These are not complete and will be updated over time. Also, read about my philosophy.

1. Mind & Learning

• Curate your inputs. Cut the noise. Cut the hatred.
• Always be reading: One book a week, minimum.
• Learn by doing. You don't need more information, you need more reps.
• Journal daily.
• Don’t shy away from “hard”.
• Meditate like a Stoic, a Buddhist, and a writer.
• Look at the sky more.
• Sleep on big decisions.

2. Creativity & Expression

• Boredom is sacred. Don't replace it with screen time.
• Make weird shit.
• Start before you’re ready.
• Use constraints: They sharpen ideas.
• Document, don’t perform: Be real. Don't lie to yourself or others.
• Writing is magic: It creates something out of nothing.

3. Body & Health

• Eat whole foods. Not everything needs to be “clean”, but your grandmother should recognize it. (Thankfully she was Italian, and recognized pizza.)
• 160g protein/day.
• Train 3–4x per week.
• Run 3x per week.
• Prioritize sleep. Aim for 8 hours.
• Skincare is self-care.
• Hydrate.
• Walk daily.
• Supplements support habits, not replace them.
• Limited to no alcohol: No benefit, so only use it for social reasons, and only in moderation. It's a poison.
• “Mens sana in corpore sano”.

4. Work & Focus

• Batch deep work: Don’t let shallow tasks bleed into it.
• Offload your brain. Write to think. Untangle thoughts with a pen.
• Silence distractions: Phone off, tabs closed.
• Create before consuming.
• Respect the reset: Wind-down is productive.
• Don’t multitask.
• Time is the only currency you can’t multiply.

5. Values & Vibe

• Be useful. Be kind. Be decent. Don’t be an ass.
• Own your weird: Taste is not a flaw.
• Act like you have agency.
• Never half-ass anything: Whole-ass or skip it.
• Be better by 1% daily.
• Don’t skip two days in a row.
• Smile often.
• Own the L, then take the lesson.
• Fuck hustle culture: Discipline, yes. Grind, no.
• Play like it’s a game: Level up, explore, enjoy. Level up again.
• Stop giving unnecessary fucks: Save them. Spend them with intention.

6. Relationships & Social Life

• Be the person people can count on. Show up. Ask questions. Listen. More than you speak.
• Prioritize connection: Small circles, deep roots.
• Respect time together: Be present, no phones. Seriously. No phones.
• Let people surprise you. Don’t write scripts for others.
• Stay open to opposing views. But never at the cost of tolerating bigotry or harm.
• Everyone’s faking something. That includes you.
• Focus on quality time with yourself so you can show up for others.
• Leave things better than you found them.

7. Aesthetic & Space

• Dress with intention, even for yourself.
• Declutter often: Physical mess = mental noise.
• Minimal ≠ boring: It’s edited, not empty.
• “Draw your own lines in the sand”: Set boundaries. Choose your game.
• Your space is your brain’s reflection.
• Curate, don’t decorate.
• Let in air and light.
• Treat your desk like an altar: Magic happens there.
• Digital clutter counts too: Clean your files, phone, desktop.

8. Finance & Independence

• Live below your means: Always.
• Money is freedom, not status.
• Pay yourself first.
• Avoid bad debt: If you can’t buy it without credit, don’t.
• Wait before buying: 2-week rule. Still want it? Go ahead.
• Quiet money > loud money: Buy freedom, not applause.
• You don’t need every shiny new thing: They won't fix you.
• Your financial game is not someone else’s. Write your own rules.

9. Tech & Tools

• Use tools that respect you.
• Learn shortcuts.
• Fix what annoys you.
• Tech is your sidekick. Keep it lean.

If you have questions, drop me an email.

Readwise Reader tweaks for e-ink

Readwise Reader has a few settings that make reading on an e-ink device much better. Unfortunately, some of these settings sync across devices, so if you also use Readwise on your phone, the changes might affect it there too.

1. Font – Select Literata (I don't remember, if Readwise Reader ships this font by default, but we need it later, so download it from Google Fonts and load it via BooxDrop, ADP or however else you get files onto your device).
2. Font Size – I set mine to 18.
3. Line Spacing – 1.2 works well, though I don’t recall if that’s the default.
4. Paged Scroll (Beta) – Turn this on if you prefer paged scrolling over continuous.
5. Page Animations – Reduce them under More Style Options for a smoother experience.
6. Default Paged Scrolling for EPUBs – Make sure this is enabled.

