Juan David's Newsletter - May 17, 2020
Hey there,
For the past few weeks, I wrote the longest essay I’ve written so far.
I’m super proud of it, but most importantly I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of Joseph, Hal, Daniel, Adam, Pranav, Shamay, Johnny, and Charlie. Super grateful to you guys!
Enjoy!
My Exploration of the Mystery Language
I’d recommend you read the essay on my website.
“We seldom realize, for example, that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but which were given to us by our society.”
— Alan Watts.
Many people believe our perception of language creates reality, but perhaps language creates reality.
The Roman emperor, Charlemagne, once said, “To have a second language is to have a second soul.” And he’s right.
When I speak in Spanish (my first language), I enter a world of culture, family bonds, childhood, closeness, traditions, and humidity. When I speak in English, I enter a world of capitalism, dreams, determination, individualism, and ideas.
When I started learning English three years ago, I began to see and think about reality differently. I couldn’t understand why speaking different languages would allow you to see, think, and behave differently.
I will take you through my exploration of how language affects reality. Ready? Let’s go!
Before we start, here’s an overview of the places we will visit together:
Different Languages, Different Realities
The Framework to Perceive Reality
Best Language to Understand Reality?
English Domination
Bias in Research
The Hopes of the World’s Second Language
Why Don’t We Create New Words?
Why Perception Matters
What Plato & The Matrix Taught Us About Perception.
Why Language and Culture are The Same
How Computers’ Communication Will Change How We Perceive Reality
Language is Another Example of a Greater Truth
Language plays a crucial role in our reality. Language is all about duality. When you label, you automatically separate and constrain. How would we perceive reality if we had no words to describe it? No language in which to think about it?
Would reality still exist as it seems to do now?
READ THE FULL ESSAY HERE
Curiosities
Curiosity #1
I learn Mandarin every day. I use an app called Duolingo. I recently reached a 200-Day Streak.
I made a quick video where I shared what I wish I knew before I reached the 200-day streak. Check it out.
Curiosity #2
Kevin Kelly writes one of my favorite newsletters. They recently reached 40K subscribers. To celebrate they’re giving away a free Recomendo book.
Download it here.
Curiosity #3
Graduations will be happening in the next few weeks. I’d highly recommend you share this with someone who is graduating.
Ray Dalio shared some of his top advice for young people. It’s great.
Curiosity #4
I will be graduating from high school soon. Yay! I’m writing an article about my experiences, regrets, what I wished I knew, and my humble advice to future students.
When I was writing it, I remember an article I read a few years ago by Paul Graham.
It was originally a speech but school authorities vetoed the plan to invite him.
Read it here
Curiosity #5
If you skipped the essay I wrote above. Please read it. We need more people to understand how language affects our reality and our world.
Read my latest article here (https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/blog/language)
Want to get better at whatever you do?
Keep your enemies close because they offer the best insights on what you need to improve. Very counterintuitive!
Until next week Sunday!
I’ll be having a giveaway next week.
Regards,
Juan David Campolargo