you’re heading is where you want to end up being. If that involves refocusing your priorities to less possessions or less spending or a change in your home location, you may need to shake things up a bit to see if you can get more out of life than you’ve been getting.

I am a fan of routines but if that routine, daily or otherwise, is sucking the life out of you, then you need to change up your routine or lifestyle in a big way. Living freely means not just breaking free of an unfulfilling routine but also creating space for deeper relationships, more creativity in what you do, activities that contribute to personal growth, and diversifying your identity outside of your work and more towards experiences and living more outside of the grind.

If you can’t escape the ‘hamster wheel’, I completely understand but you can still create a more intentional approach to your life. You can still prioritize those things that give you greater satisfaction and meaning including balancing out work, leisure time, and personal development without sacrificing each of these life aspects. Other strategies involve being less materialistic and being minimalistic with your possessions, setting boundaries with people at work and at home, practicing mindfulness in your decision making, and exploring different careers and lifestyles that serve you and not someone else. Those practical steps can help you break free a bit more and help you reclaim control over your life.

Meaningful change takes time and having more personal freedom involves making gradual shifts to where you live, who you work with, how you spend your time, what you prioritize, and how you live your life each day. You don’t need to quit your job today, sell your house, and move to a different city or country, but you can try to make some changes in your life to improve your freedom and choice as much as possible.

Living outside the ‘hamster wheel’ can bring a greater sense of peace, clarity, and contentedness that will allow you to enjoy your time more, bolster your relationships, and allow you to have more experiences that you want to have. Think less of what other think of your life and prioritize a life where you are constrained less about what others think of you and focus more on creating your own joy, happiness, and connections with other people as much as possible. Getting off the hamster wheel fully will not be easy but if you can’t get off now, try to slow down, take measure of what’s working and what isn’t, and make meaningful changes to enjoy life before that spinning wheel comes to an end.

Avoiding Analysis Paralysis

“We also often must think if the choice or decision we make is ‘perfect’ but to put it bluntly, no choice or decision is ever perfect.”

With the rapid pace of change and constant streams of information coming at us each day, it leads a lot of us to overthink decisions and choices to the point of inaction. There are too many choices we have to make, sometimes big and sometimes small, but we can easily get overwhelmed by the fear of making the wrong decision or if it’s better to avoid deciding altogether. We also often must think if the choice or decision we make is ‘perfect’ but to put it bluntly, no choice or decision is ever perfect.

Everyday, we are faced with hundreds or even thousands of choices such as choosing what to eat, what to wear, to what to do with your life, career, or school choices. Major life decisions should always take precedence in terms of your focus and your analysis, but you have to make the decision at some point regarding career, school, investments, and relationships. You must be able to prioritize effectively the decisions you have to make in the order of what’s more urgent and what’s most important. Smaller choices should deserve some time, but they should take away from the big choices we have to make day in and day out. Prioritization, knowing when to limit the time spent on a choice, and embracing choices or decisions that are ‘good enough’ over ‘perfect’ will help prevent you from falling into an ‘analysis paralysis.’

I believe that ‘analysis paralysis’ is more common than ever due to several factors. We have too much information and it’s overloading our thought process because it’s seemingly endless with regards to the Internet and it’s harder than ever to filter out good information from bad. The fear of missing out (FOMO) has us thinking that we have endless choices in life rather than a few immediate choices we should focus on that affect our lives.

Social media makes it seem like we have endless time or endless options to consider but we must reframe it as these are the choices I can make that are within my control and for which directly impact me. Society tends to reward those people who seem to have made the best decisions even when we know we don’t know the full story behind the choice because social media and the Internet don’t give us everything regarding how a person decided or made a choice to begin with.

Too many choices each day of life, which society can thrust upon us all at once, is a modern problem especially regarding how many streaming services, career paths, educational options, and other non-essential choices that flood our attention spans. While it’s important to make choices, you should not waste more time than you need analyzing every option out there because it would be a waste of your time.

As I mentioned earlier, to avoid analysis paralysis, you have to choose only on what you can control or have an impact on your life to decide upon immediately. You got to set time limits on these decisions you can make and are relevant to your life at the time. There is also no such thing as a ‘perfect’ choice or decision and every decision we make has positives and negatives to it as well as unknown factors that we cannot foresee upon making the choice.

You should be identifying the key factors of the choice and what impacts it’ll have from making one choice or the other, but for which truly matters rather than analyzing what could be or should be without knowing what those unknowns may lead to. Identifying what truly matters and really impacts you day to day should be priority in your decision making and should be based on relevant information that is creditable and trustworthy too.

