In university, while my friends were getting slammed at house parties, drowning in enough bass to rattle their ribcage, I spent my evenings in the eery quiet of the business building, preparing for an interview at Burgundy Asset Management.
This summary of your point is more than an article conclusion, it's the context of spiritual practice where the discipline of drawing no conclusions leaves us open to the sustainable miracle of existence.
"But the general lesson is simply to leave some room for what you don’t yet know. For surprise. For small bets, small detours, small discoveries. To wander and see what pathways emerge. To open to the possibility you’re operating on a map with boundaries you drew yourself and could redraw at a moment’s notice. To look where you haven’t looked before."
This perspective also seems so critical to those of your generation who are looking at what seems to be the dire trajectory of the planet and coming to the conclusion that they know exactly where this is going and that hope is lost. We don't know what kind of life is going to arise from the ashes of our challenges and your takeaway is a way to stay connected to that truth.
Ah I love that Rick. Reread it a few times just to savour.
There certainly seems to be a certain sense of hopelessness in the younger generation. A sense of “it doesn’t matter it’s all doomed so why bother to do anything”. That sentiment, I think, does nothing but fuel the rampant individuality we see: if the world is doomed, may as well just focus exclusively on myself, my desires, pleasures, enjoyment, etc.
I’m very optimistic about human potential. Very. Not to be pessimistic but on average I think our species is running at 30% capacity. Tops. Which is sort of optimistic but things still work remarkably well. But if we could get to 100%, or even just 90%, imagine what could be possible… we can’t because it’s virtually unbounded what we could be capable of.
I hope, through my writing and living and whatever other paths I’m called down, I can perhaps help make the world better, if only a little.
Last year a friend said to me: 80 years ago, we’d be heading to Germany to fight and protect the free world. What war do we have to fight now?
While he didn’t mean literal war, I think each generation is called to fight. To be courageous and step up to do something difficult. I think it’s a duty to answer that call.
I resonated with this so much! Something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately (and wrote about for next week!) is how I want to follow the signs. Also, my path for writing will not look like anyone else’s.
Charlie! Ah I love the idea of following signs. Especially if you’re charting your own path, in writing like you mentioned, your signs may not be clear or recognizable to anyone else, but you know they’re right for you.
There’s that Joseph Campbell about how if you can see the path ahead, you’re on someone else’s.
Thank you for reading & the kind note. Always get a kick from seeing your name in the comments (:
Haha I can’t believe you remember that line James. That’s awesome. Perhaps I’ll have to expound on it in a full piece one day. All the ways the recipes lie.
Walking through the woods today I started to feel small and stupid for putting that smoke signals line in the newsletter. Thank you for the support. The wit and humor has taken a backseat recently but you’ve inspired me to pull it back out again. I think I’m closer to my real self, and full creative expression, in that mode.
This is EXACTLY what I'm doing right now... redrawing maps.... health data points, multiple colors tracking multiple data points on the same grids looking for correlations and causes... because right now I have the capacity for it.
Of course that statement makes it sound so fancy! And intricate. Point graphs are simple. They only require the most basic math with ink and paper.
It's still in my mind's eye, not quite to paper yet, but it's there. 😊 I did not have a label for the process, so I'm going to borrow yours... Redrawing the Map.
I love this idea, and you communicated it so well. In my experience, other people are often the best "water maps" we have. You have, for example, opened my eyes to so many possibilities that I probably wouldn't have considered on my own: writing online being the primary example that comes to mind. The challenge, of course, is finding those people. One of the best way to do so is by writing and publishing online. The second best, I am kind of guessing at but it seems reasonable, is by talking to people (in person!) everywhere you go. We don't seem to do this as much as a society but striking up conversations with strangers is not only incredibly rewarding, but can lead to you finding opportunities in the the crevices that are not marked on the map.
Great writing as always, brother. Echoing James in that I love when you infuse your wit and humour (the smoke signals, for example) into your writing. Excited to hear about your adventures and learnings in NL.
Thanks Jack (: I love both points on writing online and talking to strangers. Both increase your interaction surface area, invite some randomness into your life, which is where serendipity can step in through the side door.
I think we have far fewer bumping-into’s in our culture which is a bad thing. We don’t walk to the town tavern, but Uber to a club. Don’t dine at a community diner but DoorDash. There’s a certain magic lost in the modern, more siloed life. Even online, it’s tempting to only “hang out” in the same echo chambers.
I read somewhere that real friendships are based on those kind of frequent interactions, even if they’re not extremely deep. While I’m not sure I agree, it made me think what we’ve lost there.
Water is the metaphor for emotions. Swim, travel, stay above, dive deep, tread water - thru all emotions of living to your destinations or off-beaten-path surprises. Shipwrecked? A new start, a different map. But (as a book I read years ago) “First You Have To Row Your Boat”. You are, and writing about it. Love your newsletters, perspectives! Thanks, Tommy
You've brought light to so much I've been pondering with this. Much of the maps I'm presented with on how to live feel too conventional with little room for co-creation.
