Table of Contents

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About the book

The Infinity Principle^TM

is a groundbreaking book by Chad Steele that reveals simple yet profound principles based on neuroscience for achieving an infinite sense of happiness, prosperity, love, power, and success in life. It challenges conventional beliefs about values and valuables, wealth and fulfillment, offering a revolutionary perspective on how to create abundance and joy through the application of simple ratios that reprogram both your rational mind and your limbic system.

It was first published in 1999 and has since inspired many to rethink their approach to life and success. The book combines elements of neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and personal development to provide a holistic view of what it means to live a fulfilling life.

It's been updated in 2025 to reflect new neuroscientific insights and modern examples, making it relevant for today's readers seeking to unlock their full potential.

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He is the world's foremost authority on the unknown and the unknowable.
In fact, he hardly knows anything at all.

© Copyright 1999-2025 by Chad Steele

All rights reserved. All registered trademarks, copyrights, and quotes are the property of their respective owners.

tl;dr - podcast

In short, your rational mind (infinite mind) is a ratio-making mind. It doesn't sense, experience or remember data, facts, or a 3D reality. All of that is a consequence of subconscious probabilities calculated in real time. Most of your beliefs, and therefore your reality, are "hardened" ratios that can be flipped. Usually by trauma or sometimes inspiration, but we can flip them on purpose too. This book gives you the tools to create your own ratios, and in doing so, you can flip your reality. You can overcome limiting beliefs, addictions, and phobias and radically change the probability of your life.

Welcome to the Deep Dive...

This is not the Howard Stern Show, but it's twice as smart, twice as sexy.

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I have evolved. I don't feel the need to attack people anymore. I feel the need to understand them

~ Howard Stern, Howard Stern Comes Again

Intention

My intent for this book is to start a new conversation, perhaps a new cultural agreement. If you read this book, you are in the conversation. Welcome. If you're reading this now, silently and alone, then you'll notice the conversation will start in your head. Listen to your thoughts right now. If you hear yourself saying "I don't have conversations in my head!" then great, that's the conversation I'm talking about. Notice if that conversation is already suspicious. If so, stop, breathe, and ask it to be courageous enough to consider that you have unlimited creative potential and that this book could inspire that potential. Perhaps that is not the truth, but believing in your own infinity should be much more fun and productive than not.

Whether you believe you can or cannot,
you are right

~ Henry Ford

Ultimately, I hope this book and this conversation will inspire you to share any new insights and discoveries with the people in your life. Yes, please have this conversation with a friend and give them this book.

In short, you have the power to create infinity in your life, not after a lifetime of discipline, but right now. Infinite Love, Prosperity, Happiness, Power, etc. are all available to you in this moment. In fact, it's easy. Yes, this book really is a "get rich quick" kind of thing. Actually, "being prosperous right now" is more accurate and more fulfilling, but it is not limited to prosperity. In fact, it is not limited at all. That's the point. That is infinity.

Human beings have this peculiar habit of trying to fulfill intangible needs through tangible means.

• We want prosperity, so we earn and hoard money.
• We want happiness, so we buy things and experiences that ought to make us happy.
• We want faith, so we go to church.
• We want truth, so we read books and go to school.

None of these observable behaviors are working, are they? Ask yourself, what do you have and what do you want? You have things and you want non-things, don't you? If not, you're done – stop reading – you don't need this book; please give it to somebody who does. I am sure you can think of several, so go ahead. Buy more books. Buy more things.

This book is not the truth. The "TRUTH" is far bigger than this book, but the principles in this book could start you on a new path, a new truth, that will enable you to achieve your dreams and fulfill your infinity.

There are several simple principles in this book that will yield infinite results. Consider them and then create your own.

Lingua Sacra

Language is sacred. It's a miracle; it is by far our most empowering technology. It allows us to codify history, transmit complex ideas, and cooperate on a global scale. Yet, for all its revolutionary power, language has limits. It is a fundamental, dangerous truth that words are not the things they describe.

Life is like a treasure hunt. You cannot and will not discover the treasure, happiness, etc, simply by reading about it here or anywhere. You have to get on the court and in the territory. You have to leave your safe shores and sail into the new world. You have to be willing to fall off the edge of your world to discover a new one.

Words are a map, not the territory

~ Alfred Korzybski

For most of us, the issue is that we consistently confuse the map for the territory. We let the words on a page, a screen, and those in our heads dictate the reality we experience. Consider the actual cost of this confusion: 86% of employees and executives attribute workplace failures to a lack of effective collaboration and communication. This is not a failure of intelligence; it is a failure of language’s limited map to hold and transmit the complexity of human intent and feeling.

In medicine, up to 67% of trauma patient deaths have resulted directly from miscommunication between team members. Your life, your job, your very survival, is often staked on a flawed map.

I'm offering you a new map.

I want you to know that you are a logophile already. You love words. Whether you realize it or not, you worship them every day. We worship the word because it is all we have to contain the uncontainable. We use words to build our reality, to interpret the past, and to negotiate the future, confusing the verbal framework with the experience itself.

Now consider the "warm and fuzzy" you get from a great song, poem, or story. Consider the toxicity of conspiracy theories, hateful rhetoric and divisive leadership. Notice that the worst dictator in history is the one between your ears. Most of us suffer under limiting beliefs, fears, and addictions created by the words we use to describe our reality. Let's practice new words and create new probabilities.

You're also a mathematical genius. Your subconscious mind, your infinite mind, is constantly calculating ratios to predict and create your survival and success. Why not use ratios that empower you to thrive? Every belief you hold is a ratio that determines the probability of your reality. This book will help you create new ratios and new beliefs that will change the probability of your life.

This book does not promise to provide you with the right words said exactly the right way. I give you a new map, but you are the territory. Words only point you in a direction, like an arrow on a map. It's useless if you don't follow it. Your internal experience of these words and these ratios, their meaning, and their value are yours alone to determine. This is the crucial separation this book attempts to bridge.

Every term, every word, every concept presented here is a poor, two-dimensional substitute for the transcendent meaning that makes you you. Therefore, if my map does not match your experience, you must challenge it. If I use a term like "God," and you prefer "Love," hear Love. If I use "Love," and you prefer "God," hear God. The specific terms are substitutes for the values and experiences that anchor your existence.

Do not read this book as dogma; read it as a guide to your own vast territory. You must make this book yours; you must insert your own ratios and your own language to truly access the power within. Keep reading, but remember you do you. The only purpose of this book and these ratios is to guide you back to the untranslatable truth of your own being.

And to be clear, this book is not new age mumbo jumbo either. It is grounded in recent breakthroughs in neuroscience, psychology, and insights made possible by Ai. See Neuroscience for more details.

Chapter 1
The Genesis of Infinity, Divinity, and Beyond

If you could have an infinite sense of something, what would it be?

But first, what is Infinity?

Infinity is a word. It means unlimited possibilities and potential. It is not about a lot of things. Our conscious mind wants to believe in things; that is, things that can be defined, measured, identified, labeled, etc. We tend to objectify everything – even god. Infinity is a belief in something we cannot objectify, understand, or comprehend. It is the belief in some "no thing" we cannot know.

Human beings have always had a sense of the infinite. That sense is our window into magic, spirituality, divinity, etc. It is also the key to unlocking the subconscious mind, forgiving the ego, and enabling the higher self, the soul, etc.

Infinity is the space beyond something, everything, and nothing.

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To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour.

~ William Blake

Infinity is not just an impossibly big number. Numbers are finite; infinity is not. It is not defined or limited. It is not a number at all. It is a notion, a concept, a belief. It is the belief in something that cannot be defined or confined. Infinity is always growing.

The belief in infinity is common in all religions. Think about it: all belief systems share a "need" for infinity. Don't worry, this book is not a history lesson in sociology or religion, but think about your belief system and the ones you've heard of but rejected. They all share one thing. They all share a sense of infinity. Some call it god, some call it eternity, mysticism, the Tao, the truth, faith, etc. They all share a similar notion of something indefinable. Surprisingly, it took science and math quite a while to define infinity. Math says:

A googolplex is precisely as far from infinity as is the number 1... no matter what number you have in mind, infinity is larger still

~ Carl Sagan, Cosmos

Einstein said the Universe (another infinite notion for most of us) was always expanding. It was not necessarily infinite, but it was growing infinitely. Hmm, if you don't get it, don't worry. My point is simple. The universe is eternally growing from nothing and into nothing. It is pure creation.

Infinity is pure creation, and it is a belief. Hence, beliefs can be creative. And obviously, beliefs can destroy too. I like the creative ones. This book is about expanding your creative beliefs.

Our universe used to be confined to a flat world with an edge. It was limited. That flat world was between heaven and hell. Falling over the edge was how you got to hell. Hell was bad. Heaven was good, and we were stuck in between. Some people still live in a flat world and are at risk of falling for all sorts of things. We fall apart, we fall in love, and we fall for this or that. We fall for good and bad, and we are still stuck between heaven and hell, between bliss and suffering.