Taking small choices or decisions can make it easier as well to handle bigger decisions but both need to be happening in your life. You can’t ignore the big choices or the small choices and often they will need to be made at the same time or same day. Breaking down your decisions and the steps that lead to them will reduce the chances of you being overwhelmed by making them. Take the decision-making process one step at a time, especially for the big decisions, will make it less daunting and give you more confidence in how you analyze the choices you have.

Limit the amount of information you expose yourself to and make sure the information you get is trustworthy before making your choice or decision. There is too much information out there for every choice we could make in this information age so make sure you trust your sources, limit them to a handful, and try to analyze both sides of the choice without delaying it too much.

By recognizing what ‘analysis paralysis’ is, how often it can affect us in our daily lives due to living through the ‘information age’ and taking steps to overcoming this paralysis one choice or decision at a time, you can improve the quality of your life immensely. Go easy on yourself and try to make the best decisions you can with the best information you can get. We all make mistakes in our choices and our decisions because we’re human but it’s important also to learn from past mistakes and do the best we can each day we make a choice or decision.

My Thoughts on Voltaire’s Most Relevant Quote Today

“His quote underscores the perilous connection between irrational beliefs and destructive actions, an infamous dynamic that has been exploited throughout history and remains a pressing concern today around the world.”

The famous French philosopher and writer, Voltaire, is known for his various works from poetry to stories to essays in the 18th century but Voltaire’s quote, “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities,” carries a profound meaning for the modern world in 2025. It serves as both a warning and a call to be vigilant against the forces of misinformation, manipulation, lies, and prejudice. His quote underscores the perilous connection between irrational beliefs and destructive actions, an infamous dynamic that has been exploited throughout history and remains a pressing concern today around the world.

At its core, Voltaire’s quote on ‘absurdities causing atrocities’ highlights the susceptibility of human beings to believe falsehoods when they are presented compellingly and repeatedly particularly by figures of authority or influence or power. In the digital age of social media and instant communications, this vulnerability is amplified by the unprecedented speed and reach of information instantaneously. Social media platforms, news outlets, and even AI-generated content contribute to a landscape where disinformation and blasphemy can thrive. Absurdities, once relegated to the fringes of our society, can now gain mainstream traction in a matter of minutes or hours.

A stark example of this phenomena is the spread of conspiracy theories. From unfounded claims about global health crises to political propaganda, these theories manipulate emotions and exploit fears, dividing societies, and undermining trust in our institutions. The belief in absurdities, whether it’s a denial of scientific evidence or the vilification of certain groups of people unjustly, creates fertile ground for acts of hatred and violence to occur.

To protect against the dangers of absurd beliefs that are spread rapidly without fact checking, fostering critical thinking is more important than ever. Education systems should do a better job of prioritizing media literacy, teaching students and even professionals how to evaluate sources, discern biases, and question narratives. In 2025, where now AI-driven content can mimic credible sources and change them slightly, the ability to think critically is more vital than ever.

Fact-checking organizations and regulatory measures can also play a role especially when social media companies refuse to do it themselves as was evidenced by Meta founder, Mark Zuckerberg, refusing to have his platform offer fact checking to users on what gets posted on the platform. Social media platforms should be held accountable for curbing the spread of disinformation especially when they do nothing to curb it. Transparency in the algorithms that they are using along with stricter content moderation policies are necessary to mitigate potential harm to users and information consumers. However, these efforts should also be balanced with protecting freedom of expression and speech to avoid creating new forms of digital censorship.

At the individual level, fostering open dialogue and empathy is crucial. Encouraging conversations that bridge ideological divides can reduce the allure of echo chambers that can bring out the worst in others. People are less likely to fall prey to absurdities when they are exposed to diverse perspectives and any differences are addressed through mutual understanding.

Voltaire’s quote also speaks to the unseemly process of ‘othering’ where certain groups are dehumanized or treated as inherently inferior based on lies and slander. This phenomenon has been a precursor to some of history’s darkest chapters. When absurd beliefs about the “other” are accepted and not dismissed or countered with facts, atrocities can become justified in the eyes of the perpetrators.

Historical examples abound and there are dozens of them I could write about. The Holocaust during World War II is a chilling reminder of how anti-Semitic propaganda and pseudoscientific absurdities fueled the systematic extermination of over six million Jews and millions of other minority groups. Nazi ideology relied on first dehumanizing Jewish people, portraying them as threats to society. This ‘othering’ laid the foundation for the eventual genocide that occurred.

