18 insightful articles this week. To round off the last Macro Hive Life newsletter of the year, we feature articles on using this holiday period to self-reflect, the philosophy of ‘Taoism’ and avoiding comparative superiority to live a happy life.
On tech, we feature smartwatches and smart-clothing, small portable robots to help with everyday life, and the deep-learning revolution. And for fun, how to build your own sauna, the best food shows on TikTok and how to improve your street photography skills.
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(total reading time: 4 mins)
17 insightful articles this week. To round off the last Macro Hive Life newsletter of the year, we feature articles on using this holiday period to self-reflect, the philosophy of ‘Taoism’ and avoiding comparative superiority to live a happy life.
On tech, we feature smartwatches and smart-clothing, small portable robots to help with everyday life, and the deep learning revolution. And for fun, how to build your own sauna, the best food shows on TikTok and how to improve your street photography skills.
Happy Holidays,
Bilal
“The Philosophy of “Flow”: A Brief Introduction to Taoism (Open Culture, 2 mins)“That which offers no resistance, overcomes the hardest substances”. While the concept of “effortless action” might seem a bit strange to some of us, Taoism embraces it as a way of life. This very special slice of Chinese culture will give you a glimpse into how they aim to achieve perfection by becoming one with the unplanned rhythms of what they actively do, called “the way” or “dao”.
The Practice of Using December for Retreat, Reflection & Letting Go (Zenhabits, 6 mins) December is cold and dark (at least in the UK). This article highlights how one can utilise this month of low energy to become refreshed for next year by taking three steps. 1) Retreat (take a little time out for solitude and turning inward). 2) Reflect (how the year has gone, and how to move into the new year. 3) Letting Go (too many commitments, resentment, anger, judging yourself).
Modesty Means More, Not Less (Aeon, 12 mins) A philosophical take on what modesty entails. Key Takeaway: when one is not invested in comparative superiority, they can experience things they would otherwise miss and be happier.
Survivorship Bias: The Tale of Forgotten Failures(Farnham Street, 6 mins)In their decisions, people should be learning from both failures and successes, especially when shaping their expectations of doing well in business. While failure’s insights are almost always ignored or absent from the public view, the stunning narratives of success can lead to a completely distorted picture of causes and effects.
These Are the Best Protein Bars, According to Nutrition Experts (GQ, 3 mins) If you need something to keep you full for longer choose a bar rich in fiber (Quest), simply because fiber takes longer to digest. But be careful, not everyone’s body accepts it in the same manner. If you are a high intensity cyclist and plan to start your long endurance journey, CLIF’s sugar intake will take care of your energy reserves along the way.
8 Myths of Men’s Style(Art of Manliness, 8 mins) MythBusters include: style does not have to be trendy, men of every shape and size can be fashionable, people judge you on your looks, and dressing sharp does not need to be time consuming or expensive.
Teaching Robots To Help With Everyday Life (X.Company) X company produce small portable robots that can safely operate in human environments and learn from their surrounding environment.
Smartwatches And Smart-Clothing To Fuel Wearables Growth In Next 2 Years (Gadgets and Wearables, 2 mins) Likes of Apple Watch and Fitbit are expected to double the world’s smart wearables market to $63 billion by 2021.
The Deep Learning Revolution and Its Implications for Computer Architecture and Chip Design (arxiv.org/ Cornell University, paper) Jefferey Dean from Google argues that specialised hardware for deep learning models will be in high demand in the foreseeable future. Enhanced learning algorithms can also automate the process of routing and placing chips.
What Color Is Your Marriage? (OZY , 1 min) An outlook on how choosing wall paint might strengthen your marriage.
How to Build Your Own Sauna (Outside, 5 mins) A primer on how you could build your own sauna. It also guides you where you can source different materials online. Depending on the material you use, it can cost you between $2000 to $10,000.
Fantastic Fungi: A New Film Explores Earth’s Vast Network of Mycelium and Mushrooms (This is Colossal, 3 mins) “Mushrooms can heal you, feed you or kill you. They are not like a vegetable, neither like an animal, but somewhere in between”. They also play a major role in how biodiversity evolves and interacts. Whether you have a passion for nature or not, we think you will be amazed important role of mushrooms in nature’s underground networks, whose depths will be uncovered by the movie:Fantastic Fungi: The Magic Beneath Us.
How to Get Better at Street Photography(Peta Pixel, 9 mins)Practice makes a man perfect. This also applies to street photography. Whether it’s changing the theme or type of prime lens you use – breaking different skills down and targeting your weaknesses is the key to become a good street photographer.
10 Gifts that Will Last for the Next Decade (Outside, 5 mins) For a family member or friend that loves outdoor, these ten ideas will ease your Christmas gift dilemma, Ideas range from Aviators to hand made mugs.
The Best Food Shows in 2019 Weren’t TV; They Were TikToks (Eater, 5 mins) TikTok, the creative young people’s app, gathered around some food preparing habits that will probably surprise you.
Author Imagines in 1893 the Fashions That Would Appear Over the Next 100 Years (Open Culture, 2 mins) A series of pictures from 1893 forecasting world of fashion 100 years from then.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go! Brilliant 1980s Pop Music Publicity Photos (Flashbak) Regardless of your musical tastes, this amazing collection will find its own way to speak to you!
(The commentary contained in the above article does not constitute an offer or a solicitation, or a recommendation to implement or liquidate an investment or to carry out any other transaction. It should not be used as a basis for any investment decision or other decision. Any investment decision should be based on appropriate professional advice specific to your needs.)