Boox OS settings

In the Boox OS style option thingy:

• Dark Color Enhancement – Set to 70.
• Refresh Mode – I use Balanced everywhere except KOReader (where I use HD).
• Optimize Settings – Turn on Eliminate Font Aliasing.
• Color Tab > Other Colors – Max out the icon color. I heard this improves clarity, though I haven’t tested it extensively.
• Other Settings > Custom Side Buttons – Set them to Scrolling for easier navigation.

KOreader + Readwise + Calibre integration

KOReader integrates well with Readwise for highlights, but it takes some setup.

In KOReader:

1. Tap the Tools Icon.
2. Go to Export Highlights.
3. Choose Formats and Service – add Readwise here.

If you use Calibre, you can streamline access to your library via OPDS:

1. In Calibre (desktop), enable the Content Server – this is OPDS.
2. Either turn it on manually when running Calibre or set it up on a home server.
3. I opted for Calibre Web via Pikapod for 24/7 access. (Calibre Web is a fork of Calibre, essentially the same but web-accessible).

Now, in KOReader:

1. Library View – Tap the magnifying glass.
2. Choose OPDS Catalog.
3. Add your Calibre Web settings.

Now, you can download books onto KOReader directly without cables.

KOreader customization tips

KOReader is powerful but a pain to set up initially. You’ll need to poke around the menus and fine-tune things manually.

1. Open any book and tap the bottom of the screen to adjust reading options.
2. Tap the top of the screen for additional settings.
3. After customizing the bottom menu, save your preferences:
   Top Menu > Document Icon > Document Settings > Save Document Settings to Default.

To apply it to a new book, use the Reset option.

My KOreader settings:

• Margins – 5 (L/R), 7 (Top), 6 (Bottom).
• Page Settings – Page, Book, 96, 8.
• Font – 28, Medium.
• Contrast – 3, 0, Auto, Best.
• Gear Icon – Off, On, Fast.
• Best Font – Still Literata.

Other changes

I switched to the Niagara Launcher as my default. It’s simple and easy to navigate. I wish this existed on iOS.

I also rooted my Boox device using this guide. The guide isn’t fully updated for the Boox Palma. Some steps are not well documented. For example, to get the boot.img from the payload.bin, you need this tool. If you’re interested, email me and I can write a Palma-specific walkthrough.

The main reason for rooting? I installed AFWall+ to block Boox from phoning home. I don’t know if their constant requests are harmless, but I’m a nerd, and I like having control over these things. Until proven guilty, I assume they’re innocent – but better safe than sorry.

You can usually find them at the bottom of my reading page. But since we've just wrapped up a year, I thought it would be nice to look back at my reading journey.

Note: I started using KOReader in April, so I don't have data from earlier in the year. I also read graphic novels outside of KOReader, so those aren't included here.

Stats by month

I read the most pages in December (938 pages) and July (939 pages). Somehow, in July, it took me 2 hours longer (14:30h) to read the same number of pages as in December (12:16h). Since the last book I read was Nexus, I’m guessing it counted me skipping the glossary and note pages.

I read the fewest pages in June, as somehow I only read 82 pages in a bit over one hour. Looking back, I spent most of June reading the comic book version of American Gods, which isn't tracked by KOReader.

On average, I read 641 pages per month, spending about 8 hours and 47 minutes reading. That's roughly 20 pages in 17 minutes per day. This year, I’d like to double that.

I read the most pages on Wednesdays, which is when I commute by train to work.

Stats by books

I read 22 books, if we count the three-part series of American Gods (comic version) as one. The Name of the Wind took me the longest to finish, at nearly 15 hours. This checks out, as the book has over 650 pages. Second longest I spent with Navola at around 570 pages.

My favorite books last year were Limbo, the American Gods comic, and The Name of the Wind.

I prioritized fiction over non-fiction, with 14 fiction books to 8 non-fiction. Most were either sci-fi or sci-fi adjacent.

I also read 5 graphic novels and listened to exactly one audiobook.

My favorite new author was Benjamin Stevenson. Turns out, I'm really into crime novels.

The book with the most highlights is Same as Ever by Morgan Housel.

Goals for 2025

Simple: more. More books, more reading minutes, more time per day.

I want to keep leaning towards fiction (or creative non-fiction) over straight non-fiction.