Similarly, the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 illustrates how media propaganda can incite mass violence. Hutu extremists used radio broadcasts to spread hate speech against the Tutsi minority, describing them as “cockroaches” and urging their extermination. The absurd belief that the Hutu extremists had about an ‘existential threat’ posed by the Tutsi population led to the massacre of approximately 800,000 people within 100 days, one of the darkest years in the 20th century.

In more recent history, the treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar serves as another example. The dissemination of false online narratives about the Rohingya group, portraying them as invaders and terrorists, was used to justify violence and forced displacement from their homes. The role of social media, particularly Facebook, in amplifying hate speech highlights the modern implications of Voltaire’s warning about believing absurdities eventually leading to atrocities.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of a globalized and interconnected world, Voltaire’s words remind us of our shared responsibility to uphold truth, justice, and basic humanity. Combating absurd beliefs requires collective action across educational, technological, and cultural spheres in our society. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to challenge disinformation and promote inclusivity and respect.

Empathy, acts of kindness, and compassion are all potent antidotes to prevent ‘othering.’ Recognizing the shared humanity of all people, regardless of race, religion, or background, diminishes the power of divisive and toxic narratives that are not true. History teaches us that atrocities thrive in the absence of understanding or dialogue. By fostering connections and celebrating diversity while respecting and acknowledging our differences from one another, societies can resist the allure of absurdities and the horrors they could potentially enable.

Anyone can make an impact in preventing the spread of falsehoods, blasphemy, or scapegoating as this begins at the grassroots level, such as within our own neighborhoods and communities. To achieve this goal, individuals and groups must actively engage people in fostering environments of mutual respect and accountability. Open communication and dialogue are key to identifying and addressing harmful narratives before they gain traction and spread futher.

When you encounter falsehoods or lies, it is important to call them out in a civilized manner. This means addressing the issue without resorting to any aggression or personal attacks. Instead, provide clear, evidence-based counterarguments and facts that encourage reflection rather than defensiveness. For example, sharing verified data, fact-checking done through reliable sources, or calmly asking thought-provoking questions can shift the conversation towards the truth.

Community leaders, educators, and influencers have a unique role in setting an example for their neighbors, students, and followers. By promoting fact-checking, highlighting diverse perspectives, and actively countering divisive and hateful rhetoric, they can cultivate a culture of inclusion, tolerance, and critical inquiry. Grassroots initiatives, such as hosting workshops on improving media literacy, how to do fact checking, or creating forums for dialogue with people of different backgrounds, can also help inoculate communities against the spread of absurdities.

Additionally, I believe it is very important to foster empathy through personal storytelling and connections that can counteract scapegoating. For example, over the decades, thousands of Holocaust survivors have shared their story of how they were able to survive atrocities that came about because large groups of people in their society started believing or tolerating absurd claims based on lies and falsehoods. Hearing the lived experiences of marginalized or affected individuals from Rwanda to Myanmar to the Sudan humanizes them and challenges stereotypes. This approach can dismantle the ‘us versus them’ mentality that fuels both hatred and violence.

Ultimately, building resilient communities requires consistent effort and constant dedication. By prioritizing education, empathy, and open dialogue with others, we can better guard against the dangers of falsehoods and prevent absurdities from taking root or spreading. In doing our part, we uphold the principles of truth, justice, and fairness that Voltaire so fervently championed.

In conclusion, Voltaire’s insight is as relevant in 2025 as it was in the 18th century when his quote was born. Believing absurdities paves the way for atrocities to occur, but by embracing critical thinking, rejecting hate, and nurturing empathy, humanity can rise above these challenges that remain with us today sadly. The famous quote from Voltaire is not just a warning for us but a guidepost for maintaining a world grounded in truth, justice, and compassion for one another.

The Megacity: A Cacophony of Humanity

“Only from above can you see how such massive populations can occupy relatively small portions of the Earth, while vast stretches of land remain sparsely populated.”

Flying into a megacity offers a unique perspective on its scale as I have done countless times over the years. From the window seat of an airplane, it’s impossible to fully grasp the size of cities like Istanbul, Mexico City, São Paulo, New York, or Los Angeles—cities that house tens of millions of people. Only from above can you see how such massive populations can occupy relatively small portions of the Earth, while vast stretches of land remain sparsely populated.

In these cities, one can sense how humanity has evolved over the centuries, transitioning from primarily agricultural societies to industrial powerhouses, and now, to the complexities of a post-industrial world. The growth of cities, especially megacities, reflects humanity’s ongoing desire to improve civilization, particularly in the realms of efficiency, innovation, and social equity.