The word terra incognita came up for me as I read the Sarris meaning of "the map is mostly water". Terra incognita means unknown or unexplored territory. Even though many part of the world have been explored by others, I'm realizing how I desire my own first hand experiences on my own map. Appreciate you bringing this clarity to me Tommy :)
Ah I love that so much Jen. And thank you for sharing "Terra incognita" - that's beautiful. We are told of the map by others but much we must create, load ourselves through experience.
Thank you for reading & the thoughtful note here (:
...another element of the map that is fun/vital is that our POV/vantage of the map has influence...i used to draw maps of my bedroom, i think just to compartmentalize (or for an excuse to draw a teddy bear chamber), but I could have just as easily have drawn a map of the world (draws circle) or the galaxy (draws dots), or as you implore stayed map free...add in map types (love some topography) , and imaginary maps (all great fantasy novels generally include at least in the fanfic) and the endless journey of anywhere can be on or off the map...interesting to think about...what and when do we make the map...need the map...and as you say redraw it...the map might be how we look around us, or backwards, as a mean to go elsewhere, and move forward...it might just be art on the wall...these days i find maps most useful as just a means to miss traffic...good read mate...
Ah that’s so interesting CansaFis. The map might be structural but it’s also intangible, just your perspective, of what’s possible and what’s out of reach. Love it (:
Probably my most lightening read so far. Something about this woke up the little girl in me who wants to create her journey. The road less traveled is the road I want to be on.
This summary of your point is more than an article conclusion, it's the context of spiritual practice where the discipline of drawing no conclusions leaves us open to the sustainable miracle of existence.
"But the general lesson is simply to leave some room for what you don’t yet know. For surprise. For small bets, small detours, small discoveries. To wander and see what pathways emerge. To open to the possibility you’re operating on a map with boundaries you drew yourself and could redraw at a moment’s notice. To look where you haven’t looked before."
This perspective also seems so critical to those of your generation who are looking at what seems to be the dire trajectory of the planet and coming to the conclusion that they know exactly where this is going and that hope is lost. We don't know what kind of life is going to arise from the ashes of our challenges and your takeaway is a way to stay connected to that truth.
Ah I love that Rick. Reread it a few times just to savour.
There certainly seems to be a certain sense of hopelessness in the younger generation. A sense of “it doesn’t matter it’s all doomed so why bother to do anything”. That sentiment, I think, does nothing but fuel the rampant individuality we see: if the world is doomed, may as well just focus exclusively on myself, my desires, pleasures, enjoyment, etc.
I’m very optimistic about human potential. Very. Not to be pessimistic but on average I think our species is running at 30% capacity. Tops. Which is sort of optimistic but things still work remarkably well. But if we could get to 100%, or even just 90%, imagine what could be possible… we can’t because it’s virtually unbounded what we could be capable of.
I expect your leadership in this regard is going to be deeply needed and I'm so glad to hear you hold this perspective.
I hope, through my writing and living and whatever other paths I’m called down, I can perhaps help make the world better, if only a little.
Last year a friend said to me: 80 years ago, we’d be heading to Germany to fight and protect the free world. What war do we have to fight now?
While he didn’t mean literal war, I think each generation is called to fight. To be courageous and step up to do something difficult. I think it’s a duty to answer that call.
Profound Rick. Thank you for building on the insights of Tommy here.
I resonated with this so much! Something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately (and wrote about for next week!) is how I want to follow the signs. Also, my path for writing will not look like anyone else’s.
Love this concept of redrawing the maps, Tommy.
Charlie! Ah I love the idea of following signs. Especially if you’re charting your own path, in writing like you mentioned, your signs may not be clear or recognizable to anyone else, but you know they’re right for you.
There’s that Joseph Campbell about how if you can see the path ahead, you’re on someone else’s.
Thank you for reading & the kind note. Always get a kick from seeing your name in the comments (:
Tommy - two things: “the map was redrawn” reminded me of “the recipe lied” -still one of your greatest all time lines in my book.
Second, “or smoke signals” - loved this glimpse of an aspect of you. I appreciate it when you infuse your wit and your humor in you in your writing.
Haha I can’t believe you remember that line James. That’s awesome. Perhaps I’ll have to expound on it in a full piece one day. All the ways the recipes lie.
Walking through the woods today I started to feel small and stupid for putting that smoke signals line in the newsletter. Thank you for the support. The wit and humor has taken a backseat recently but you’ve inspired me to pull it back out again. I think I’m closer to my real self, and full creative expression, in that mode.