And I want to read more books by women. Last year’s list was way too male and white.

Hardware

My main machine is a MacBook Pro M1 Max with 64GB of memory. Completely overkill? Yes. Regrets? None. Not once did I feel like this machine is struggling to run through any tasks I throw at it. I plan to work even more with video next year, so we’ll see how long I can keep using this.

On the mobile side, I’ve got an iPhone 15 Pro. USB-C pulled me into upgrading from a 14 Pro. The blueish titanium is nice, but I keep it in a case because I’m not brave enough.

For reading, it’s all about the Boox Palma (my go-everywhere companion) and the Go Color 7 (perfect for longer reading at home). My iPad Pro 11" is still around, but it’s been gathering dust since the Boox devices came into the picture.

I also have a Gaming PC with a RTX 4090, a CPU I need to upgrade, 32 GB of memory and not enough storage. Modded Skyrim taking over 1TB is killing me.

My Mode Envoy keyboard has ruined me for anything else. If you’ve ever tried a custom mechanical keyboard, you get it. Typing on this thing is pure joy. I paired it with GMK Firefly, and lubed Obscura Linear Switches. (I also use this for gaming right now, but I plan to pick up a Razer Huntsman one of these days.)

For a mouse, it’s the MX Master 3S. Not original, but there’s a reason it’s everyone’s go-to.

On the gaming side, I use the Razer DeathAdder.

Software

Breaking this into a bullet list because it’s a lot:

• iA Writer: Minimal, clean, and distraction-free. Perfect for writing.
• Obsidian: Where all my notes live (it syncs highlights with Readwise automatically), and while I occasionally flirt with Notion or Craft, Obsidian always wins. I pay for sync.
• Raycast: Spotlight, but better.
• 1Password: My go-to password manager, but it’s slowly turning into bloatware.
• CleanShot X: Apple should just buy this and integrate it.
• Paste: A clipboard manager that’s saved me from losing countless snippets.
• I use a mix of Dropbox for work files and sharing, and iCloud for system backups.
• Arc Browser: I love this browser, but fuck The Browser Company and their stupid AI-fetish.
• Kagi Search: I’m currently testing this as an alternative to Duckduckgo (and Google). More soon.
• Fastmail: I’ve been using this for years, mostly in the browser. I sometimes wonder if I should switch to Gmail to use Mimestream.
• Things 3: The best balance between simplicity and features. I wish they’d make a notes app.
• Kirby CMS: Runs my site. Flexible without being overly complex. Buttondown for the occasional email.
• I don’t rely on them, but I dabble with ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity.

The funny thing about tech stacks is that they're never really finished. I'm always keeping an eye out for tools that could improve my workflow, but I'm trying to be more intentional about adding new things. The question isn't just "Is this cool?" anymore, but "Will this actually make my work better?"

I might do a deeper dive into some of these tools in future posts. Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like me to expand on.

And a human brain has an estimated 86 billion neurons.

Altogether, we can estimate that human brains on Earth have collectively contained around 10 quintillion neurons (that’s a 10 followed by 18 zeros, or 10 000 000 000 000 000 000).

This is an unimaginable number of neurons (though perhaps not for Einstein and Hawkins?), capable of thinking countless thoughts throughout human history.

And yet, the connections and patterns in your brain are uniquely yours. That precise combination of activity has never existed before and will never exist again.

Whatever you have to say, your experience, your knowledge, and your idiosyncrasies make your thoughts uniquely yours.

So even if it has been said before, it hasn’t been said by you.

Or, as a Pulitzer Prize Winner put it:

“Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.”

This blog post was inspired by a lunch I had with a friend. Go have lunch with your friends.

It borrows from philosophies like Stoicism, Buddhism, existentialism, game theory, and evolutionary biology (and probably some more that I don’t know by name).

But it’s personal, shaped by my own experiences, observations, and the questions I ask.

My philosophy centers on balance, creativity, and the belief that humanity (flawed as it is) has a capacity for adaptation and growth. It’s about navigating the complexities of being human while staying curious, collaborative, and open to change.

This is the first time I share this philosophy. N.B.: The way this blogpost was created is by going through years of notes on different topics that are important to me (or that I had notes of). Think of them like chapters in a book.

Meaning

Evolutionary, life exists to reproduce. But as we are self-aware, we have the capacity to create our own meaning.

