Zhenya
Growing up in Hong Kong, we live and breathe Daoism. I recall picking up comics about Laozi in the library when I was six. The way of Dao is the water that I am in.
Yet, I need Zhenya.
He offered me a different perspective to revisit what I thought I already knew. He inspired me to rethink the mental building blocks of who I am and how I live. He is the reason why I fell in love with this place. I am grateful to find someone who manages to tap into my subconsciousness with a breeze of fresh air.
I hope you will enjoy this conversation as much as I do.
Tell us about yourself and what's on top of your mind.
I’m a 31-year-old Ukrainian who has spent the past 24 years living near Munich, Germany. And I've been happily married for 6.5 years to my amazing wife, a beautiful Ukrainian from the vibrant city of Odessa.
I’ve always been passionate about Eastern philosophy/spirituality, especially Daoism. Which is what got me into studying Sinology. And my love for Daoism eventually inspired me to dive into digital marketing so I could learn how to build an online business. Why? Because I believe Daoism offers profound insights into personal growth and creating harmony in all areas of life. My goal was to share these teachings with others through an online platform.
For the past 7 years, I’ve dived into every aspect of content marketing, content creation, and the world of online businesses. Besides that, I love reading, writing, martial arts, art and music (both creating and experiencing), personal development, tea, learning about different cultures, board sports and their lifestyle, and having great conversations with interesting people.
And here’s what’s on top of my mind right now: - Supporting my wife in achieving her dream (she’s working on it right now) - Transitioning from digital marketing to teaching Daoist philosophy to leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses - Holding workshops and retreats centered around the wisdom and teachings of Daoism - Creating an in-depth course on Daoism that explores its core principles and teachings - Building an online platform dedicated to sharing and teaching the principles of Daoism - Writing a book on Daoism and its practical applications in modern life - Working with awesome people on Substack to bring cool projects and ideas to life that help and inspire others.How do you feel at this moment in life?
I feel happy, excited, and fulfilled. My wife is the woman of my dreams (literally!). I’m lucky to live in a beautiful place, surrounded by nature. And life gives me the freedom to travel, meet amazing people from around the globe, and wholeheartedly pursue my passions.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your parents?
Do what you love, there's always a way. My dad studied physics at university, but he was really interested in software development. So he taught himself. He then worked for the better part of his life in software development. That's why he always told me that I don’t have to go to university to work in a field I love or do a job I’m passionate about. If I have determination, there’s always a way. That perfectly sums up the way I live my life.
I studied Sinology because I loved it, not with a career in mind. Then I got into digital marketing (which was actually "impossible" without a marketing degree in Germany at that time) simply because I wanted to learn it. After that, I worked on the idea of an online business because I couldn’t find a job I liked. And you wouldn’t believe how many people made fun of me or criticized me for not taking the "conventional" path. They laughed at my decision to study Sinology and my ambitions, judged me for getting married young, told me to get a real job, criticized me for traveling instead of settling down, etc. That was okay for me because I understand that this is just natural in our society. But honestly, despite it all, I’ve always ended up exactly where I wanted to be. And I've always lived a life that genuinely makes me happy. People too often limit themselves with their own thinking. They believe they must stick to a particular way to reach a destination. But in reality, there are endless paths you can take or create to achieve anything you want.What have you experienced that has changed the way you live?
My wife 😂 It's hard to say that it was one single experience. It was more her love, blind trust, and openness. I was already living a pretty unconventional life before meeting her, but she added another layer and perspective to that. And that opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.
How do you define happiness?
For me, it’s a feeling that combines letting go, peace, balance, stillness, and love. And it’s a feeling that can be found everywhere, at any time. It's like a bird chirping in a city park. You won't hear it if you're too busy and caught up in your own thoughts.
Or if you're focused on the loud cars and people talking. But when you stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and listen—there it is, bringing joy to your heart. And it was always there, you just needed to notice it.Who is your favorite writer, and why?
I can’t say I have a single favorite writer. There are so many talented voices out there, each offering something uniquely their own. I love exploring different writing styles and perspectives—it allows me to expand my own thinking and writing abilities. Reducing it to just one favorite feels unfair to all the other writers who have influenced and inspired me in different stages of my life.
We’re always trying to organize life into neat little hierarchies, thinking it will make things easier. But I don't think that's how the world works. I believe the real beauty of life lies in its complexity. There is no single right answer or best choice. There is only what feels right and true for you in that moment. So, my favorite writer is whoever I’m reading and connecting with at the time. And I'm grateful for all of them.Imagine this writer was standing right in front of you and you can ask one question, what would you ask?
If I could ask one of the writers that inspired me one question, it would be: Do you have time to grab a cup of tea and talk about life?
Nowadays, we're so focused on the "best" or "most effective" way to do things that we forget the beauty of simply connecting with others and learning from each other’s experiences. I know that any conversation with a writer would be filled with depth, insights, and inspiration. And sharing ideas over a warm cup of tea sounds like the perfect way to connect.
So, instead of asking for advice or insights on writing, I would simply want to have a meaningful conversation and learn from their unique perspective. Because, in the end, isn't that what writing is all about? Sharing our thoughts and experiences to connect with others on a deeper level?
It’s liberating to realize that it doesn’t matter where we are from. Ideas and knowledge are boundless, formless, and infinite. Zhenya shows me that we can be the cup to hold the wisdom that takes different forms. Before you do, check out his series - The Way of the Dao.
That’s it for part two of this series with my favorite writers.
Once again, all credit goes to Linart, Kev, Rish, Harrison, Elle, Kwaku, JK, Becky, Samira, and Zhenya who joined me on this journey. There is nothing more I could’ve asked for.
We will return to the biweekly cadence until part three is ready.
Until next time.
 | A guest post by
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Franco, I’m truly honored that you consider me one of your favorite writers!
Living in Germany and always looking to the East, I used to wonder if people actually live by philosophies like Daoism. It was tough for my Westernized brain to wrap around—mainly because it seemed so cool :) Honestly, I just couldn’t picture anything like that in the West, with the West being what it is.
And I want to share something personal with you: it’s always been hard for me to share these teachings online. I’ve always felt that people from the East, like you, who grow up surrounded by these teachings, would naturally know more and understand them better than I ever could. (And perhaps even judge me for getting it completely wrong). Honestly, it’s been intimidating. And sometimes it still is.
But then, one day, I realized that it doesn't matter where you come from or what your background is. It's not about who knows more or understands better. It's about the willingness to open our minds and hearts to new ideas and perspectives. It's about using these teachings to improve ourselves and our lives, no matter where we come from. And as you beautifully say, about "offering a different perspective to revisit what we think we already knew."
The beauty of philosophy and life teachings like these is that they're universal and can be applied by anyone who is willing to learn and grow. And that's why I continue to write and share these teachings. Because I believe that everyone can benefit from them. It doesn't matter if you were born in the East or the West, if you're young or old, if you have a certain religion or belief system. These teachings are for everyone.