Pure Creation? The Universe? What is this book, a new religion?

No. This book is about going to the edge and beyond. It's about creation. It's about you, it's about expanding your YOUniverse, and it is about time.

The following are my formulas. You should use them to inspire you to develop your own. For every formula, ask yourself what blocks that sense for you and what supports it?

Let's get started.

The Origins of Infinity

The earliest rock art and cave paintings often included the divine and the infinite. The earliest known songs, stories and myths are all about the infinite. The earliest religions divinified nature, animals, fire, stars, life, and death.

We've been talking about Infinity for as long as we've been talking. Why?

Infinity is our base state. It is not a thought, concept or idea. It is the space where ideas, thoughts and concepts occur. It is the context, not the content. The more we talk about it, the less we understand it. And so, we keep talking.

I'm talking about it right now. Funny. My words are not as important as the space between them. The space "you" fill. Not the you, the reader, not you, the narrator. Not your ego, personality, identity or role, but the one that watches, listens, and speaks in a language we call silence.

Some call it Bliss, God, Spirit, the Tao, the Infinite Mind, the subconscious, the collective unconscious, etc. All words that point to the same thing, the same non-thing. The state that can't suffer separation, lack, or limitation. It is the mental state that knows no fear, no scarcity, no time, and no death. It is the state of being that is infinite. It is your true nature. You felt it as a baby before your ego developed. You can feel it again. This book is designed to help you access and use that state instead of being used by it.

And no, this is not a spiritual practice. It's not positive psychology. It's not mindfulness or meditation. It's not religion or mysticism. It's literally a programming language. This book will teach you how to use your conscious rational mind to reprogram your infinite mind. To rewire the neuroplastc limbic loops that inform your emotional, intuitive, and subconscious reality. Your brain is a physical organ that creates your reality based on the ratios you practice. Ratios create probabilities. Beliefs are hardened ratios that we confuse with certainty. You can change them. This is that tool. If that seems improbable, that's just a ratio. If it seems true, that's also a ratio. It, like everything you call real, is a probability you and your brain calculate based on your past experiences, culture, and language. You can change those probabilities by changing the ratios. You can change the probability of your life by simply changing the ratios you practice.

Neuroscientists have identified three primary regions of the brain. They're infinitely related and complex. They're not distinct components like the picture implies, but it is useful to distinguish them to improve our understanding.

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First the reptilian brain, it handles basic survival functions like heart rate, breathing, mobility and balance. Next is the limbic system, responsible for emotions, memories, and arousal. Finally, the neocortex, particularly the pre-frontal cortex, manages higher-order functions such as reasoning, planning, and language. The neocortex creates the ratios we call beliefs, self, past, present, future and reality. These ratios change naturally over time as we experience trauma, inspiration, and learning. This book gives you the programming language to change them on purpose. All three are constantly calculating probabilities to keep you alive and thriving. The infinite mind is not in any of these parts. It is the space in which they all operate. It is the awareness that notices the thoughts, feelings, and sensations created by these parts of the brain. It is the observer, the witness, the silent presence that is always there. The finite mind is, ironically, the beliefs we call "conscious" and it is anything but. It is the dreamer, the world builder, and the storyteller. It is the programmer of the 3D Virtual Reality you're living in right now. It is the architect. It will defend that reality all day every day until it sleeps or dies. You do not have to deny it, oppress it, drug it, transcend it, or lull it to sleep. Use it. Use it to reprogram your whole mind. Use it to rewire your brain. Use it to create new probabilities for your life.

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see

~ Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody

Consider the last dream you tried to remember. If you're like most of us, you probably can't remember it very well. And if you try to explain it, you find yourself filling in gaps and forgetting details. Dreams are what happens when your pre-frontal cortex is waking up and tries to narrate the infinite mind's elastic hardening and house keeping processes. That process is occurring in parallel. It is not linear, sequential, or 3D. It is infinite. It cannot be contained in words, data, or information. It is a story than cannot be told.

Sound familiar?

All the religions in the history of the world attempt to objectify and contain the infinite mind into a finite story. They, like your rational mind, insist on objectifying the infinite. Spirituality is an awareness of the infinite mind beyond the limitations of language, culture, and belief systems, but is often co-opted by those same limitations. Mysticism is the experience of the infinite, beyond words, beliefs, and concepts. Mysticism cannot be explained or taught, only experienced. In short, the more we use words to describe the infinite, the less we understand it. And yet, words are the best we've got. We can use words to point to the infinite, but we cannot contain it in words. We can only experience it.

The words in the ratios in this book are pointers on a map. They're imperfect. However, they are useful. Notice the words that diminish your senese of infinity and use them to practice the words that expand it. If and when the words in the denominator disappear, you'll have an infinite moment. That's the moment that ratio flips. It's the moment your old beliefs dissolve and new ones emerge. Don't feel bad if that moment is fleeting. All moments are. Just keep practicing the ratio that inspires you. It could be one from this book or one you create yourself. The point is to practice the ratio until you don't need to anymore. Until the neural pathways harden and it becomes your new default reality.

Indigenous people know that things and your thoughts about things are your dreaming. Reality is not 3D. Your thoughts about things are not the things. Likewise, your beliefs about reality, are not reality. They are simply ratios that your infinite mind uses to predict probabilities. Your beliefs are not reality; they are simply your map of reality. If your map is limited, your reality is limited. If your map is infinite, your reality is infinite. The choice is yours.

Early humans were nomadic. They had very few things, no currency, no careers, no obsessions, and no confusion betweeen values and valuables. They had each other and little else. The had a lot more time to contemplate and connect with the vast, unbounded world around them. Their existence was intrinsically linked to the endless cycle of seasons, the boundless sky, the infinite stars, the seemingly endless migrations of animals, and the continuous flow of life and death. Without the constant distractions and information overload of modern society, their minds were more creative, magical, intuitive and spiritually connected to the subtle, expansive patterns of existence, leading them naturally to recognition and appreciation of the infinite and the divine as they sought to understand their place in a world far grander than themselves.

Modern humans have lost this connection. We are obsessed with things, data, and information. We confuse our survival with our identity. We confuse our needs with our wants. We confuse our values with valuables. We confuse our infinite mind with our finite ego. This book is about reclaiming your infinite mind and your connection to infinity. It is about and for your pre-frontal cortex, so that you can use it to reprogram your brain, and change the probability of your life.

You can benefit from both. You don't have to be a neandertal to connect with infinity. You can be a modern human and still access your infinite mind. You can enjoy prosperity and wealth. You can have nothing and everything. You can use your rational mind to reprogram your infinite mind. You can use your finite ego to empower your infinite self. You can use your words to point to the infinite. You can use your beliefs to create new probabilities for your life.

Enjoy.

I AM Infinite

Let that be your mantra. Say it out loud. Write it down. Believe it.

"I am Infinite"

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You are infinite. You are not your body, your job, your possessions, or your relationships. You are not your status, your wealth, or your reputation. You are not your thoughts, feelings, or emotions. You are not your past, present, or future. You are not your ego. You are not your mind. You are not even your soul. You are infinite.

YOU! are not your ego.

You are the infinite being that is experiencing this moment through the lens of your identity. Your ego is a wonderful tool. It ensures the survival of your carbon vehicle on this path called life. It is not who you are.

You are infinite.

You are the one who can recognize your ego, observe it, and transcend it.

Your ego cannot transcend you. It can't even acknowledge you. It is limited by its own beliefs and perceptions. It is a small part of you, but it is not you. It insists on finite 3D objects in a linear sequential story. Any experience that doesn't fit into a 3D story is either ignored, denied, deified, or demonized by your ego. Often, that demonization will be about you and your relationship to the world and others.

YOU do not fit into a 3D story.

Your ego is intersection of 3 limiting beliefs.

These beliefs are the key to your survival. They're a good thing. Don't transcend them for long, we call that dying. They're also the source of all your suffering and limitations.

Separation

The belief in separation is a consequence of our binocular vision. If we evolved to be nearly blind and with little touch, like the Immortal Jellyfish or the nearly immortal Tardigrade, we'd likely have a very different view of reality, time, space, and mortality. We'd suffer less about the past and future and be here now. We'd live longer. We'd likely be more connected to our environment and less obsessed with suffering. Like most animals, we'd likely have a greater sense of infinity. But we don't. We see the world in 3D, and we see ourselves as separate from it. Better than it. This belief in separation is the source of all our suffering. It is the root of all our fears, anxieties, and insecurities. It is the source of all our conflicts, wars, and violence. It is the source of all our addictions, obsessions, and compulsions. It is the source of all our limitations.

And yes, it is what keeps us alive.

Our suffering is the key to our survival. Embrace it, but don't pursue it.

Separation is an illusion that renders objects in space. Quantum physics has proven that there is no separation. Everything is connected. Everything is one. Everything is infinite energy only. Matter is just our objectification of that energy.

Our 3D paradigm is rooted in the myth of infinite decomposition. It is the unconscious belief that most everything can be dissected into something smaller. Infinitely. Even the Boson particle is likely not the smallest thing. There is no smallest thing. There is only infinite energy manifesting as "things" that appear to be separate, moving, transforming, and bouncing off each other.