In the 21st century, megacities are projected to grow at an unprecedented rate, particularly in Africa and Asia. New cities are expected to join the ranks of those already housing tens of millions of people, with some approaching populations of 100 million. This trend of urbanization is part of a broader pattern that dates to ancient civilizations. From Ancient Rome and Babylon to Athens, our cities have always concentrated power, knowledge, culture, commerce, and industry in urban centers. With a global population of 8 billion and rising, megacities are a relatively recent development, but they reflect historical trends toward greater urbanization. This process will likely continue throughout the 21st century.

More than ever, megacities are testing grounds for technological advancements and infrastructure developments that will shape the future. Whether it’s high-speed rail, autonomous vehicles, smart electricity grids, or renewable energy sources, these cities are ideal laboratories for innovation. Given their size and complexity, megacities allow for large-scale experiments in sustainability, from energy-efficient buildings to advanced waste management systems. These cities are also at the forefront of efforts to address current environmental challenges, integrating technologies that reduce their carbon emission footprint and improve water and energy use.

With millions of people living in near proximity, megacities serve as testing grounds for the social systems that underpin modern life: healthcare, education, and public safety. Cities with large populations can quickly reveal whether social safety nets are effective or in need of reform. These urban centers provide a direct feedback loop for policy ideas and social services, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate and improve the systems that impact the quality of life. The success or failure of these initiatives in megacities often sets the tone for broader national or even global policy shifts.

Megacities are also microcosms of global culture, where different languages, customs, and traditions coexist, creating a vibrant and diverse urban fabric. This cultural mixing is a hallmark of humanity’s increasing interconnectedness. Cities with millions of people can foster greater cooperation, creativity, and tolerance, but they also present various challenges. Integrating diverse cultures and languages in ways that promote social cohesion can be difficult, especially when disparities in wealth, power, and opportunity persist. However, megacities are often sites of cultural innovation and collaboration, where new ideas are born and tested on a global stage.

Cities are often the birthplace of new political ideas and social policies. When these policies succeed, they can be scaled up and implemented nationwide or even worldwide. Urban areas, being more densely populated and diverse, offer the ideal environment for experimenting with solutions to systemic issues, such as education reform, income inequality, or civic engagement. The ability to gather immediate feedback from a large and diverse population means that cities can rapidly assess the effectiveness of new public policies, making them key players in shaping the future of society.

The rapid urbanization of the world since the industrial age brings with it both opportunities and challenges. As cities continue to grow and scale, they will increasingly become the focal points for innovations and social experiments that shape the trajectory of human civilization. At their core, cities reflect humanity’s inherent desire to evolve, improve, and create something greater than us. The drive for progress embodied in the ambition, growth, and efficiency of urban areas mirrors our collective aspiration for a better future. However, this continued growth plans to bring more complexities. As megacities expand, they face the challenge of providing a good quality of life for millions of people while managing the unintended consequences of scale, such as overcrowding, pollution, and social inequality.

The success or failure of megacities in the 21st century has global implications. As urban centers grapple with present challenges like climate change, wealth inequality, and the effects of economic globalization, the solutions they implement or fail to implement will have ripple effects across the globe. From Tokyo to Cairo, from Bogotá to Kinshasa, these cities are testing grounds for humanity’s ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The development of megacities is not just a local issue or an urban issue; it is a global concern that reflects our collective ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The paradox of progress is that while we strive to improve our cities and societies, we must recognize the complexities of providing a high quality of life for growing populations. The ambition to create more efficient, sustainable, and equitable urban environments must be balanced with the practical realities of physical infrastructure, resource management, and social integration. If megacities are successful in making responsible choices now, they will be better equipped to meet these challenges in the future. The decisions made today will shape the cities of tomorrow and, by extension, the world at large.

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, the fate of megacities and urban areas will be intertwined with the well-being of all people. What happens in these cities, whether positive or negative, will affect everyone, whether they live in rural, suburban, or exurban areas. The interconnectedness of our societies means that the success or failure of urban areas will have far-reaching consequences. We must ensure that the policies and solutions developed in megacities are inclusive and benefit all members of society. The prosperity of our cities is not just the concern of city dwellers, but it is a global concern too. This becomes particularly evident to me when I fly over a city or megacity, witnessing its sprawling lights and endless streets, and realizing that the future of our civilization is unfolding in these urban spaces.

Control What You Can Control

“Instead of trying to change things that we cannot control, it is best to focus solely on things that we can control and hope that we can make a positive impact on the people around us and the wider world through this kind of ‘ripple effect.’”

There is only so much that we have control over in our lives. We are constantly being influenced and affected by factors outside of our control for which we may not even have any awareness of. There are events that take place each day of our lives that can change our trajectory without us even knowing. We try to make sense of the lack of control we have but it does no good to constantly be wishing things were different if you were to have control where none exists. Instead of trying to change things that we cannot control, it is best to focus solely on things that we can control and hope that we can make a positive impact on the people around us and the wider world through this kind of ‘ripple effect.’

