Juan David’s Newsletter - May 26th, 2023

Whispers of Connection

Hi there,

It’s been nearly two weeks since the final bell rang, marking the end of yet another school year. As I find myself standing before boundless free time, a symphony of possibilities unfolds before me. And before I got too philosophical, fate intervened in the form of an unexpected wisdom teeth extraction, taking me away from the realm of contemplation.

Time, it seems, exists solely to be squandered, its purpose hidden within its unraveling fabric.

In my life’s journey, I often ponder two distinct approaches: the first, a quest to elucidate the enigmatic riddle of what truly matters; the second, an unflinching pursuit of inspiration, unencumbered by doubt or hesitation.

At present, I find myself consumed by an all-encompassing obsession that shall remain nameless. Its presence takes away my mental capacity and leaves me unable, or perhaps unwilling, to contemplate anything beyond its captivating allure.

I live for these moments of inspiration but after it’s gone, I’m always left with a weighty riddle.

Before school ended, I was talking with a few friends about the post-graduation future that awaits us. We pondered about the monetary rewards, the heights of success, and the satisfaction that comes along with our endeavors. As I envision my individual and collective destiny, my mind traverses the passage of time—three years, ten years, thirty years—a seamless transition from the present to an unfathomable future.

Yet, what truly matters in this ephemeral moment?

What actions do I want to undertake now, with the knowledge of the future's relentless march?

However, in the grand scheme of things, such deliberations hold little significance.

Imagine that I possessed the knowledge of your final destination—a foretelling of where you will cease to exist. Would you not avoid that place? And in doing so, wouldn’t you feel a sense of safety in every other step taken? Similarly, if I were to reveal your future actions, you would embrace them with resolute confidence, pursuing them with utmost vigor.

For years, I have contemplated the creation of an app or website that would guide individuals on their chosen path. This super legit app would tell people what to do, of course, it would not be random unless it would actually be. On the surface, it would seem that the app travels deep into the recesses of one’s soul, eliciting tears, profound thoughts, and even heartfelt conversations with family members.

After you read the app’s response about your life’s calling, you would accept it and go forward. This concept hinges on the assumption that I could proclaim the authenticity and legitimacy of the endeavor, void of any deceptive placebos—a curious experiment to probe the depths of the human psyche.

Just a few days ago, I stumbled upon the chronicles of Nikola Tesla. In his autobiography, I uncovered the enigmas of invention: inspiration, the unwavering pursuit of a goal, and a serene state of mind. Invention is hard work but also trusting everything will work out.

Yet, why do I hold this belief to be true? Could it be a feeble attempt to evade the arduous task of charting a concrete future? Such an argument holds weight. Yet, my introspection reveals that the very core of every intriguing experience lies in the interconnectedness of life's myriad threads.

Connection—an overwrought word that may cause your eyes to roll in disdain. I too would have a similar reaction because it sounds exactly like the MTWAB meme.

But, when I speak of connection, I refer to one of humanity’s fundamental yearnings—a desire that arises after basic necessities are met. Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Yet, it seems our spirit is shrouded in melancholy and devoid of conviction.

The answer lies in forging connections—with oneself and others—not the superficial bonds in the realm of social media. Instead, I speak of connections rooted in shared philosophies, ideals, aspirations, and the very essence of the human spirit.

Thus, the greatest struggle of our generation lies in the presumption that we are destined for greatness. While noble, this belief often leads us astray, entangled within the labyrinth of entrepreneurship, trading, software engineering, startups, and the other non-intrinsically motivated pursuits thrust upon us by society's dictations.

—Why is it that when one knows how to swim, they float effortlessly, and when they do not, they sink?

—Fear weighs them down.¹

From La partida by Miguel Delibes.

As I conclude this exploration of existence, I am left to ponder the weighty question: How do I want to navigate these uncharted waters, avoiding the siren call of fear? Is it through the guiding light of genuine connection that I discover the path?

In the end, the answer, as with all revelations, resides within our hearts, awaiting the flicker of belief to ignite its brilliance. How we attain this self-belief is an enigma, one I am yet to unravel. Perhaps, it lies within the hallowed halls of a super legit app or within the retrospective connect-the-dots of our lives. Or perhaps, it is a matter of sheer will to carve our destinies from a deep pit of uncertainty.

Only time will tell…

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or

If stories are potent vessels of emotion, music reigns as the most powerful catalyst, igniting the primal depths of the soul's response.

See you around,

Juan David Campolargo

1. The original quote is much better:

—Dime, Catarro, ¿por qué si uno sabe nadar flota sin moverse y cuando no sabe se hunde?

—El miedo pesa, hijo.

From La partida by Miguel Delibes.