This book is about helping you see through the illusion of separation and embrace your infinity.

Linear Time

The limiting belief in linear sequential time is a consequence of Separate Objects in Space that appear to be moving. Always. Even our Universe appears to be expanding. This motion creates the illusion of time. Time is the measure of change. Without change, there is no time. Without separation, there is no change. Without separation, there is no time. Time is a human construct that helps us organize our lives and experiences. It is not real. It is not infinite. It is not eternal. It is not you.

Our 3D ego can't comprehend timelessness, parallel time, time loops, synchronicity, time travel, time folding, or time machines. We cannot go back in time. We are stuck kicking and screaming into the future.

Unless we're dreaming.

Dreams are our window into a timeless reality. We don't know how long we slept without checking the clock. That should be your first clue that time is an illusion of the rational mind. Other clues include deja vu, premonitions, intuition, and synchronicities.

And long drives that seem to pass in an instant or tedious people that seem to talk forever.

Helen Keller was born deaf and blind and reported having no experience of time prior to learning language. She said,

I lived in a timeless world of infinite possibilities.

~ Helen Keller

It's NOT too late for you. Yes, you already have language, time, and ego, but this book will give you the tools to experience reality, infinite possibilities, beyond your limiting beliefs.

Beyond "you".

Causality

The belief in causality is a consequence of our linear sequential thinking. Our ego insists that every effect has a cause. This belief is the source of all our judgments, criticisms, and blame. It is the source of all our regrets, resentments, and grudges. It is the source of all our fears, anxieties, and insecurities. It is the source of all our limitations.

And yet, this book wants to cause your liberation. It wants to inspire your infinity. It wants to empower your creativity. It wants to awaken your higher self. It wants to help you transcend your ego.

Unlike many spiritual dogmas that resist causality, this book embraces it. It teaches you how to use your rational causal mind to experience reality, the infinite reality. It teaches you how to create your own ratios that will enable you to transcend your ego and experience your infinity.

Don't quiet the monkey mind; teach it new tricks.

Objects, Objectives, and Objections

There's a reason Objects, Objectives, and Objections share the same root word. We suffer our objectifications, separation, isolation, and limitations because we objectify everything. We see ourselves as objects in space and time, separate from everything else. This objectification is the source of all our suffering and limitations.

Objectives, said another way, are finite expectations that cause us to suffer about the past and future. Objections are our ego's way of resisting infinity. It objects to anything that doesn't fit into its 3D story. It objects to change, growth, and transformation. It's also the source of our motivations and gives us a productive and purposeful life.

Objections are resistance. It's good to resist pain, risk, and suffering, but it's better to use your objections to build grit, courage, and resilience.

The ratios in this book will help you leverage your limiting beliefs and transform them into opportunities for growth, creativity, and infinity.

Divinity is Doubt, not Dogma

Divinity is the belief in something beyond our limited understanding. It is the belief in something infinite, eternal, and transcendent. It cannot be defined or confined. Divinity is bigger than our ego, our rational mind, and the 3D box we try to put it in.

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I did not stop believing. I just believed a new thing: that it was possible not to believe.

~ Casey Gerald

Dogma is the rigid belief in something that cannot be questioned or challenged. It is the belief in something that is absolute, unchanging, and inflexible. Dogma is the end of divinity. It robs us of our ability to doubt, question, and explore. It limits our creativity, growth, and transformation.

Do not imagine that The Infinity Principle is a new dogma; it is anything but. It is useful and accurate given our current understanding of neuroscience, but like all science, it is firmly grounded in doubt, questions, and inquiry. The goal is not to find the truth, but to explore the unknown, not to find certainty, but to experiment with the probabilities we believe to be truths.

The goal is to learn how to use our rational mind to reprogram our personal dogmas and to rediscover our divinity. Individually and collectively. Our culture has confused valuables with values. Wealth will never add up to Prosperity. Happiness cannot be bought. Faith cannot be taught. Truth cannot be known. All these things are infinite, and they are all within you already. You just have to doubt your dogmas enough to rediscover them.

I had knelt faithfully at the altar of the American Dream, praying to the gods of my time of success, and money, and power. But over and over again, midnight struck, and I opened my eyes to see that all of these gods were dead.

~ Casey Gerald

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Identity is Eco, not Ego

Wait, what? What is an infinite identity anyway?

Ironic? Yes.

Rational? Yes. Just divide by Zero. Divide by Ego. "I AM Infinite!" Remember?

But also, if and when you notice your myopic wants, needs, fears, and desires, think ecology, not ego-ology

Everyone at some point in their life must face their death. Death of their ego. Death of who they think they are. This is an initiation. It's only when you stop running, and face death that you realize the truth. That who you really are is bigger than life and death. That what you are is Infinite. And everything you thought you were was merely transitory and fleeting.

~ kute blackson

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Our society must move from egosystem to ecosystem economics. This requires that we shift from egosystem silos to ecosystem awareness that considers others and includes the whole.

~ Dr. Otto Scharmer, PhD Economics, Sloan School of Management, MIT

Did you know the human body is made up of more bacterial and viral cells than human cells? In fact, your "body" is more microbe than human. Your physical identity is more eco than ego already. Only about 43% of your cells are human. The rest are microbial. You are an ecosystem, not an ego system. Your physical identity is an eco/ego ratio. The more you identify with your ego, the less you experience your true self. The more you identify with your eco, the more you experience your relationship to nature, divinity, and infinity.

Soil is organic matter, microbes, fungi, minerals, water, air, and life. It is an ecosystem. And so, if you believe your creator made you from mud, soil, or clay in his, her, or their image, then you already got this. You believe you are an ecosystem already. You can keep your religion, just dump your ego.

... and ❤️ your mother

We are either going to have a future where women lead the way to make peace with the Earth or we are not going to have a human future at all.

~ Vandana Shiva

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Ecofeminism is a movement that combines ecological and feminist concerns. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all life and the need to protect the environment and promote social justice. Ecofeminism challenges the dominant patriarchal worldview that sees nature as a resource to be exploited and controlled. It advocates for a more holistic and inclusive approach to environmentalism that recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.

One of the most well known women ecofeminists is Vandana Shiva. She is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, and author who has written extensively on the relationship between ecology and feminism. She has been a vocal critic of industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, and globalization, arguing that these practices harm both the environment and marginalized communities. Shiva advocates for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the empowerment of women and girls in the fight for environmental justice.

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Everything I do is rooted in the understanding that the earth is our mother, and that we are all connected.

~ Vandana Shiva

Happiness is Appreciation, not Expectations

Happiness is a personal experience that can pass as quickly as it came. The fastest way to lose it is to try not to, and the best way to keep it is to give it away. You may already know that Happiness is not a place, a time, a result, or a circumstance. It can't be bought, sold, or even measured.

Don't expect to find it here either – it is not on this page.

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We should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh

~ Friedrich Nietzsche

This page is about how to feel happy right now in this moment, and not a little happy, but how you can feel an infinite sense of happiness. No one can give you that sense; you are fully and totally responsible for it. And guess what? The good news is that you already are infinitely happy! This page will just enable you to get out of your own way.

Imagine we're sitting at a table and I pull out a pen. What's your first thought? You'll probably think I'm going to write a note or a check. Right? Now imagine that table is in a cafeteria in a prison. Your first thought is that I might get us killed. That same pen is a writing utensil in the first context and a weapon in the next. Same pen, same people, and same table. Different context. The probability of pen vs weapon is instantly and subconsciously calculated by our ratio making brains aka rational mind. Every belief is just a high probability thought. It's either probable because we see evidence and agreement in our context or because we rehearse it repeatedly. All beliefs are just habits - addictions actually. Not all addictions are bad. I'm addicted to love. 😉 😉

You can find neurochemical evidence of every thought in your brain. Likewise, you can impact the synaptic connections in your brain physically and neurochemically AND consciously. It's called learning. The conscious rewiring of your brain is the most powerful, most effective, and most sustainable. All you have to do is find the ratio that best expresses the value, thought, or emotion you want to rehearse. Fear, anxiety and depression have neurochemical evidence for sure, but the sustainable cure is conscious.

The key is to find the denominator in the ratio that diminishes your experience and practice transforming it into the numerator. For me, my depression was a habit of obsessing on expectations. It changed when I practiced conscious appreciation aka gratitude every time I noticed a negative emotion.

The ego needs to predict the future. We usually call these predictions expectations. Expectations are a poor substitute for dreams. Expectations derive from fear; dreams are the expression of your courageous spirit and highest self. Practice dreaming more and expecting less.

Appreciation is not a reaction to what you perceive to be good. It is not your judgments or assessments. Appreciation is the conscious act of empowering dreams in yourself and others.

Expectations block your experience of being happy. Anticipating, waiting, and the inevitable disappointment that follows the expectation, regardless of whether the experience was predictable or not, all lead to less happiness.