Life is unpredictable each day, filled with uncertainties and unknowns that can provoke anxiety, frustration, and stress within us. From work pressures to global events, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by circumstances that appear beyond our control or influence. In this chaotic and ever-changing world, I believe it’s important to adopt the mindset of “control what you can control” to foster both resilience and personal fulfillment. By focusing on what is within our reach, we gain clarity on what is most important, reduce stress, and strengthen both our mental and physical health, preparing us to navigate the complexities of life.

It’s natural to feel compelled to try to control everything or as much as we can in life, especially in a world that rewards constant achievement and control over one’s surroundings. However, trying to control things that lie outside our influence can lead to a never-ending cycle of frustration and disappointment. Conversely, focusing on what we can control allows us to feel grounded and empowered, fostering inner peace despite external turbulences.

By narrowing our focus on what we have control over, we can manage our energies better and put it toward actions that genuinely make a difference in our lives and for those around us. Concentrating on our own responses, attitudes, and habits lets us sidestep the paralyzing effect of factors beyond our control. This approach is about freeing us from wasting energy on things that simply cannot be changed. Adopting this mindset is not about giving up or avoiding the ills around us but about creating a more productive and healthy approach to life’s challenges.

It’s a fair question to ask at this point in what do we have control over? It is more than you would think based on this list below of what we can control in our life.

  1. Our Attitudes and Perspectives

How we perceive situations has a profound effect on how we experience them. While we may not control the events, we do have control over how we interpret and react to them. Developing a positive or growth-oriented mindset allows us to find lessons, strength, or motivation even in difficult situations. When we focus on what can be gained or learned from the events, setbacks become opportunities for growth rather than new sources of despair.

  1. Our Reactions and Behaviors

Our reactions are among the most tangible aspects we can control in life. Although emotions often arise involuntarily without much forethought, we can practice responding to situations in ways that align with our values. Choosing how to react, rather than allowing automatic responses to take over, is a skill that can be developed with focusing on mindfulness. This life skill enables us to handle our challenges more constructively, turning potential stressors into manageable experiences.

  1. Our Habits and Choices

The habits and routines we cultivate each day play a significant role in our quality of life. We control what we eat, what we drink, how much sleep we get, and how we manage our free time. Positive routines, such as regular exercise, limiting social media content, focusing on healthy eating, and setting aside time for relaxation, create a foundation for resilience and better health. When we invest in these areas of life, we build a stronger buffer against the impact of unexpected difficulties and changes.

  1. Our Goals and Efforts

While outcomes that happen to us or that which affect us are not always within our control, our efforts are in our control. Setting personal goals and consistently working toward them provides us with a sense of purpose and direction. Focusing on the quality of our work, rather than obsessing over the potential results, ensures that our self-worth remains stable regardless of external factors. This effort-oriented mindset helps us feel accomplished and satisfied even in unpredictable and changing environments.

Understanding what lies beyond our control is essential in practicing acceptance and letting go of what is beyond our grasp. These examples include:

  1. Other People’s Actions, Behaviors, and Opinions

Attempting to control how others think, feel, behave, or act is an exhausting and fruitless endeavor. People are influenced by their own experiences, beliefs, and emotions, which we cannot change. Rather than trying to shape others’ opinions or actions, focusing on tolerance, self-respect, and authenticity allows us to establish genuine connections without feeling responsible for people’s behaviors.

  1. External Circumstances and Events

Natural events, market trends, or political shifts are all examples of uncontrollable circumstances that happen to all of us. While we can adapt to these realities and prepare for them to some extent, we cannot dictate or know when they will occur or what the outcome(s) will be. Learning to accept and know that the world will continue to evolve with or without our influence is liberating; it relieves the pressure of feeling responsible for the many forces beyond our own reach.

  1. What Happened In The Past and What Will Happen In The Future

The past is unchangeable as we cannot go back to change anything about it and the future remains uncertain at best. While reflecting on our past experiences can provide insight and comfort to us; dwelling on past mistakes or obsessing over potential future scenarios drains our energy that could be used in the present to improve our daily lives. Embracing the present moment enables us to shape our future without being paralyzed by what it may be or what you think it could be.

When we focus on controlling what is within our reach, we naturally turn inward to cultivate resilience especially when times are tough. Investing in our mental and physical health creates a solid foundation that allows us to weather the storms of life, even those we cannot control at all.