And meaning comes from engaging with the world: taking on challenges, exploring new ideas, and contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

Journey

Life is about the journey, not the destination.

I believe that life’s obstacles are essential. They give us purpose and keep us moving forward. Once we achieve a goal, we set another.

This is how we grow.

Hedonic adaptation, the tendency to quickly normalize achievements and seek more, can feel frustrating, but it’s also a powerful motivator (as long as it doesn’t turn to “keeping up with the Joneses”).

Progress

Despite the doom-and-gloom narratives we often hear, I believe the world is improving. Social media and human psychology bias us toward focusing on the negative (I could write a whole other essay on this), but when you zoom out, the curve goes up.

That said, progress isn’t linear (nor guaranteed). Technology, for example, has immense potential but also significant risks.

AI and other advancements could lead to incredible breakthroughs, or catastrophic consequences.

The difference lies in how we use them. (Greed, especially the capitalistic kind, is a problem here.)

Systems

Humans and the systems we create are inherently faulty because flawlessness doesn’t exist. (I think something can be perfect for someone, but never flawless.)

The important thing is to build self-correcting mechanisms into our systems. Whether it’s governments, corporations, or personal relationships, there must be processes for identifying and fixing mistakes.

This requires humility: the ability to admit when something isn’t working and the courage to change it.

And it requires education, not in the formal sense of schools and degrees (I could write a whole other essay on this), but in equipping people with the tools and perspectives they need to make thoughtful decisions.

For me, education means teaching people to think long-term and act with empathy, even for those they will never meet. Especially for those they will never meet.

Society

Humans are social animals. We thrive in groups, and I believe society’s role is to provide guidance, not strict definitions of success or happiness.

One of my favorite examples of this idea is Aldous Huxley’s Island. The utopian society depicted in this book allows people to explore different experiences and paths, offering tools for self-discovery without forcing conformity.

This resonates with me. I don’t think society should tell people what to be or how to live.

Instead, it should offer resources, education, and opportunities for growth while leaving the ultimate choices to individuals.

People need to feel free to carve their own paths, but they also need support along the way.

Leadership

A good leader is someone who clears obstacles so others can grow and discover their potential. Leadership isn’t about hand-holding or micromanaging. It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive.

(Though I admit I sometimes struggle with beginners who need more direct guidance. I tend to throw them into the ocean hoping they know how to swim. It’s something I’m working on.)

Authority

Authority has its place, particularly when systems break down or decisions need to be made. In those moments, leaders need to be balanced at heart — decisive but fair, focused on what’s best for the group, not themselves.

Leadership is a service, not a privilege. My issue with authority comes from people who lack this understanding.

Community

I’m drawn to the idea of a small community embedded in a larger society. This model satisfies two human needs: belonging and growth.

In a small community, you find intimacy, trust, and support. But being part of a larger society allows for diversity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas.

The danger is silo-thinking: the “us versus them” mentality that often arises in tightly knit groups.

When people focus only on their community, they can lose sight of the bigger picture, seeing others as competitors rather than collaborators.

To me, the key is integration: recognizing that we can be loyal to our “small tribe” while contributing to the larger whole.

Environment

As the “dominant” species (I hate that I just wrote that), humanity bears a moral obligation to preserve the natural world and protect “weaker” species (I also hate that I just wrote that).

This isn’t about moral superiority but about maintaining balance. Human progress should coexist with environmental stewardship.

Nature’s preservation isn’t just ethical — it’s pragmatic. Destroying the foundation on which we all depend undermines humanity’s long-term survival.

Human Nature

I don’t believe people are inherently good or evil. We’re neutral by default, shaped by the circumstances we find ourselves in. However, we are opportunistic — we act in ways that serve our immediate needs or goals, often without realizing it. This is human.

Game theory, specifically the idea of “tit for tat,” resonates with me here. Reciprocity — doing good when others do good, retaliating when wronged — is an effective strategy for navigating relationships.

But even tit for tat isn’t perfect. A more evolved version, one that forgives after a single retaliation, makes more sense to me.

Holding grudges wastes energy. Everyone deserves a second chance (but not necessarily a third — see more below). Fairness lies in balance, not in blind generosity or endless punishment.

Our opportunism has limits. Our emotions often dictate our initial reactions, steering us toward impulsive, short-term decisions. This is the first level of thinking: instinctive, fast, and often necessary in high-stakes moments.