The key is to stop waiting for an expectation to occur and to practice appreciation right now. Notice the expectations you have right now and change them. What if wedding vows went from "till death do us part" to:

"Honey, I promise to laugh with you"

Look around, look within, and listen. Every time you notice an expectation from the past or about the future, you can also find something to appreciate.

If there seems to be more disappointment than delight in your world right now, consider that your cynicism and critical view could be evidence of your commitment to something better. Consider that your complaints are really just evidence of your commitments.

Listen to your complaints as opportunities to make a difference.

Now consider your last belly laugh: you know, that time you laughed till you cried, peed, snorted, and embarrassed yourself and others. Isn't great humor always unexpected? If yes, then why do we try to control life? What if you could appreciate every unexpected moment as you do a good joke? And what if all moments were unexpected?

Practice appreciating the unexpected right now. Laugh at yourself, your expectations, and your need to control life. Laugh at the absurdity of it all. Laugh at how seriously you take yourself. Laugh at your mistakes, your missteps, and your failures. Laugh at how you think you should be happy.

Chapter 2
The Path to Power & Prosperity

The path to power and prosperity is rarely linear. This book isn't either.

The path or the way to power and prosperity, like life, is a spiral, not a straight line. You are already on the perfect path and in the right circles; perhaps you are just stopped and need to start stepping.

You may encounter many defeats,
but you must not be defeated

~ Maya Angelou

First step is prosperity.

Next steps are power, success, strength, commitment, leadership, and beyond.

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Prosperity is Have, not Want

When writing this book, I informally surveyed a bunch of people in my life and community and asked the same question: If you could have an infinite amount of anything, what would it be? Almost everyone's first thought is money. Was it yours? Don't feel guilty if it was your first thought nor proud if it wasn't. But okay then, let's just handle it. Money is tangible. You can count it, and therefore you can't have an infinite amount of it; you can't even have all of it, but you can have an infinite sense of prosperity.

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How unfortunate and how narrowing a thing it is for a man to have wealth who makes a god of it instead of a servant.

~ Mark Twain

For example, when you were a child, $100 was a lot of money. I bet the first time you had a $100 bill you felt very rich. Did you have much? No. The $100 bill gave you the sense that your wants would be and could be fulfilled by that much money. After you spent it, you probably wanted more – not just one more $100 bill, but several more. "Having" does not diminish "Wanting" and therefore your sense of prosperity never increases and in fact will likely decrease over time. Ever notice that many seemingly wealthy people are very depressed? Clearly money cannot buy happiness; it may even oppose it. So, notice that reducing your sense of want will increase your sense of prosperity. If you can reduce your "want" to zero, in theory, you will experience an infinite sense of prosperity.

This is the infinity principle.

In this way, reducing your "want" to zero is the ultimate get rich quick scheme. It requires zero risk, zero investment, and very little effort. Less is truly More. And notice that wanting more than you have (consumerism) is the fast track to a sense of poverty.

But what about Power?

Doesn't money buy power?

Virtue is Values, not Valuables

Virtue is the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life. It is the compass that guides our actions, the light that illuminates our path, and the anchor that keeps us grounded in the face of adversity. Virtue is what separates the good from the great. It is what propels individuals to achieve greatness.

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I have a disproportionate amount of money to share... I won't wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.

~ MacKenzie Scott

Values are infinite. They're not measurable. You can't quantify them. They help you navigate the landscape of life. They're like the stars in the sky, guiding you through the darkness and helping you find your way. Values are the principles that define who you are, what you stand for, and what you believe in. They are the foundation of your character, the essence of your being, and the source of your strength.

Valuables, on the other hand, are finite. They're measurable. You can quantify them. They represent the material possessions, status, and wealth that we accumulate throughout our lives. Valuables are the things that we often prioritize over our values, but they are ultimately meaningless without a strong foundation of virtue. Valuables will never add up to values. Nobody ever said "My things matter most".

Do you look at others in a nicer house, nicer car, or fancier clothes and think they must be happier, more successful, or more fulfilled? No. But you likely think you will be. That's weird. Right. Why do we look down on superficial people, but imagine others will look up to us? The truth is, valuables can never trump values. They can never provide the same sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that comes from living a life of virtue. If you want status, respect and admiration, live according to your values, not your valuables. Live a life of virtue, and you will find that your life is rich beyond measure.

There is no greater example of this distinction than MacKenzie and her ex-husband, Jeff Bezos. While Jeff continues to pursue valuables, MacKenzie has dedicated her life to living her values. She has donated billions of dollars to charitable causes, including education, health care, and social justice. She uses her time and wealth to make a positive impact in the world, and she has inspired others to do the same. While he pursues fame and fortune, she quietly lives a life of virtue. His legacy will be measured in stuff, her's in service. She's fulfilled, he is empty.

Generosity is generating. Writing a check is only one way to do it. It’s also about what you do with your time and how you treat people.

~ MacKenzie Scott

To experience infinite virtue, you must prioritize your values over your valuables. You must align your actions with your principles, and you must live a life that is true to who you are. When you do this, you will find that your life is filled with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

And no, you don't have to be a billionaire to live according to your virtues. You don't have to be poor either, in fact, the more you have, the more you can give. So please, pursue wealth, but spend it on values, not valuables. Invest in people, not possessions. Give generously, not grudgingly. Live a life of virtue, and you will find that your life is rich beyond measure.

Also, she is not alone. There are many others who have chosen to live according to their virtues, including Warren Buffett, Bill and Melinda Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and many more. They have all recognized that true wealth is not measured by the amount of money you have, but by the impact you have on the world.

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The Giving Pledge

Founded by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett, the Giving Pledge launched in 2010 to unlock vast resources to address the world’s most urgent issues. Since then, more than 250 of the world’s wealthiest philanthropists from 30 countries have joined together in this promise.

Take a look at the Giving Pledge to see more examples of people living their virtues. Take note of who's in and who's not. Try to join them.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

~ MacKenzie Scott

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Passion is Obsess, not Possessed

You were lied to. Do not wait for passion. It's not coming. Do not look for purpose. It's not hiding. Passion is not the cause, it's the effect.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
"Wow! What a ride!"

~ Richard Branson, Virgin

Passion is a consequence of investment, not inspiration. To be truly passionate about something, start by investing time, energy, thoughts, and actions. You must focus. You must commit. You must obsess. Passive investment expects a return. Obsession does not. To be truly and powerfully passionate, you must be obsessed with the work, not attached to the object, objectives, or objections.

Obsession is the fuel that drives passion. It is the relentless pursuit of excellence, the unwavering commitment to growth, and the unyielding dedication to the craft. Obsession is what separates the mediocre from the extraordinary. It is what propels individuals to push beyond their limits, to overcome obstacles, and to achieve greatness.

Obsession alone is not enough to experience infinite passion, you must also notice and transform your possessions. Possession is the enemy of passion. It is the epitome of attachment, the root of suffering, and the source of all your limitations.

Notice it. Transform it into Obsession.

Falling in love is an exercise in obsession, while getting divorced 💔 is always about possessions.

Possession is the desire to own, control, and cling to something. It is fear of loss, the need for security, and attachment to outcomes. Possession creates limitations, boundaries, and restrictions that thwart passion. It creates a sense of scarcity, competition, and comparison that drains energy and focus and robs everyone, especially you, of joy.

To experience infinite passion, you must detach completely from your fear for the future. Possession is attachment, and attachment leads to suffering. True passion is free of suffering and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the obsession without being controlled by it.

Richard Branson has lived this principle. He has repeatedly risked his life, his fortune, reputation, and status to pursue his passions. He has started multiple companies in diverse industries, from music to airlines to space travel, driven by his obsession with innovation, adventure, and making a positive difference in the world. He is not been possessed by possessions. He is obsessed with a sense of adventure, contribution, and family. He has created over 400 companies and employs over 70,000 people worldwide as of 2025, all fueled by his passion for making a positive impact in the world and a great place to work. His employees tend to be very loyal and more passionate about their work because they are part of a larger mission that transcends profit and status.

Of course an individual can make a huge difference, but it’s when those individuals come together with like-minded souls that they can change the world forever and, importantly, for the better

~ Richard Branson, Virgin Unite

He's also one of the world's leading philanthropists who contributes to so many NGOs, I can't even list them here, but here are my top 5.

• Richard Branson's biggest charitable efforts, which reflect his philosophy of Obsession with Contribution over mere compensation, are channeled primarily through Virgin Unite, his independent non-profit foundation. He covers all overheads ensuring 100% of public donations go directly to initiatives to catalyze systems change and entrepreneurial solutions, making it the engine of his philanthropic obsession.
• Secondly, the Earth Challenge 2025 is a global initiative launched by Branson to crowdsource environmental data and solutions from citizens worldwide, reflecting his obsession with leveraging collective action to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Also, the British Virgin Islands Unite initiative was established by Branson in response to the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. This program focuses on rebuilding and supporting the local community, showcasing his commitment to long-term recovery and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
• He also co-founded The Elders, a high-level independent group of global leaders launched by Nelson Mandela in 2007, dedicated to using collective wisdom and influence for peace and human rights.
• And, he co-founded The B Team, a global collective of business leaders that challenges conventional corporate norms by advocating for an inclusive business model that prioritizes people and the planet alongside profit, effectively turning his business obsession into a collective contribution goal.