Practicing mindfulness and self-care helps us stay present and reduces anxiety about both the present and future. Activities such as meditation, journaling, painting, or simply spending time in nature help to cultivate a calmer mind. Regular acts of self-care, such as setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, and engaging in hobbies helps nurture a strong mental state. When our minds are balanced, we’re better equipped to face challenges with a clear, calm perspective.

Physical health also supports mental resilience, making daily exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest, vital components of handling stress and anxiety. Physical exercise releases endorphins, boosts our mood, and reduces out stress. When our bodies are well-nourished and strong from exertion, we can face life’s uncertainties and changes with more stamina and energy.

We can always control who we spend time within our personal lives. Building meaningful connections with others we care about creates a network of support, which is especially important when facing various challenges. We cannot control how others act, but we can control the energy we put into cultivating positive relationships. Trusted friends, family, or networking groups offer encouragement, perspective, and comfort during tough times.

Developing a growth mindset will serve you well throughout life especially in being able to exert more control in areas of professional and personal development. It is key to have an openness to learning from every situation, which helps us adapt and thrive both in the workplace and at home. Life rarely goes exactly as planned, but those who can adapt to those changes we cannot control maintain resilience and will be better off as a result. Investing time in learning new skills, embracing change as much as possible, and nurturing a lifelong curiosity and inquisitiveness empowers each of us to see life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Adopting this philosophy of “control what you can control” is not easy to do but it does empower us to live more peaceful, healthy, and balanced lives. By focusing on what we truly have influence or control over such as our attitudes, learning, reactions, habits, and health builds resilience and clarity. Accepting that certain aspects of life are beyond our control frees us from futile worry and frustration as a result. In this way, we prepare ourselves to not only withstand life’s uncertainties but to thrive amid them, cultivating inner strength and well-being. In the end, it is not about being able to control life itself; rather it is about becoming the best stewards of ourselves as we navigate the beautiful, unpredictable, and uncertain journey that is life itself.

Be Careful Of Who You Associate With

“One key trait that is often undervalued is knowing how to spot someone who is not just friendly, kind, and decent but who values this kind of traits and characteristics in other people whom they surround themselves with professional and/or personally.”

A good way to examine someone’s character and moral values is who they surround themselves with. Whether they are a friend, a family member, a public figure, or even someone in the workplace, you can tell a lot about someone based on who they spend their time with or confide in. One key trait that is often undervalued is knowing how to spot someone who is not just friendly, kind, and decent but who values this kind of traits and characteristics in other people whom they surround themselves with professional and/or personally.

You must be able to get comfortable with both analyzing and understanding how other people act and whether their behavior or their personality will not just be good for you but also whether it is good for other people too. It’s often overlooked but being able to assess accurately the character of a man or a woman is key to keeping potential trouble or problems out of your life as a result. It can take a lot of time to really get to the heart of who someone is but if you feel that you want to truly know that person deeply and how they act not only to you but towards other people, it’s important to spend a lot of time around them not only privately but publicly as well to get a real sense of who they are.

Remember that who you surround yourself with by choice reflects either good or bad on you. We can’t choose our family members, but we can choose who are friends are, who we have a relationship with, which work colleagues we mentor or learn from, and our other associates in our network of personal or professional connections, however casual they may be to us. If you don’t take the time to truly assess someone’s moral compass, their character, and their overall behavior, you may be drawn into negative situations or circumstances that could affect your life badly.

Do not put yourself into those kinds of negative situations in life by choice where you could have instead cut ties with the person(s) who were affecting your life poorly. Be able to say ‘no’, walk away, maintain your distance, or cut ties permanently to preserve your own peace and your own moral character. It is extremely important in life to avoid the sycophants, suckups, liars, cronies, fools, toadies, goons, and flunkeys who can make our life much more complicated or worse as a result.

Life is too short to hang around people of poor behavior and character especially when you have a choice in the matter. That is why it is so key to be careful of the people who you associate with freely. I encourage everyone reading these words to take seriously how you size up your fellow man or woman even if it is a casual connection or someone in your general network of connections. Who you surround yourself with says a lot about a person and you do not want your connections or friends or network to reflect poorly on you.

It is often said that a man’s / woman’s reputation is built over decades but can be lost in minutes or hours. Surround yourself with people of moral fiber and good character and your reputation will be positive as a result. There are so many numerous examples of public figures or well-known people in our society who do such a poor job of surrounding themselves with the right people and it harms so many others as a result. People who cannot judge the character of someone well enough should have no business being a leader or overseeing a company, organization, or a country. Judgment of character is a key skill that must be honed over the course of our lives whether it is thinking of having that person as a friend, a romantic partner, or a business associate.