But experience and rationality form a second level of thinking, which allows us to reflect and make wiser choices.

Most of life’s decisions benefit from the latter. The challenge lies in knowing when to rely on which.

Conflicts

Disagreements are part of life, and they are necessary for growth. I believe in the idea that the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle. Compromise isn’t about diluting your values; it’s about finding common ground that moves everyone forward.

That said, compromise isn’t always possible, and not every disagreement is worth resolving. There’s a point where you must walk away, where giving someone a second chance is generous but a third is enabling.

Forgiveness matters, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of self-respect or the broader good.

Relationships

Personal bonds are essential. Humans are biologically and emotionally wired to connect with others. From friendships to romantic relationships to family ties, these connections fuel the “chemical cocktail of emotions” that define much of our happiness.

And while I value families, I reject rigid definitions of kinship: if your blood relations are hurting you more than nourishing you, there is no reason to keep these ties alive.

Equality

I believe in equality of opportunity.

Giving people tools to compete on a level playing field aligns with my belief in fairness without overcorrection.

If someone is born with fewer advantages, society should help provide the resources they need to succeed.

Money

The idea that “the pie is infinite” reflects my belief in abundance rather than scarcity.

Sharing resources doesn’t diminish individual prosperity; it strengthens the collective foundation on which everyone stands.

And yes, I happily pay taxes.

Traditions

Traditions provide a sense of belonging and continuity, which is vital for many people. But they should never be static.

Traditions that no longer serve a purpose — like strict rules around formal dress codes in modern workplaces, or in-office rules (yes, of course I’d write about that) — need to evolve or be left behind.

At the same time, traditions that adapt to modern contexts can help anchor us in a rapidly changing world.

For me, the key is relevance. A tradition is valuable if it helps people feel connected and supported, but it must change as society grows.

Holding onto something purely for nostalgia or fear of change isn’t sustainable. (I struggle to respect people who say “but we’ve always done things this way” without rethinking it.)

Creativity

This is where I feel most strongly: creativity is what makes us human. It’s our version of play, a trait shared by many species: it’s how we express ourselves, connect with others, and make sense of the world.

Art, culture, and innovation are essential. They remind us of our potential and provide meaning in a world that doesn’t come with pre-written instructions. Everyone can create, and everyone should.

And creativity isn’t about being “good” at something — it’s about the act of doing it, of exploring possibilities and finding joy in the process. (See “Journey” above.)

Altruism

I grapple with the idea of altruism. On one hand, I agree with the notion that even selfless acts are ultimately selfish — helping others makes us feel good, and that feeling can be a motivator.

But does that diminish the value of altruism? If helping someone benefits both parties, it’s still a net positive.

The problem arises when selflessness is performative or when it shields people from necessary truths.

Truths

Talking about truths:

I believe in “lying by truth,” or telling partial truths when full honesty might cause unnecessary harm.

But I also think there are times when hard truths, like ripping off a bandage, are necessary for growth.

Happiness

Happiness isn’t a permanent state. It comes and goes in phases, like a sinus curve of ups and downs.

What’s more important to me is contentment, a steady sense of satisfaction with life, even during the inevitable lows.

Accepting the cyclical nature of happiness is liberating. It removes the pressure to always feel good and allows us to appreciate the moments when joy does arrive.

At the same time, striving for balance in life — through meaningful work, community, health, and freedom — creates a strong foundation for those peaks.

Humor

Humor is fundamental. It’s a form of coping, a way to connect, and an essential part of life. Humor breaks down barriers, fosters understanding, and keeps us from taking life too seriously.

This lightness is critical.

Beliefs

If we cling too tightly to our beliefs or take every setback as a catastrophe, we stagnate.

As I see it, everything is figureoutable. Mistakes and uncertainty are part of the ride, and at the end of it all, we die. So why not enjoy the journey?

Mystery

We will never know everything. The universe, nearly infinite (or rather truly infinite?), is a constant reminder of our smallness.

Rather than being disheartening, I find this exhilarating. It keeps us humble and curious, preventing the stagnation of self-importance.

Spirituality

I reject religion’s tendency to divide people into “us vs. them,” but I respect the role spirituality can play for others. For me, the beauty of the unknown isn’t in trying to explain it but in accepting its presence as a source of wonder.