Here's even more Charitable Causes.

And yes, of course Sir Richard was quick to pledge 99% as well, see Richard's Pledge. No surprise there.

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Consider the most passionate people you know or have ever heard of. They are not driven to be better than others, they're not interested in better clothes, cars, houses, or status. They're not posessessed by possessions. They're obsessed with their contribution, not their compensation. For them, their life is and their time here is about and for their passion. They're not expecting to find purpose, passion, or fulfillment, they create it. They don't wait for inspiration, they generate it. They don't seek validation, they obesess on their contribution.

Who are your heroes?

Consider Mozart, Beethoven, Michaelangelo, DaVinci, Einstein, Curie, Tesla, etc. They were obsessed with their craft, not possessed by possessions. They were driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a deep commitment to growth, and an unwavering dedication to their work. They were not interested in fame, fortune, or recognition. They were obsessed with creating something meaningful, impactful, and lasting. They were passionate because they were obsessed with the work, not the outcome. They were free from attachment, future, and suffering. And so, they are remembered forever without even trying.

Art is never finished, only abandoned.

~ Leonardo da Vinci

So, go ahead. Be obsessed. Be passionate. Your life is your art. Let it be a masterpiece.

Power is Action, not Reaction

Consider some of the most powerful leaders in history. Who are they? Were they forceful or influential? Who was powerful in your life? What were the most powerful moments? Who were the people and what were the moments that inspired your greatness?

Power is not equal to Force. Force is temporary, often creating a wake of resistance; it is not truly powerful. A physicist would say power is the exchange of energy over time. Isaac Newton observed that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The secret to enduring power lies in choosing your actions so that the resulting reaction will align with you and support your aims, rather than oppose them.

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Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power

~ Abraham Lincoln

Abe Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. This bold action was not just a moral stance but a strategic move that redefined the purpose of the Civil War. However, the Civil War was far from over and hasn't ended for many people of color. The fight for freedom from injustice is ongoing.

The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. EJI challenges poverty and racial injustice, advocates for equal treatment in the criminal justice system, and creates hope for marginalized communities.

Lincoln's true character was revealed not just in weathering the storm of the Civil War, but in how he chose his team. Instead of surrounding himself with loyalists, he famously chose his most bitter, caustic, and talented rivals for his cabinet—the renowned "Team of Rivals." This was an intentional act of power, designed to leverage their competence rather than suppress their opposition.

A striking example of this was the appointment of Edwin M. Stanton as his Secretary of War. Stanton, a brilliant lawyer, had publicly and repeatedly ridiculed Lincoln, calling him a "low, cunning clown" and an "imbecile." Yet, Lincoln recognized Stanton's extraordinary organizational skills and dedication to preserving the Union. He offered Stanton the post, giving him immense authority and accountability.

This action was not one of force or revenge; it was an action of empowerment. The reaction was precisely what Lincoln needed: Stanton, despite his personal feelings, applied his full, ferocious energy to mobilizing the Union Army. He became indispensable to the war effort, working tirelessly, often sleeping in his office. Lincoln used influence and trust to convert a formidable opponent into an unwavering, aligned asset, proving that the most powerful action is one that inspires support, not suppression.

To be a powerful person, consider taking action in a way that does not create an opposing reaction in others but causes them to react in a way that supports what you're up to. This usually means using less force. When leading people, you want their reaction to support yours, not oppose it. Have your actions inspire more action. Said another way: to be powerful, be empowering.

Notice your resistance. Are your actions a reaction to oppressive thoughts or perceived threats? If so, these actions are just reactions and are just another form of resistance, often leading to conflict and diminishing your sense of power.

If you happen to already have a lot of authority, consider the distinction between a powerful legacy and just a powerful term. Your term will end someday, and wouldn't it be great if the next leader followed and did not oppose your leadership? What if your legacy didn't get undone? What if your leadership inspired others, even your enemies, to forward your work?

To forward your work, and thus, power is not just "action," but it is actions that create lasting results. What are the results that you want to cause in the world? In your life? What is your tangible evidence of your power?

Ah Ha! Here we go again, doing that thing humans do: evidence is tangible. An infinite sense of personal power is not tangible. It is beyond reason and beyond measure. It is infinite. It is a belief. "I am infinitely powerful" is no more or less real than "I am not." If you resist this suggestion, you have already diminished your own sense of power, haven't you?

If your inner conversation insists on "reality" and finding evidence, then just notice that: yes, there is tons and tons of evidence that would indicate that you are just one of millions of seemingly insignificant life forms on one of many planets in an infinite universe that has been cycling between creation and destruction with no apparent purpose for all eternity. Is that the reality that empowers your day-to-day life? Is that what empowers you?

If not, focus on this moment and take empowering actions. Success is just a quick scroll away.

Success is Gain, not Pain

Have you ever heard the expression "No Pain, No Gain?" I don't buy it. In fact, I wonder if it's simply a misspelling. What if they meant, "Know Pain, No Gain?" Or perhaps, "No Pain, Know Gain?"

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Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped

~ Rick Hoyt

If you're looking for proof that immense gain doesn't require suffering, you only need to look at Dick and Rick Hoyt. For decades, Dick pushed his son Rick, who had cerebral palsy, through over a thousand endurance events, including dozens of Boston Marathons and Ironman Triathlons. Talk about a superhuman effort! Yet, when asked what he wanted most, Rick typed, "The thing I'd most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once." Their story is not about agony; it's about boundless love and the sheer, unadulterated joy of achieving the impossible together. Their gain was connection, inclusion, and the pure bliss of the run, proving that the greatest effort is driven by the heart, not by hardship.

Do you ever notice that the truly successful and happy people in life seem to have gotten there easily, doing what they love? They didn't appear to suffer personally, nor did they cause suffering in their community. If you experience pain on your path to success, that success will not feel sweet. Your suffering will compound. If you create pain for others, you will likewise feel that too. Thus, the only true win is a win-win.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

~ Albert Schweitzer

Love what you are doing, and you will love the results. You can reduce your sense of pain and suffering right now. It is a feeling; it is not reality. Just choose to suffer less. If you are creating suffering for others, please stop. It's not worth the cosmic headache.

For example, you may be the best nuclear bomb engineer in the world. If so, please find a new hobby. All the money in the world isn't going to relieve your pain if one of your creations actually gets used. The same can be said for any career. If you don't love it—leave it. You deserve to feel worthwhile. You deserve an infinite sense of success.

A good friend of mine always seems to be happy. I asked her what her secret was. Her reply shocked me: "I'm just too lazy not to be happy. Anything else just seems like a lot of work."

Pain and suffering is hard work. Stop doing it. Practice bliss. Notice all there is to gain without pain, and you will experience true success.

Grit is Traction, not Distraction

Pain, Fear, and Suffering have their place in life. They are inevitable. They are part of the human experience. They are not the enemy. The enemy is distraction. Distraction is the avoidance of pain, fear, and suffering. Distraction is the refusal to face reality. Distraction is the denial of your true self.

Grit is often misunderstood as mere perseverance or stubbornness. However, true grit is the ability to transform pain into purpose. It is the alchemy of turning adversity into advantage. Gritty individuals don't just endure hardship; they harness it to fuel their growth and drive their success.

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The whole situation was unfair. He was only 8 months old when he stepped into an illegal trap that would cost him one of his front legs.

~ Newhouse Wildlife Rescue

📍 Wildlife Near Me

〝I cried for him.

I cried for the loss of his limb.

I cried for the injustice of it all.

But he did none of that…

When he woke up from his amputation surgery, he immediately tried to stand. It took him a matter of seconds to realize that the limb wasn’t there and to adjust his weight accordingly so he could still move around.

He didn’t sulk.

He simply adjusted.

In the coming weeks, he taught himself how to dig, hunt and run all over again. Even with only three limbs, he passed all necessary tests for release back into the wild. Up until then, it was assumed that foxes in rehab in our state would not survive in the wild after an amputation. I was thankful the state allowed me the opportunity to test that theory.

He was named Phoenix and he taught us far more than we ever taught him.

We will all experience loss in our lives. Some of those losses can make us move forward in life feeling unwhole. Maybe it’s a break up, the loss of a job or a dream that just didn’t turn out how we hoped it would.

Phoenix taught me that healing doesn’t mean what’s missing comes back. It means we have adjusted. We have shifted as needed to push forward - to persevere.

We are not defined by our losses, but by our strength, our endurance and all we are willing to conquer and overcome.

~ Newhouse Wildlife Rescue

Grit is good.

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Grit is passion and perseverance for very long term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.

Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint.