When you can judge character well and find good people to surround yourself with, the benefits of doing so will reverberate throughout your life. You will have much less stress, anxiety, and experience much less negativity as a result. Your own reputation won’t suffer, and you’ll be able to spend time better with those good people creating both positive experiences and the good memories from them. In addition, you want to have people not only of good character and moral fiber but to have people around you who will tell you the truth, tell you what they really think, let you know when you’re messing up, and who will support you during the good times and the bad.

Being around people who lie to you, mislead you, talk about you behind your back, kiss up to you, or act phony around you are not worth the time or the effort to keep around you at all. It takes a while to really get to know someone but if you let people who you don’t vet or don’t really get to know into your life especially your inner, private life, you are asking for trouble as a result. Maybe you will have fewer friends or a smaller professional network because of your own vetting or analysis of people around you but to me, it’s always better to have a few true friends and associates than a bunch of liars, sycophants, and phonies who tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear.

Please be careful of who you associate with whoever they may be. Be sure to know how to evaluate and assess the people in your life and believe in your own intuition of who a person is and whether they deserve to be part of your life. Remember that who you surround yourself with reflects who you are as a person. Don’t try to be everyone’s friend and have suspect people in your life as a result. Find people of strong moral character, vet them well, and make sure you and they continue to do good and be good to themselves and to others in life.

The Importance of Being Reliable and Responsive to People

“It is important to be both reliable and responsive to the people you care about and even to those you’re just getting to know if you can do so.”

How many times have you sent a text or an email to someone thinking it was useful, humorous, thoughtful, or even just to reach out for it to have been received but not replied to? Chances are good it’s happened at least once if not multiple times to the people reading this article. It is one of the inevitabilities in life that not every text, call, or email will receive the attention it deserves and that’s alright as not everyone has the time or the urge to respond. However, when it’s a friend, family member, or a colleague, who you trust or respect or have some kind of relationship with, then it can be a real problem when your outreach goes ignored.

It is important to be both reliable and responsive to the people you care about and even to those you’re just getting to know if you can do so. Nobody’s perfect but you can really stand out nowadays in a good way when you’re willing to make the effort to respond to someone, to be relied upon and follow through, and to hold yourself accountable. These are qualities in a person that will always make you stand out in a good way because in our attention-deficit addled society, these kinds of traits are becoming less and less common.

Things happen in life such as emergencies, setbacks, and sometimes we just need a break from being plugged in to what’s going on with everyone else. It’s okay to take time off from reaching out if you want to focus on yourself for a while. If people try to reach out still, let them know though that you need some time away from the phone or the computer and if they really need you, indicate that it should only be for an emergency or an urgent matter. I don’t mind when people are unreachable but if there’s a lack of communication about why or for what purpose, it can cause some resentment and the fraying of the relationship or friendship in the long-term.

Nowadays, you can silent your notifications, put your away message up for colleagues to be aware of, or just simply turn your social media channels or phone off for a little while. You can be unresponsive and still be a responsible person in my view. What causes concern in my view is when you refuse to answer me when you read my message and wouldn’t give me any reason or indication of what’s going on. There’s a lot of talk about ‘Ghosting’ people today and I believe we are all guilty of ‘ghosting’ on each other at one time or another, but if it’s a recurring pattern, you really should think twice in how you act towards other people, especially if they value your feedback, opinion, or just want to see how you are.

Whether at work or at home or in ‘third spaces’ with friends or someone you’ve just met, remember to be responsive within reason because it’s about common courtesy not only regarding your time and effort but also of theirs for having reached out to you in the first place. It’s something we overlook but when someone is reaching out to you, they are first thinking about you and spending some time out of the millions of other things they could be thinking about to focus on you as an individual to some degree. It does not mean you need to spend a lot of your time but if you have the availability, it doesn’t hurt to give a simple response or at least let them know where they stand with you, whatever kind of relationship you may have with that person.

Whether it’s a co-worker sending you a message on Microsoft Teams asking for advice on a presentation, an elderly family member asking you to do them a favor regarding a health question, or a friend inviting you to their wedding or their birthday party, you do have a responsibility to be responsive. These situations I posed may not be urgent, but they are important, and to ‘ghost’ them is neither mature nor responsible. You have a duty not only to yourself in how you act but how you carry yourself with others.

At the end of your life, how do you want people to remember you? That’s part of why being reliable and responsive takes on such importance especially as you get older. People will remember in any kind of relationship that you have or had with them how you treated them, if you responded to them, and how much you invested into the relationship, whatever it may have been. Make sure to remember this kind of legacy that you’re building each time you answer that e-mail, respond to that voicemail, or send that text message out. The irony of our technological age is that we are connected by our devices but are as disconnected as ever regarding reaching out, making plans, and being reliable in how we present ourselves.