The fact that we don’t have all the answers is part of what makes life endlessly fascinating.

(But please, don’t email me about horoscopes or tarot cards.)

Final Thoughts

My philosophy is a work in progress.

It’s built on the idea that balance (between freedom and order, self and society, tradition and innovation) is key to navigating the complexities of being human. At its core is creativity, the human trait that allows us to imagine, adapt, and build something better.

We are flawed, opportunistic creatures, but that’s what makes us interesting. The goal isn’t to be perfect — it’s to be curious, engaged, and willing to grow. Life is messy, cyclical, and unpredictable, but within that mess lies endless potential. And to me, that’s what makes it beautiful.

This is what I believe in.

For now, because, maybe I’ll change my mind when I learn new things.

I like a good list, and I write a lot of them. Sometimes, I make lists to remind myself of things I should do more often. This is one of those lists.

Last week I turned 33. And while I might have learned 33 new things, these 32 original things pretty much stood the test of time (except for a few items here and there).

So here is a revised version of the post. 33 things I learned and relearned this last year:

• Do therapy, at least once in your life.
• While cooking, taste and season at every step.
• "A human being weighing 70 kilograms contains among other things: – 45 litres of water – Enough chalk to whiten a chicken pen – Enough phosphorus for 2,200 matches – Enough fat to make approximately 70 bars of soap – Enough iron to make a two-inch nail – Enough carbon for 9,000 pencil points – A spoonful of magnesium..."
• "If you only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier than other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are."
• If someone's livelihood depends on how they look on social media, they are playing with unfair advantages (genetics, performance-enhancing drugs, image editing).
• Successful people are successful, not because they are better, but because they suck less on average.
• Repetitions are the key to life.
• If your coffee is too bitter, add a tiny pinch of salt.
• Delete "seemingly" and its synonyms from your writing. Something either is or isn't. If you're unsure, you need more research.
• "In the anti-math of writing, the number three is greater than four. The mojo of three offers a greater sense of completeness than four or more."
• A great diet is eating 80% healthily 80% of the time.
• Techno-fix is the belief that every problem can be solved with technology.
• "I don't know" is a complete sentence. "I don't know, but I'll look into it" is an even better one.
• Most things have been said before. But people have terrible memory.
• "Writing is the closest thing we have to real magic. Writing is creating something out of nothing, is opening doors to other lands. Writing gives you power to shape your own world when the real one hurts too much. To stop writing would kill me."
• After you publish your art, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to everyone. And whatever they do with it is not in your hands.
• There's no real difference between an audiobook and a paper book. But paper books force you to slow down, as you can't read at 2x speed.
• Pen and paper trumps keyboard and mouse, always.
• "When a healthy person donates a portion of their liver, both donor and recipient end up with an almost full-sized, fully functional liver within about eight weeks of the surgery, and the majority of that growth takes place in just the first two weeks."
• There are no shortcuts. Ask yourself where you are now and where you want to be. Make a plan to get there.
• If you are past 30 and your knees crack on the leg press, STOP! IMMEDIATELY!
• If it looks like chocolate, tastes like chocolate, and smells like chocolate, don't call it "cocoa confectionary". (Go easy on the synonyms.)
• If you are somewhere you aren't supposed to be, act like you belong there. And if someone asks you what you are doing, tell them Sarah sent you. Either they know a Sarah and believe you, or they don't and are too self-conscious to admit it.
• This clock is the best productivity hack money can buy.
• "But the secret to a beautiful death is to live a beautiful life. Putting your heart out there. Letting it get broken. Taking chances. Making mistakes."
• The best condiment you'll ever eat is Gochujang mixed with ketchup on a burger.
• "They kill themselves, you mean?" said Bod. "Indeed." "Does it work? Are they happier dead." "Sometimes. Mostly, no. It's like the people who believe they'll be happy if they go and live somewhere else, but who learn it doesn't work that way. Wherever you go, you take yourself with you." I think about this quote whenever someone tells me they "just need X to be happy."
• Most people are too busy being preoccupied with themselves. This frees you to do whatever you want, as they only care as much as it impacts them.
• "Here’s a thing I believe about people my age: we are the children of Hogwarts, and more than anything, we just want to be sorted."
• We all have inner demons. Some of us learned how to dance with them.
• "There is no such thing as conversation. It is an illusion. There are intersecting monologues, that is all."
• To have a good life, have low expectations.