Juan David's Newsletter - January 31, 2020
Deciphering Fully Living (aka The Meaning of Life), Soul the Movie, and Scientific Research.
Good morning from my very very chilly dorm,
Just kidding, it’s not that cold inside.
The weather is getting colder and colder. I’ve been trying to keep running in the morning, and then taking cold showers. These give me more energy and excitement to start off the day.
I finished my first week of a semester that will be extremely exciting (more on this below).
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This week’s essay is a private reflection I wrote after watching the movie Soul. Now, I’m sharing it publicly, and I hope it helps.
Deciphering Fully Living (aka The Meaning of Life)
If you prefer, you can read this essay on my website.
I recently watched Soul and, man what a movie!
A movie that makes you sad, angry, and perhaps nihilistic. Some get inspired by the message, and others get annoyed. But there is a message and no matter how you perceive it and understand, it's a message that touches and changes you.
What is that message? The purpose of living or the meaning of life or whatever the hell you want it to call is simply living. The main character, while attempting to find his “purpose”, Joe Gardner refuses to believe this and says, "Walking or sky-watching aren't purposes, that's just ordinary life."
But ask yourself this, How about if we’re looking for the wrong thing? What about if we don't know what we're looking for?
Curiosities 🧫🔬💉
By the way, highlighted Curiosities = links.
1. Biophysics Research
I wanted to share a bit about my research. This is an experience many more people should try, and if you send me a message or reply to this email, I’ll help you find research opportunities.
What am I researching? I’m researching antimicrobial peptides, which is a recently discovered protein that can kill bacteria. This is exciting because it can potentially be used to treat diseases such as cancer, lung diseases, and infections.
This week, I simulated their interactions with cholesterol.
I love how multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary my research is. I’ve been learning programming (Linux), physics, and a ton of biology.
If you’re in high school or a freshman, don’t wait until you get older to start looking for research opportunities. You’re only an email or an application away.
We need more people in science. And, I’ll tell you a little secret, it’s incredibly more exciting than what it looks like.
2. You & Your Research
If you’re interested in doing great work. Whether you’re a scientist, writer, entrepreneur, doctor, or whatever else you do. YOU NEED TO READ THIS ESSAY by Richard Hamming.
My favorite essay on engaging in great work. But also the importance of working on important problems to do important work.
I read this essay every week, and I can’t recommend it enough.
If you’re not convinced or want to learn more, read this thread first.
3. Story of the Science Behind the COVID-19 Vaccine
This fabulous article was shared with me by one of the biggest supporters of the newsletter, Traca Savadogo.
In this story, I learned about the commitment of the scientist (Katalin Karikó) who relentlessly worked and advocated for mRNA (the technology behind the vaccine).
But I also learned about the significance of having an open mind that looks for opportunities everywhere. For instance, a group of scientists were reading research papers and found Dr. Karikó’s mRNA research. And, long story short, that’s how Moderna was created.
You can read the article here.
After reading this article, I reached out to Dr. Kariko, and she gave me tremendous advice. Read about my experience here (Hint: it didn’t go super well).
The less time you think you have, the more time you'll realize you have.
How would you rate this week's newsletter? 🤔👨🔬
Until next week,
Juan David Campolargo