Analog Life, June 2022

Midyear analog lifestyle update! I haven't watched the news, any movies (including during my 5 international trips!), netflix/prime streaming, or other digital media in 2022. I have stayed off social almost exclusively (sorry LinkedIn friends!) and mailed 50+ handwritten letters.

That time saved from being distracted has enabled me to read 35 books, plant a garden, and focus on my passions of family and work with greater focus and clarity. I've taken 4 trips to Africa, gone backcountry camping with my girls, and traveled domestically 4 times with great peace and clarity. My "downtime" is used for actual leisure instead of being "distraction time" in place of downtime.

So what have I taken away from all this reading/reflecting? Much of what I've been digging into has to do with Philosophy (belief+action/love of wisdom) because I am seeking to understand the unseen beliefs that are guiding the observable, yet seemingly self-destructive actions of many; philosophies (defined as beliefs+actions) that I believe are unintentionally holding back our potential for good.

The importance of empowering the power of individual agency, personal responsibility, virtue, and creative capacity (especially as entrepreneurs) has become increasingly clear in contrast to a moral collectivism that weakens that which enables collective good--individual agency, action, and personal responsibility. Take that away from someone in altruistic intent and you disable in the name of compassion.

This is why solving the water crisis through business, through a means by which individuals pay for value delivered, is so important. Those suffering from a problem choose the solution by sacrificing one thing of value to enable a thing of greater value. The reciprocity of a business exchange exchanges value for value, agency for responsibility, action towards a recognition of value, of belief.

The ends do not justify the means. The means, in fact, determine the ends.

I.e. if you want to end material poverty, the solution has to represent and imagine an end to material poverty and empower individuals to participate wholly in their own advancement.

Lots to say and write about but please let me know if you'd like to email (or mail!) to teach me something new or discuss more, I'll do my best to keep up!

Drop a line to matt@matthangen.com