Wisdom in fragments

In my research spanning the last decade, it struck me that we might be conducting a massive, uncontrolled experiment on an entire generation of humans, without fully understanding the potential ramifications. We're all altering our behaviors due to the advent of mobile information, media, and communications technology.

The central premise of my book, the concept of the brain being 'rewired', essentially posits that any change in our behavior results in a change in our brain. This isn't mere conjecture; it's a neurobiological fact. Small behavioral changes trigger small changes in the brain, whereas significant behavioral shifts lead to substantial neural alterations.

This approach initiated a trend that endured over the years, leveraging the power of peer pressure. It transformed each young owner of UGG boots into an ambassador for our brand, proving to be an incredibly potent marketing strategy.

I realized then that I was inadvertently alienating our core audience — the surf community. Despite their understanding of the UGG brand, our advertising was sending the wrong message. This was when I truly grasped the essence of branding, advertising, and marketing.

The most challenging phase for any entrepreneur is when the business hits the $1-2 million mark. At this point, your business is too large to be small, yet too small to be big. You find yourself in need of a CFO or someone with a deep understanding of your business, but you can't afford either.

Starting a business is an exciting venture, often filled with enthusiasm, borrowed money, and a fair share of ignorance. In fact, a certain level of ignorance can be beneficial for an entrepreneur. If you were fully aware of the potential obstacles ahead, you might hesitate to start.

The more we trust the 'gold' within ourselves, the more we are able to see it in others. Due to our negativity bias, it's easy to focus on the flaws or defenses in others. However, the more we train ourselves to see the goodness in others, the more we can recognize it.

Meditation Teacher & Author of "Radical Acceptance

Humans encounter difficulties and cover our innate purity, eventually forgetting our essential nature. We begin to believe that our personalities, our particular abilities or habits, are who we truly are, losing sight of the truth that lies beneath the surface.

Meditation Teacher & Author of "Radical Acceptance

The more we recognize that we are the ocean and the waves represent different aspects of our being, the less any individual wave of difficulty will consume, overwhelm, or define us.

Meditation Teacher & Author of "Radical Acceptance

In essence, we suffer from a mistaken identity, identifying ourselves as individuals rather than recognizing our interconnectedness. Through evolution, we've developed the ability to sense connection, collaborate, empathize, and show compassion, gradually discovering our belonging to a larger whole.

Meditation Teacher & Author of "Radical Acceptance

The objective was to engage with endeavors so unique that they defied categorization, the pioneering ideas born on the fringes, among the mavericks.

Founding Executive Editor of Wired Magazine & Technology Thinker

Don't base your identity on your opinions. This can be a perilous path because it makes it challenging to change your mind. Instead, it's preferable to root your identity in your values and character.

Founding Executive Editor of Wired Magazine & Technology Thinker

The purpose of life is to decipher your own purpose in life. This isn't a contradictory statement; rather, it's a necessary paradox. We exist in order to uncover the reasons for our existence.

Founding Executive Editor of Wired Magazine & Technology Thinker

We are made up not of atoms, but of stories.

Founding Executive Editor of Wired Magazine & Technology Thinker

I believe wisdom can be seen as a beacon, guiding us towards the noble, beautiful, and authentic aspects of life. It's the mark of a wise individual to have a clear understanding of their path, a path that not only promotes positivity but also steers others towards it.

Founding Executive Editor of Wired Magazine & Technology Thinker

Without a doubt, even when an influencer is reaching out to a million followers about fashion, they are still communicating with a million people. That's a staggering degree of influence.