~ Dr. Angela Duckworth, Character Lab

Dr. Angela Duckworth identifies grit—defined as passion and perseverance toward long term goals—as a significant predictor of success, often independent of raw intelligence or talent. Her work, including studies on West Point cadets and National Spelling Bee contestants, suggests that while talent is important, effort counts twice: high achievers not only possess skill but also demonstrate the sustained effort and commitment to practice and endure setbacks necessary to master challenging tasks over years. While grit isn't the only factor, focusing on developing a child's ability to maintain consistent interest and work hard toward goals they care about provides a powerful, actionable path for parents to foster future achievement and resilience.

Freedom is I will, not I should

True freedom is surprisingly cheap, low effort, and requires absolutely no special gear. You don't have to be an enlightened guru or a trust-fund adrenaline junkie. You don't have to be rich, poor, single, or happily married. You don't have to be straight or gay. You don't have to meditate, possess perfect faith, or even know the difference between a moral right and a moral wrong. You don't have to be a paragon of virtue, and you certainly don't have to rebel.

I know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Freedom is realizing, with a slight, existential chuckle, that you essentially don't have to do anything but pay taxes and eventually decompose. That’s the beautiful, uncomplicated truth.

Freedom is the realization that you get to choose what you do with your life, and that choice is yours alone. You can choose to be a victim of circumstance or the master of your destiny. You can choose to be paralyzed by fear or empowered by will.

We've all heard the advice to stop shoulding all over ourselves. It feels good to abandon the prescriptive life, but simply floating through existence doing "whatever you want" is the fast lane to mediocrity, not liberation. The universe is governed by physics and consequences, which means your life and your choices matter. You matter.

The internal pressure of "I should" is often tied to extrinsic motivation—the psychological term for actions driven by external rewards or avoiding punishment. This voice is rarely the sound of your authentic self; it’s usually the echo of a judgmental parent, a relentless social media feed, or a high school gym teacher. It dictates compliance.

In contrast, "I will" or "I must" is the language of intrinsic motivation and volition. This is where the neurobiology of commitment steps in. Willpower, or self-control, isn't some ethereal "grit"; it is the executive function orchestrated by your prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC is the brain's neural traffic cop, enabling you to defer immediate, fearful gratification (quitting, hiding) for a committed, long term reward (achievement, growth).

Empowered by Fear, Driven by Will

The key is to notice the fear-based thoughts, the limiting narratives, and the insidious "shoulds" that trap you. Then, you choose to execute a pre-determined commitment.

One of my commitments was to befriend fear. This is why, despite my crippling acrophobia (a fancy word for "terror of heights"), I signed up for a weeklong solo skydiving course. Why? Because nothing cures an existential crisis quite like focusing on pulling your rip cord correctly. Being terrified and voluntarily plummeting at terminal velocity was the most liberating, slightly-urine-inducing experience of my life.

What is it going to be for you?

It starts when you hear that pathetic inner voice whisper, “I can’t.” That’s your cue to laugh, smack your PFC back into gear, and choose to say, “I will.” Or, better yet, channel your inner cinematic hero and declare, “I must.”

Will Power is this demonstrable, neurobiologically grounded capacity to keep your commitments in spite of your fears, losses, and excellent excuses. This capacity is the true foundation of courage, integrity, and leadership.

And sometimes, a strong “I won’t” is the most powerful freedom tool available. If you recognize that your life is currently being driven by a backlog of inherited "shoulds," try saying “I won’t” more often.

Focusing on your true commitments often requires closing the door on distractions. A generous, focused "No" to an extraneous obligation is infinitely more empowering than placating someone with a weak, obligatory "Yes." Protect your capacity for will by judiciously limiting the demands of should.

Strength is Commitment, not Attachment

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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

~ Aristotle

To experience strength, practice commitment. Commitment is evident in your habits, not your dreams. A wedding vow is not a commitment – a long and healthy marriage is.

Mother Teresa's strength is not measured by her results, but by her commitment. Mother Teresa was not attached to making a difference in the world, in Calcutta, in the Catholic Church, and not even for every needy person. She was committed to serving humanity and that commitment was expressed one act at a time. Her faith, her beliefs, and certainly her reasons faltered often; her commitment did not. Her strength and her commitment are her greatest legacy of all.

It is an attachment to a particular outcome that blocks your sense of strength. Choose habits that express your commitments and they will empower you. Your sense of strength is not a measure of the results, but of the process of "being" what you're committed to – that is, practicing habits that fulfill your commitment.
Always do your best.

Notice that when you are attached to a result, it will eventually become a reason to give up, to fail, or to feel weak. To experience an infinite sense of strength, you must detach. You must give up expecting an outcome. Let your commitment be your reward.

Femme is Finesse, not Fierce

This is about maximizing your creative leadership, not your genitalia.

This is not about gender or the gender spectrum. I don't care if you're XO, XX, XY, XXY, or into XXX, if you're alive, you have at least one X chromosome.

Congratulations, the Femme is already in you.
Learn to use it. Maximize it.

Fierce is a great word. So is "the force", but they tend to be associated with aggression, domination, and control. Finesse is about skill, grace, and nuance. It is about navigating complexity with ease and elegance. It is about finding the right balance between assertiveness and receptivity. You know, just like a woman.

If you're an XX, you're probably more familiar with the Femme than I, so this is not news, nor is this post really for you. You're likely a master already in femme finesse, so please share this and your thoughts with people (men) who have yet to embrace the power of their Femme.

If you have a Y chromosome, first off, you need to know that your precious Y is actually an underdeveloped X. It's a genetic disability actually, but hey, it's okay, you have other tools. Use them to compensate for that incomplete X.

I am a strong believer that women are the real architects of society. They have the greatest power: the power to teach children how to love and how to be decent human beings

~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

He might play fierce and macho on screen, but his enormous success in life isn't due to big muscles; it's a product of finesse, a huge heart, and huge smarts.

He's world-class in three totally different and highly competitive industries. He is Mr. Universe. He dominates the liberal landscape of Hollywood for over five decades and counting and is revered by the Left and Right as an effective Republican Governor of California. That's not a fluke; that's not brute force, that's finesse at its best.

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For him, "femme" isn't about being soft or weak; it's about being strategic, intuitive, and collaborative. It’s about leading with empathy and compassion. It's power, not force. It's finesse, not fierce.

Arnold is a climate activist, a fierce defender of animal rights, and eats a plant-based diet. He understands that true strength comes from compassion, not cruelty. He understands that to be a Conservative, you must be a Conservationist. To be a Steward, you must serve, preserve, conserve, and consume less. That’s the power of the Femme.

So how does he do it? He uses his fierce masculinity to empower his feminine finesse. He uses his strength to protect the vulnerable, to defend the defenseless, and to serve the greater good. He uses his influence to inspire others to join him in his mission to save the planet. Will you?

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A woman everyday should be thanked
Not disrespected, not ever spanked

~ Prince, Days of Wild

Prince celebrated the power of the Femme in his music, his style, and his activism. He challenged gender norms and celebrated the fluidity of identity. He used his platform to advocate for social justice, equality, and love. He understood that true power comes from embracing all aspects of oneself, both the fierce and the feminine. He used his creativity to inspire others to do the same.

He was fierce in his convictions and unapologetic in his expression. He was diminutive in stature but colossal in presence. He commanded the stage with a blend of sensuality and strength that captivated audiences worldwide. He wore leather and lace, high heels, and makeup, and yet he exuded a raw masculinity that was both alluring and empowering.

He empowered women in his lyrics and his life. His band wasn't just diverse; it was often mostly female. He collaborated with and mentored countless female artists, helping them to find their own voice and power. He understood that the Femme is not just a female quality, but a human quality. It is the ability to connect, to empathize, and to create. Finesse is the essence of leadership. It is nurture and nature. It is the power to transform the world. It is music.

So, whether you have an X or a Y chromosome, embrace your Femme. Use your finesse to navigate the complexities of life with grace and elegance. Be fierce about and for the power of the Femme. Together, we can create a world that is more compassionate, more just, and more sustainable for all.

Science, not Ignorance

This section is meant for your ignorant friends. Share it.

There are more than 2 genders. Period. In fact, there are at least 7 variations of chromosomal patterns that occur in live human births, and in fact, there is an infinite expression of all our DNA as your God intended.

Also, if you're born with two X chromosomes, you are capable of creating life. If you're born with two Y chromosomes, you're already dead.

The Y chromosome makes you less intelligent, more aggressive, and less empathetic. It is a genetic defect that causes more problems than benefits. The Y chromosome is a mutation of the X chromosome that occurred about 200-300 million years ago. It has lost most of its genes and is shrinking. In fact, some scientists believe that the Y chromosome will disappear in the next 5 million years. If our species survives that long. The Y chromosome seems determined to make sure we don't.

Approximately 82% of boys with XYY have symptoms of ADHD, which greatly interfere with academic performance and may lead to aggression. Interestingly, the distractibility in boys with XYY typically emerges between 2 and 3 years of age, prior to receiving the diagnosis of learning disability, whereas in boys with XXY, the learning problem is followed by distractibility. Despite having fewer learning and language problems than the XXY group, males with XYY have been reported to be more disruptive and impulsive, which greatly interferes with their learning skills. Males with XXY are typically shy and withdrawn compared to XYY. Source: nih.gov

Diversity, not competition, is the key to evolution.

XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome)
XXX (Triple X Syndrome)
XYY (Jacob Syndrome)
XO or X (Turner Syndrome)

Also XXXX, XXXY, XXYY, XXXXX, XXXXY

All combinations, except 45,Y, are known to occur in live human births.

Confidence
Māia is Haka, not Whakamā

I am inspired to write about confidence in an infinite and non-egoic way. I can't think of a better example of that confidence than the Māori people and their Haka tradition.

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"Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna reka"
The sweet potato does not speak of its own sweetness.

~ Māori Proverb

In Māori culture, "Māia" embodies the essence of courage and confidence. It is the fearless spirit that drives individuals to face challenges head-on, embracing both success and failure with equal grace. Māia is not just about bravery in the face of danger; it is about the inner strength to pursue one's passions and dreams without hesitation or doubt.

Whakamā, on the other hand, represents a profound sense of humility and respect. It is the recognition of one's place within the larger community and the world. Whakamā teaches us to approach life with a sense of modesty, understanding that true confidence does not require boasting or arrogance. Instead, it is about being secure in oneself while remaining open to learning and growth. Whakamā is a good thing, unless and until it thwarts self-expression, advocacy, agency and leadership. If and when humility is holding you back from being your best self, it is time to learn from the Māori and practice your own inner or outer Haka.

What is Haka? It rocks.

Haka is a traditional Māori war dance that is performed with intense energy, passion, and confidence. It is a powerful expression of identity, unity, and strength. The Haka is not just a dance; it is a declaration of presence and purpose. When performed, it commands attention and respect, showcasing the performer's courage and determination.

To maximize Māia, make your whole life expression of Haka while leveraging the grace and humility of Whakamā. It is about finding the confidence to express oneself fully and authentically, without fear of judgment or failure. It is about standing tall in one's truth, while also recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.

The All Blacks and Black Ferns do it before every rugby game. It honors them, their opponents, their culture, their history, the fans and the game.

Why don't you do your own Haka before important meetings, presentations, or life events? Stand tall, breathe deeply, and express your inner confidence with boldness and authenticity. Let your Haka empower your Māia, and let it inspire you to live a life of courage, confidence, and humility.

Don't know how? Click below.

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Supremacy is Habit, not Hero

Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all time.

With a combined total of 41 World Championship and Olympic medals, which includes 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, she has redefined excellence in the sport of gymnastics. Her unparalleled achievements have solidified her status as a true legend in the world of gymnastics. She is the GOAT.

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You can't go back, the best you can do is forgive yourself, take a deep breath, and get to work on the next challenge.

~ Simone Biles

Gymnastics is widely regarded as one of the hardest sports because it demands a very rare and high level of competence across all of the following attributes simultaneously:

• Courage & Risk Management: High risk of injury demands courage and confidence to perform dangerous skills.
• Strength & Power: Explosive power for tumbling and vault, and immense isometric strength for holds like the Iron Cross or handstands.
• Flexibility: Requires extreme, active range of motion, often demanding contortion-like positions.
• Balance & Agility: Requires perfect control on narrow surfaces like the balance beam and precise body control during complex, inverted aerial maneuvers.
• Coordination & Precision: Routines require flawless execution and mastery of skills under intense pressure.
• Mental Toughness: Athletes must perform complex skills flawlessly in high-pressure environments, often with little margin for error.
• Endurance: Routines can be physically exhausting, requiring sustained energy and focus.
• Discipline & Dedication: Years of rigorous training, often starting from a very young age, are necessary to reach elite levels.
• Artistry & Presentation: Beyond physical skills, gymnasts must also demonstrate grace, fluidity, and expressiveness in their routines.

Simone Biles is is also one of the most disciplined athletes in the world. She trains for hours every day, perfecting her skills, building her strength, and honing her technique. She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence, and it shows in her performances. She has a unique ability to perform under pressure, and she consistently delivers when it matters most. Her mental toughness is unparalleled, and she is able to stay focused and composed even in the most high-pressure situations.

She doesn't wait for heroes or heroic moments. She's been through hell and back with no lifeline and no heroes to save her. Her habits, not heroism, have made her great.

Simone Biles’ story of perseverance is the epitome of enduring power of process, self-awareness, and continuous work over a singular, perfect image. Her greatness was not achieved by being born a hero, but through the continuous navigation of profound difficulties that shaped her daily practice.

Her earliest hardship was a fractured family life, stemming from her birth mother's addiction, which led to a period in foster care before she and her sister were adopted by her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles. This early instability was transformed into a disciplined, stable environment that allowed her to develop the crucial habit of relentless, focused training.

Later, she had to confront the trauma of being a survivor of the systematic sexual abuse carried out by former team doctor Larry Nassar. Her choice to speak out and advocate for other survivors was an act of strength that forced her to practice courage not just in her flips, but in the public square, turning a personal horror into a systemic call for accountability, which is a process of demanding excellence from institutions.

The most public display of her commitment to process over perceived heroism came during the Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from several events due to "the twisties," a dangerous mental block where gymnasts lose air awareness. Under crushing global pressure to perform as the "GOAT," the heroic narrative demanded she push through, but Biles made the conscious, difficult choice to prioritize her physical and mental well-being, acknowledging that one cannot function without the other, a concept she had to work on in therapy. This was not a moment of failure, but a powerful commitment to the daily habits of self-care and mental health—the essential maintenance of her gears—over chasing a superficial, gold-medal goal that could have led to serious injury. Her return to the sport and continued success is a testament to the belief that true excellence is a journey of constant adaptation, learning from mistakes, and embracing the process of growth, even when that growth means stepping back.

Most of us imagine that one day we'll be great, but don't want to do the work to get there. That's heroic thinking, it's waiting, it leads to procrastination. Supremacy is a habit, it doesn't wait for a hero.

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Simone is in the habit of supporting others. She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, sexual abuse survivors, and social justice issues. She is a role model for young athletes around the world, and she inspires others to pursue their dreams with passion, dedication, and integrity.

• Friends of the Children: Simone Biles serves as an ambassador for this national organization, which provides long-term professional mentors for youth facing significant challenges, including foster care.
• Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund (University of the People): This fund helps students cover course fees, with priority given to those who have been in foster care.
• Project Glimmer: At Project Glimmer, our mission is to inspire all girls to envision and realize an empowered future. Served over 1 million young women with a focus on foster youth.
• Support for Survivors and Mental Health: Biles actively uses her platform to advocate for mental health and supports organizations combating sexual abuse, such as RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).

If you want to be great, stop waiting for that one heroic moment. Stop thinking success is an event. It is a habit. Notice everytime you think you need an opportunity to succeed, you're likely avoiding the practice you need to achieve excellence. Excellence is a habit, not a hero.

Practice creates confidence, confidence empowers you.

~ Simone Biles

Simone Biles has redefined excellence in gymnastics through her unparalleled achievements, relentless practice, and mental toughness. She is a true legend in the sport and a shining example of how supremacy is achieved through habit, not heroism.

What habits are you building today to achieve your own supremacy?

Chapter 3
Longing for Belonging

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was right. All you truly need is hope and the feeling that you belong. But where does that powerful feeling come from? It's not about your bank account or your trophy shelf; it’s about the relationships you build. Our identity is less about what we achieve and entirely about who we connect with.

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I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. If I could do or say anything that would give some kid that feeling, I would believe I had contributed something to the world.

~ Elvis Presley

Let's play a game. First, imagine yourself without your possessions—your clothes, your phone, your home. Easy enough; you’re still you. Next, erase all memory of your education, your career achievements, and your past events. Harder, but your core consciousness remains. Now, try to imagine yourself with zero relationships—no memory of family, best friends, or acquaintances.

For most of us, that final step is impossible. Poof! You're gone. You are not merely alone; you are undefined. Your brain is a relationship factory, and if that factory shuts down, the You stops being manufactured. Your sense of self is a direct function of the people in your life.

The King of Rock and Roll knew this pain firsthand. Young, poor, and rocking pink suits in a conservative town, Elvis was a walking definition of an outsider. He didn't fit into the high school cliques, and his revolutionary music was viewed with suspicion.

But Elvis didn't try to fit in; he created his own party. His electrifying fusion of gospel and blues was a giant "You Belong Here" sign for a whole generation of teens who felt equally disenfranchised. By daring to be his authentic self, Elvis built a global community simply by giving people a communal space to feel rebellious, significant, and home.

Even at the pinnacle of fame, Elvis remained completely reliant on his inner circle, the "Memphis Mafia." This is where the fun part comes in: his generosity was legendary. He handed out Cadillacs like candy, paid off people's mortgages, and secured jobs for his friends and family.

These weren't just random acts of charity; they were relational investments. By caring for his people, he ensured their presence and their security. He instinctively used his fortune to strengthen the bonds that defined his world, ensuring he was never alone and never undefined. He was literally buying the foundation of his own identity.

