Arman's Antics (#028)

The latest from near-death experiencer Arman Khodadoost

Hey everyone!

Coming to you live from Austin, Texas. Here is your weekly dollop of Arman’s Antics, a list that will either make you laugh, think or cry (possibly a nasty combination of the three).

Welcome to the three new subscribers receiving this for the first time (180 total). I don’t take your inbox or attention lightly.

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Story I wrote last week

The fragility of life (#046)

Bulletproof coffee has nothing on a near death experience. If you’ve never had one + you’re having trouble waking up in the morning, highly recommend.

My life was spared thanks to a few inches. Call it luck or God or whatever you fancy.

It’s not something I’ve talked about in 25 years. Tears rolled down my cheeks during the first draft. I had no idea how therapeutic the writing process could be. But I felt light as a feather afterwards.

So, I encourage you to get out there and have a near death experience if it’s been a while. Just so you can enjoy the feeling of having written about it. Absolute game changer.

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Book that forced me to stop speed reading

The Fabric of Reality. By David Deutsch.

This funny-looking Brit will be remembered as our generation’s Einstein (helps that they look alike). Don’t believe me?

I first read The Fabric of Reality a couple years ago in my silly speed reading days. I highlighted a few passages but it basically went in to my brain for a cat nap and then went on its way.

But as I start to reread it as a wiser (and handsomer) slow reader, I think this could change my entire worldview. It was recommended by Naval Ravikant on the recent pod with Tim Ferriss and David Deutsch. And I trust Naval’s judgement more than my own, so I had to give it another shot.

David starts off by describing how it’s entirely possible for one human to understand everything that is known. Not by memorizing a bunch of facts. But by developing a deep understanding of the few major aspects of the universe. Which he calls the fabric of reality AKA the theory of everything.

They are:

• Quantum physics

• Theory of computation

• Theory of evolution

• Epistemology (theory of knowledge)

See why I didn’t comprehend much on my first speed read?

This is deep stuff. And David’s a theoretical physicist so his writing can get a lil dry. It’ll probably require several more reads before the ideas sink into my rather thick skull.

I’m only on chapter 3 because I’m also listening to Brett Hall’s deep dive breakdown on his podcast TOKCAST.

You don’t need to be a scientist to read this. You don’t even need to have any prior knowledge of physics, God knows I don’t. But you do need to be ready to have your mind blown 🤯 if you dare to give this book a read.

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Freestyle I’m listening to

Childish Gambino on Hot97. This is an oldie but a goodie. Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino is one of the most talented creators out there (notice I didn’t say rapper). I first discovered him on the TV show Community. Then I found out he did stand up. But then I stumbled upon this freestyle. He also writes, produces, and directs. How?

Name someone else who creates (well) in so many ways. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.

Plus, he’s from Atlanta (shoutout Stone Mountain). So that instantly makes him my guy.

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Blog post I’m reading

Curve Into the Target. By Derek Sivers. He’s done it again. Managed to get me to think about my approach to life differently with just a few sentences. We can (and maybe should) choose beliefs that aren’t true if they are useful.

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Random thought

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Coffee is creative Viagra.

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That’s it for the 28th edition of Arman’s Antics. You hate to see it go, but you love to watch it walk away. Thank you, yes you right there sipping your coffee and reading this while you should be checking your other emails. It means more than you know.

Wishing you a terrific Tuesday!

Cheers,

Arman

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