Learn how 3 simple critical thinking techniques expose the flaws in “safe” solutions like speed cameras. And why critical thinking takes guts.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Explore why escapism isn't healing, and how real self-care means building a life you don’t want to escape through meaning, service, and struggle.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
How digital platforms like Substack shape our behavior. And what it means for building strong, lasting connections and thriving communities.| Below the Surface
Discover why practicing restraint can make your emotions, words, and pleasures more powerful and meaningful.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Modern activism promises change but profits few. Learn about the Activism Industrial Complex and what genuine advocacy looks like. Learn to protect your kindness and demand real progress instead of empty promises.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
How do you not covet what others have? Build a Personal Lighthouse. More than a north star, it's a detailed vision of what you value most. Here's how it works.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Is AI the end of software developers or just the beginning of better software? Here's how the best devs use it.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Two distinct strategies to get what you want: hunt or gather. Success depends on the tactic you choose. Here's what they are, why it matters, and how to choose.| Below the Surface
The greatest leaders have goals greater than what's directly in front of them day-to-day. They have a passion for life, the world, and people in it. Here's what I mean and why it matters for success.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
The best mentors let you drive. They let you take chances, make mistakes, and get messy. For the student, it means taking responsibility for freedom. Here's why.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
How do you keep control of your life and gain personal agency? Focus on what matters most to you. And build (rather than replace) your skills with tech. Here's why and how.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
A handshake with another is about more than mutual respect. It's a promise to yourself. From an acknowledgement that you can always do better. Here's how.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Happy people address conflicts directly with others. It takes courage to reconcile face-to-face in a dedicated setting. Here's how and why.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Productivity means not dwelling on what could have been unless you can draw lessons from it for continuous improvement from here on out. Here's why and how.| Below the Surface
Diving into how a popular social media platform influences people from the perspective of a software developer with a background in human-computer interaction.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
The opposite of conformity is independence. But many confuse independence with rebellion. Rebellion is as destructive as conformity. Here are the distinctions.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
To grow your career, you can't just start initiatives. You'll need to respond well to challenges. Then, drive your projects to completion. Here's what all that involves.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Timeless inspirations that speak to your soul. Why it's better to focus on them. And ignore perishable inspirations that waste your time.| Below the Surface
North American math education fails at what great problem solvers do: explore better solutions while believing in yourself. Here's a way to improve school math.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Bucket lists worsen regret. RISE is the healthy way to live free of regrets. Here's what RISE means. And why gratitude and regret are opposites.| Below the Surface
Political and corporate leaders keep harping about safer environments. But safety features create more dangers because of risk compensation leading to bigger, dumber risk-taking behaviours. But there's a better way.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Here are 3 ways to deepen your understanding of any idea. We'll flip some frames by playing with claims, assumptions, and POVs to deepen our worldviews.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
When solo creators join a team, they're often shocked at time spent on organization, meetings, and documentation. But these practices of collaboration are critical in keeping team members aligned with the goal and minimizing mistakes. Here's why...| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Passion fuels success. Why? Those who enjoy what they do persevere through challenges. What's hard becomes easy and fun. But your passion isn't necessarily what you think it is or where you think it will be. Here's why it's important to keep an open mind when trying to find a passion in life.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Titles, prestige, status. All immaterial things people argue about and fight for. Obsessing over labels is making your life miserable... guaranteed. The solution is to stop focusing on titles, and start adding value. No one cares what you're called. They care about your impact.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Kindness requires sincerity. It comes from the heart. Politeness can be compelled by forcing you to follow agreed-upon rules. Knowing the distinction will help you avoid disappointment in life. This is about the power of genuine heartfelt gestures.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Social media sites like, Twitter, promote conflict by making blocking easy. It's too easy just to deny another's point of view because of mere disagreement. It's also too easy to accept a new POV will denying a previous perspective. The secret is: unification.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
We have opportunities to strengthen the muscle we call Courage every day. Forget bungee jumping and skydiving. These exercises are totally free.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Stoicism is about choosing your emotions. Not suppressing them nor letting it all out. How do you choose your emotions for a healthy, happy life?| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Empathy divides people more when we don't use it the hard way. Empathy's true value is unity. But empathy only unites people when we least want to use it. With those we despise. Here's how and why.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Societal leaders and modern technologies conspire to divide us all. So we fight amongst ourselves. Unity is how we fight back against our REAL enemies. Here's why and how.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top
Curiosity is a flame, but not a spark. It doesn't just happen. You can create it. How do you inspire curiosity? Start with motivation. How? Read on to find out.| newsletter.belowthesurface.top