Thank you, again (:
This is EXACTLY what I'm doing right now... redrawing maps.... health data points, multiple colors tracking multiple data points on the same grids looking for correlations and causes... because right now I have the capacity for it.
Of course that statement makes it sound so fancy! And intricate. Point graphs are simple. They only require the most basic math with ink and paper.
It's still in my mind's eye, not quite to paper yet, but it's there. 😊 I did not have a label for the process, so I'm going to borrow yours... Redrawing the Map.
Wonderful read as always. 😊
Thank you Isabella! Sounds like you’re doing some difficult but meaningful work. Makes me so happy to hear.
Honoured you borrowed the label (: best of luck and thank you for being here!
I love this idea, and you communicated it so well. In my experience, other people are often the best "water maps" we have. You have, for example, opened my eyes to so many possibilities that I probably wouldn't have considered on my own: writing online being the primary example that comes to mind. The challenge, of course, is finding those people. One of the best way to do so is by writing and publishing online. The second best, I am kind of guessing at but it seems reasonable, is by talking to people (in person!) everywhere you go. We don't seem to do this as much as a society but striking up conversations with strangers is not only incredibly rewarding, but can lead to you finding opportunities in the the crevices that are not marked on the map.
Great writing as always, brother. Echoing James in that I love when you infuse your wit and humour (the smoke signals, for example) into your writing. Excited to hear about your adventures and learnings in NL.
Thanks Jack (: I love both points on writing online and talking to strangers. Both increase your interaction surface area, invite some randomness into your life, which is where serendipity can step in through the side door.
I think we have far fewer bumping-into’s in our culture which is a bad thing. We don’t walk to the town tavern, but Uber to a club. Don’t dine at a community diner but DoorDash. There’s a certain magic lost in the modern, more siloed life. Even online, it’s tempting to only “hang out” in the same echo chambers.
I read somewhere that real friendships are based on those kind of frequent interactions, even if they’re not extremely deep. While I’m not sure I agree, it made me think what we’ve lost there.
Thank you for the insight, as always (:
Love this theme!! Great read
Thanks Carina (: if I ever have a maps-themed party, you’re invited
Amazing, I’ll bring my compass
Water is the metaphor for emotions. Swim, travel, stay above, dive deep, tread water - thru all emotions of living to your destinations or off-beaten-path surprises. Shipwrecked? A new start, a different map. But (as a book I read years ago) “First You Have To Row Your Boat”. You are, and writing about it. Love your newsletters, perspectives! Thanks, Tommy
Ah I love that Kim. The symbolism and imagery in water is so beautiful. Thank you for reading & hope your weekend is lovely (:
Thank you -and you as well 🙏❤️
Beautiful message, Tommy. Your last line made me gasp. The longest shoreline still changes every time a wave laps against it.
Thank you J.T. And I love the shoreline analogy. Always brings a smile to my face to see your warm words here in the comments. Appreciate you (:
You've brought light to so much I've been pondering with this. Much of the maps I'm presented with on how to live feel too conventional with little room for co-creation.
The word terra incognita came up for me as I read the Sarris meaning of "the map is mostly water". Terra incognita means unknown or unexplored territory. Even though many part of the world have been explored by others, I'm realizing how I desire my own first hand experiences on my own map. Appreciate you bringing this clarity to me Tommy :)
Ah I love that so much Jen. And thank you for sharing "Terra incognita" - that's beautiful. We are told of the map by others but much we must create, load ourselves through experience.
Thank you for reading & the thoughtful note here (:
I've never commented on a substack article until this one.
Well done and well written, thanks for the read!
Thanks Brent, that’s a huge compliment. Appreciate you reading & just being here (:
...another element of the map that is fun/vital is that our POV/vantage of the map has influence...i used to draw maps of my bedroom, i think just to compartmentalize (or for an excuse to draw a teddy bear chamber), but I could have just as easily have drawn a map of the world (draws circle) or the galaxy (draws dots), or as you implore stayed map free...add in map types (love some topography) , and imaginary maps (all great fantasy novels generally include at least in the fanfic) and the endless journey of anywhere can be on or off the map...interesting to think about...what and when do we make the map...need the map...and as you say redraw it...the map might be how we look around us, or backwards, as a mean to go elsewhere, and move forward...it might just be art on the wall...these days i find maps most useful as just a means to miss traffic...good read mate...
Ah that’s so interesting CansaFis. The map might be structural but it’s also intangible, just your perspective, of what’s possible and what’s out of reach. Love it (:
Thank you for the musings, as always
Probably my most lightening read so far. Something about this woke up the little girl in me who wants to create her journey. The road less traveled is the road I want to be on.
Aisha! This made me so happy to see (:
Thank you for reading & your kind words. Love your energy on creating your own path. So here for it.
Thank you Melissa (: appreciate you reading & the kind note. Hope the rest of your week is lovely!