You can set the tone by being a reliable person who’s available and is reliable whether at work, at school, or at home. Be the person who can be trusted, who gets things done, and is able to follow through when you make a commitment to someone else. Sadly, being both reliable and responsive to other people is becoming rarer and rarer in my view. I believe you can have a lot of professional success and personal happiness if you are able to respond to others in a timely manner and be counted on when they need you.

Hopefully, they will remember you for what you did, how you acted, and how well you treated them. They won’t forget it and ideally, they will follow your lead by picking up those kinds of traits in response. Being someone who is reliable and responsive can have that positive effect on how others behave as well creating a good kind of ‘domino effect’ and improving people’s behavior in a family, in an office, or in a group. You do not have to be available 24 / 7 and nobody is expecting you to be doing so but it’s important to be willing to respond, to follow up, to check in, and to be present with other people whomever they may be and whatever kind of relationship you may have with them.

Finding Your Personal Sanctuary in Modern Life

“With how hectic and chaotic modern life can be, it’s more important now than ever to find your own sanctuary where you can be at peace.”

With how hectic and chaotic modern life can be, it’s more important now than ever to find your own sanctuary where you can be at peace. It’s a place that you only know ideally but if not, it is a quiet place where you can be at ease. We all deal with a lot of stressors each day and it is key to find your own sanctuary where you can be yourself, be by yourself, and enjoy being at peace. It is increasingly hard to do these days when there are so many distractions, commitments, or other things to take care of in our day-to-day lives.

Still though, for one’s own mental health, it is more important now than ever to find your own place, secluded in nature or just somewhere you can call your own, public or private, where you can be free to relax and enjoy some peace. Each person’s sanctuary will look differently from another person’s, but it must be a place where you can rest easy, relax fully, and away from work, chores, or other commitments. You should be focused on this place being good for not only your mind and your body but your soul. It is a place that you can choose to be by yourself but also that you can let other people enjoy as well should you choose to.

When I think of these places of sanctuary, it can vary in terms of setting and background. I have always loved being near the sea or the ocean. It calms me down, lets me focus, or just lets me relax and be at ease. I can leave my earthly troubles for a while and just focus on the birds, the sound of the waves, and the sand beneath my feet. I can also think more clearly when I’m just looking at the water crashing down on the beach or to be watching a seal, dolphin, or birds in the distance. There’s something relaxing about a natural setting like the ocean that may not take my problems away but where I can take a break from them instead and realize also how insignificant and temporary they are. I also love to go in the ocean, to walk on the sand, or to play a sport there a bit like volleyball or some football.

If it’s not the ocean, I have discussed the beauty of a walk in the woods or a hiking trek through the mountains to ease one’s stress and provide some clarity through life’s stressors. If you have a park or a mountain, or even just some nature nearby, a place of sanctuary can be found there as well in nature. Being able to camp or to hike or just to walk in nature, preferably by yourself in a deserted area for a while can do a lot of good for mind, body, and soul.

A sanctuary is one that you decide for yourself, and it can range from a mountain pass, a walk through the flat woods, a serene beach by an ocean or the sea, or a local park at sunset where you’re the only one there. You can let people into your own sanctuary, or you can keep it private as it should be up to you. I do believe that we all need our own sanctuary away from people now and then.

It does not mean I am recommending being a social recluse, but we do need a place where we can rest, relax, and recharge to face our challenges again, whatever they may be. We need that alone time to ourselves in a public or private setting where we can truly think freely, feel different emotions, and let us get in touch with nature.

Now, if you have not decided on what your sanctuary is yet, do not be discouraged. You have time to figure out a place in the world where you like to go and is quiet for you to be free in. There are a lot of places to choose from but the key thing to keep in mind is that it is quiet, solitary, and where you can do some reflection. If you cannot find your sanctuary to call your own, it’s important to find a private room, a private garden, or just a private setting in general, where you can be by yourself for a while to give yourself time to relax and reflect amid your days of hustle and bustle.

Your own sanctuary is what you make of it. You must decide how it looks, where it is, and how often you go there. The main thing to take away from having a sanctuary is that wherever or whatever it is, you can call it your own and it is quiet enough where it provides some solitude and peace. Others can join you there, but they don’t have to if you don’t want them to. Make sure your sanctuary is never disturbed and that is always welcoming regardless of whatever may be going on in your life, both good and bad. A sanctuary is where we find true peace in this world, and I hope you’ll find your own one day.