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.
Hi Zhenya, sorry it has taken me a long time to write back to you on your heartfelt comment above. I would say in the world we are in today, the line between East and West is a lot more subtle than it used to be. With the internet and place like substack, ideas and knowledge become so much more fluid. I would love to hear more about what's inside your westernized brain!
Hey, believe in yourself. Those of us here in the East, at least the ones I know in HK might never reach the level of understanding and reflections of our ancient philosophy that you are at. With your commitment and passion, I haven't seen anyone comes close, except the Chinese philosophy professor in some local Universities I guess.
Indeed, this is definitely not about who knows more or less. This is a journey to go inside our souls, and we could all be on a different path. I love what you have said, "we are never lost." we need this even more these days with all the social media, news, and AI stuff around.
sometimes, I feel we are able to see through the differences of our appearance, language, culture, and background. I would like to believe this connection between us here online is as real as the one we make in person. Of coz it would be super nice if someday we could meet, and I am sure we will. and again, that's the spirit for us to hold close to our hearts, that these teachings are for everyone who is willing to learn.
You're so right! We've got so many more chances to share and connect!
I'm always happy to exchange ideas and thoughts :)
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it, and it means a lot, Franco!
I totally agree! This is a journey inside our souls. I also believe that the fact everyone is on a different path makes this even more interesting to talk about :)
That’s so true. Right now, we need to realize that we’re not actually lost. But I believe that with all the social media, news, and AI everywhere, it’s easier to see the contrast. And that's why we’ll eventually understand what we really need.
I know that’s not true for everyone, I’ve met plenty of people who act differently. But for me, every connection I’ve made online is just as real as the ones I’ll eventually make in person!
I’ll be spending a lot of time in Asia in the future, so there’s no way we won’t meet :)
I’m drawn to a lot of different cultures in Asia, and I want to travel more to explore, get to know them better, and to learn from them. I’m planning to spend longer stretches of time in some countries, like 2-6 months. Last year, I spent 2 months in Malaysia, and I’d love to do something similar again.
And I’ve discovered some amazing Tai Chi masters in Chiang Mai that I’d love to train with. That’s one of my more specific plans :)
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.
Hi Zhenya, sorry it has taken me a long time to write back to you on your heartfelt comment above. I would say in the world we are in today, the line between East and West is a lot more subtle than it used to be. With the internet and place like substack, ideas and knowledge become so much more fluid. I would love to hear more about what's inside your westernized brain!
Hey, believe in yourself. Those of us here in the East, at least the ones I know in HK might never reach the level of understanding and reflections of our ancient philosophy that you are at. With your commitment and passion, I haven't seen anyone comes close, except the Chinese philosophy professor in some local Universities I guess.
Indeed, this is definitely not about who knows more or less. This is a journey to go inside our souls, and we could all be on a different path. I love what you have said, "we are never lost." we need this even more these days with all the social media, news, and AI stuff around.
sometimes, I feel we are able to see through the differences of our appearance, language, culture, and background. I would like to believe this connection between us here online is as real as the one we make in person. Of coz it would be super nice if someday we could meet, and I am sure we will. and again, that's the spirit for us to hold close to our hearts, that these teachings are for everyone who is willing to learn.
No worries, Franco, I get it—life happens :)
You're so right! We've got so many more chances to share and connect!
I'm always happy to exchange ideas and thoughts :)
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it, and it means a lot, Franco!
I totally agree! This is a journey inside our souls. I also believe that the fact everyone is on a different path makes this even more interesting to talk about :)
That’s so true. Right now, we need to realize that we’re not actually lost. But I believe that with all the social media, news, and AI everywhere, it’s easier to see the contrast. And that's why we’ll eventually understand what we really need.
I know that’s not true for everyone, I’ve met plenty of people who act differently. But for me, every connection I’ve made online is just as real as the ones I’ll eventually make in person!
I’ll be spending a lot of time in Asia in the future, so there’s no way we won’t meet :)
Yes! Well said!
wonderful to hear that you will be spending more time in Asia! What is your plan in mind?
Oh, I’ve got so many plans! Too many 🤣
I’m drawn to a lot of different cultures in Asia, and I want to travel more to explore, get to know them better, and to learn from them. I’m planning to spend longer stretches of time in some countries, like 2-6 months. Last year, I spent 2 months in Malaysia, and I’d love to do something similar again.
And I’ve discovered some amazing Tai Chi masters in Chiang Mai that I’d love to train with. That’s one of my more specific plans :)