principles
Feb 18, 2025
my contrarian and not-so-contrarian beliefs. separated by my core principles and list of life lessons.
Enduring value
History fascinates me. It's a lived experiment of humanity's attempt at creating longevity, and ultimately something (a manuscript, empires, or entire governance systems) that outlives.
There is no natural reason to do this. Our animalistic instinct tells us to do things just to survive. Yet in its midst, we have masters (be it da vinci, napoleon, or the like) that have a grudging, irrational desire to create a legacy that ripples beyond their generation.
This is a core ethos I want to bring into my work. I want to build systems that endure beyond myself: wether that be software products, new human-ai collaboration frameworks, or the first NASA SUITS research team at my university.
Mastery
My favorite book is Mastery. In a culture that galvanizes prestige, quick wins, and flamboyant displays of accomplishment — I firmly believe that the next era will elevate deep thinkers, masters of their field, and enduring systems (see point 1).
We should promote commitment over optionality, specialism over generalism, focus over shallow achievement — all while maintaining our ethos over adaptability. My goal is to master the art of human experience, and right now there is a gap between ai capability and user experience.
Seriousness
Seriousness is deep engagement and caring about creating enduring value. Katherine Boyle comments on "shields of irony" that dull seriousness.
I strongly believe that once you enter a venture, you should fully commit to it and treat it as your life's mission, even if it fails. I don't treat work as a fun game to optimize. I don't believe in "playing hard, working hard". What I work on is an extension of what I value and who I am. I want to cultivate this like a garden, not a forest left to grow wild without care.
Obsession
Self-made success is one of the most peculiar and incredible human phenomena. Growing up without a silver spoon (money, connections, successful parents, etc) puts your odds of success at near 0. Yet, some of the most exceptional individuals in history — Rihanna, Turing, etc — have risen from nothing to one of the most legendary figures in history.
This deeply fascinates me. I think this is one of the root nodes of what makes humanity exceptional: the raw drive, determination, and pure obsession to create something — to literally go against the natural mechanics of the world. I'm always excited to hear stories about this, and it deeply motivates my work.
Burn the boats
Every adult, teacher, and parent conditioned in us this indestructible law of nature: to get into a good school, get good grades, get a good job — ultimately, to set sail in the boats that were already made for us.
Sometimes, we ought to burn these boats and leave no remnants. Leave school for good. Move to a new country and never look back. Film a youtube video everyday with less than 50 subscribers. All too often, we put our foot halfway through the door. I believe that the best work demands giving 150%, not 100%, and certainly not 90%.
hard won lessons in life.
inspired by "principles" by nabeel.
- Your time estimates are always wrong. Always multiply your expectations by 2x at minimum. You always need more time than you think.
- Regret is an intoxicating force. It can either kill you or push you to prove yourself. Always choose the latter.
- Get really good at reading b.s. in people. this is often disguised as prestige and status. Cultivate awareness when people are putting up a front, but don't try to fix it. Never interrupt your enemy when they're making a mistake.
- You know much, much less than you think. You only realize this when you start surrounding yourself with the top 1%. Aim for this.
- Chasing achievement/quick wins is a losing game people learn too late. Always aim for the long-term.
- Select close friends with the same criteria level of scrutiny you'd use to evaluate a romantic partner. Ask: "do I feel electrified around them?" Never exceed 3-4 close friends.
- Stick with your convictions ruthlessly. People will tell you you're too much. If the group does not align, leave rather than conform for the sake of harmony.
- Sticking with habits means creating artificial routines for yourself: drink the same coffee, wear the same clothes, eat the same thing, run every morning. Most people are too flexible with this, you need to stick to this like military doctrine.
- Being a good leader means being boots-on-the-ground with everything that happens in the team. Delegation does not work unchecked.
- Bad environments turn you into a different person. Treat mediocrity as a disease. Stay away from it at all costs.
- Many groups, especially in university, underperform and will dilute your attention. You must find pockets of exceptional individuals (ex:research labs and engineering groups) or leave entirely.
- Prioritize fulfillment (note this is different from pleasure and happiness) over optics early on. Passion and obsession will naturally lead to recognition, much more than the other way around.
- Never conflate good talkers with good doers. You need to battle-test capability before drawing a conclusion (applies to ourselves as well).
- Don't feel compelled to attend every event. Trust that the quality of your work will bring the right people to you.