This brings us to the final point: Who decides where you belong? Not the cliques, not the arbitrary rules of society, and certainly not "them." The power rests entirely with you.

Belonging isn't a place you are granted access to; it is a mindset you give yourself. You are already infinitely related to humanity just by existing. Your true hope is knowing you have a place, and your true belonging is the commitment to define and claim that place, independent of outside judgment. It’s the greatest, most fun gift you can give yourself.

Family is We, not Me

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My life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.

~ George Bernard Shaw

Shaw’s quote isn't about martyrdom; it’s about maximized living. He understood that the only way to truly feel alive—to be "thoroughly used up"—is to expand your life beyond the boundaries of your own skin. This is the ultimate existential equation: Your sense of true self is directly proportional to your sense of family, and inversely proportional to your ego.

In other words, practice replacing the paralyzing question of “What about me?” with the liberating declaration of “We are in this.” Your world won't just expand; it will explode with purpose.

The need for belonging is not a soft sentiment; it’s a hardwired survival instinct, and the data proves it. From an evolutionary perspective, being cast out of the tribe meant certain death. Our brains still operate on this primitive code.

When you experience social exclusion, isolation, or rejection (like being ghosted by a friend or left out of a team email), your brain registers that pain. Social neuroscience confirms that the feeling of social pain activates the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the insula—the exact same brain regions that light up when you suffer physical injury.

Your brain literally registers being unfriended as getting punched in the gut. The claim that belonging is our strongest instinct tied to survival isn't hyperbole; it’s the truth embedded in our nervous system. Our self-worth isn't just related to our sense of relatedness; it is our relatedness.

Now, let's redefine the fundamental unit: family. Where does it end? Does it include 2nd cousins? In-laws? How about your coworkers, or the person who serves you coffee every morning? Where does family stop and "the others" begin?

My friend, at just 15 years old, captured the modern paradox brilliantly when he wrote in his personal dictionary:

Public is a place we all go to be alone together

~ Ian Ruskey

This is the irony of exclusion. We crave belonging, but often our need for a strong sense of belonging forces us to create tight, exclusive circles (cliques, exclusive clubs, small, rigid family units). We define ourselves by who we are not—by "the others" we keep out.

But this is a tragic zero sum game. Research from the Surgeon General’s report on Loneliness and studies published in PLOS Medicine consistently show that poor social relationships are associated with a significantly increased risk of premature mortality—a risk comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day or being obese. Loneliness, the logical endpoint of hyperexclusivity, isn't a feeling; it’s a public health crisis.

Take a look at highly exclusive families or groups. They often suffer the most from internal friction, isolation, and loneliness precisely because they have created a wall around themselves that cuts off the external relational nutrients required for true self-expansion. The smaller the "we," the larger the "me" (the ego) must become to fill the void.

If belonging is life, then disconnection is a slow death—and this is what drives many of society’s most painful afflictions.

It is a profound mistake to view the issues that plague young people—gangs, drug abuse, cycles of teenage pregnancy—as moral failings or purely economic problems. They are often brilliant, desperate solutions to a radical absence of community.

For instance, the teen pregnancy epidemic is not primarily due to a lack of condoms or moral education. Sociological studies suggest that for young girls in highly isolated, marginalized communities, starting a family—a literal family—is the most fundamental way they can instantly and irrevocably increase their sense of relatedness. It is an instinctual act to create a covenant of belonging where none existed before.

The same driver fuels gang membership. Research on urban youth and gang involvement consistently highlights that the primary attraction is not crime, but the promise of structure, status, loyalty, and a fierce sense of family that the traditional community failed to provide. Gangs are, by definition, an exclusive and rigid response to the universal need for inclusion. All addictions and afflictions—from substance abuse to social withdrawal—can be viewed as distorted searches for the wholeness that only deep community can provide.

The fix is simple, but the execution is radical: Expand your sense of family until it becomes infinite.

Start small: Go to a neighborhood reunion. Host a community event. Meet your extended cousins. But don't stop there. Keep pushing the boundaries of your we.

What if your sense of family included the entire planet? Who are you excluding, and why? That exclusion is what’s blocking your own growth.

The ultimate challenge—the quickest route to burning away your ego and experiencing Shaw's "maximized life"—is to serve the people you don't like. Volunteer for a cause that forces you to interact with people whose politics, background, or lifestyle clash with yours.

Imagine traveling to the most remote corner of the earth and feeling completely and totally related to every person you meet. You could do it. Some people do it every day. They are the ones who have dissolved the boundary between "us" and "them," realizing that the only thing separating us is a single, stubborn thought.

Play is Choose, not Decide

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We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing!

~ Benjamin Franklin

What do you play? If you're like most people, you play a sport or a musical instrument, and you likely feel you don't get to do it nearly enough.

What don't you play? We meticulously avoid playing the serious, grown-up parts of our lives. Do you play taxes? Do you play at work? Do you play at being a parent, a teacher, a doctor, or a lawyer?

Ask yourself: "Why do I play?" and "Why not?"

If your mind immediately offers a cascade of limitations and explanations, you're operating as an adult. Adults always have good reasons.

We live by the mantra that life is serious business. We structure our lives around sound logic. We're taught that being reasonable is good, and being unreasonable is bad.

Yet, playing is choosing without reason. Play is unreasonable. It is a choice made purely in the moment. Playing is creative and an act of pure freedom.

You can only inhabit one of two perspectives: You can have what you want or you can have the reasons for why you don't. We frequently trade in our dreams (our wants) for logical reasons.

Think back: What did you want to be when you grew up? If you are not that now, ask yourself why. You will almost certainly find a reason. If you are not that yet? That's great! You are still holding onto that want and have not yet decided to give it up.

Consider the following words: suicide, homicide, genocide, pesticide... and decide.

All these "cides" denote killing something off. What does decide kill off? It kills off wanting. Choosing is wanting in action.

Decisions are a trap set by your past. They ensnare and eliminate possibility, discovery, and the extraordinary. We label this tragic reduction "being reasonable." It's essential to realize that extraordinary lives are seldom reasonable lives.

An infinite sense of play isn't solely reserved for children; it is always available to anyone willing to be fully present and to give up being predictable—to give up making good decisions.

Joy is Just us, not Justice

The pursuit of justice is never joyful. The want for Justice feels Righteous, but is never right.

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“To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.”

~ Mark Twain

As I write this chapter in 2025, the world is as frightened and divided as ever. We have divisive leaders, politics, religions, media, ideologies, and nations. Division is everywhere, but especially where it matters most—in power.

Power compounds and consolidates by dividing us first. We're told to choose sides, pick a team, and defend our turf. We're told to protect our rights, our freedoms, and our way of life. We're told to fight for justice, but Justice is never Just for Us.

Freedom isn't free and neither is Justice. Justice has a price, and that price is paid in division, fear, and suffering. Justice is never joyful because it is never just us. This form of justice—the one rooted in retribution and the fallacy that their pain will relieve me of mine—is nothing more than reciprocal suffering.

The key is to notice when you're inclined to want this kind of retributive justice and ask, where is the joy? You simply cannot pursue it joyfully. The pursuit itself is divisive. It separates you from us and them. It recycles pain and compounds frustration. It cultivates anger. It's why powerful institutions have always promoted justice as the path to peace, freedom, and security. It never is.

It's the path to their power and our oppression.

The world's major religions all agree. The ideal of "just us"—a collective, righteous order achieved through internal, moral transformation—is a recurring core principle across major world religions, consistently prioritized over external, punitive justice.

In Judaism and Christianity, this concept is underscored by the mandate to love one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18) and Jesus's radical call to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), which elevates mercy and forgiveness above the strict retribution of Lex Talionis - the law of retaliation, whereby a punishment resembles the offence committed in kind and degree.

Islam builds this framework through the creation of the Ummah (community) where social solidarity is a spiritual duty, as exemplified by the obligation of Zakat (charity), which ensures the well being of the poor (as mandated in the Qur'an 9:60).

Similarly, in Hinduism, the entire structure of society is governed by Dharma—the cosmc and moral duty—a profound order of right living that sustains the world, making the faithful discharge of one's duty far more vital than the rulings of a court.

Finally, the Buddha’s path to ending suffering is through the cultivation of universal compassion and non-attachment, rejecting the selfish desire for vengeance and retribution that fuels the cycle of karma, famously encapsulated in the Dhammapada:

Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal

~ Dhammapada 1:5

Gandhi embodied Satyagraha. His leadership and his tactics were met with Britain's cruelty, but India prevailed with dignity, unity, and non-violence and undeniable joy. For him, the action was successful only if it did not cause harm to the soul of the opponent.

Gandhi emulated a higher moral ideal of "just us" by championing Swaraj, or self-rule, which began with the individual's moral self-restraint and non-violent conduct, seeing true freedom as mastery over one's own desires rather than external political power. He essentially rejected the conventional, Western concept of retributive justice—which focuses on punishment and legal technicalities—because he believed it perpetuated a cycle of conflict and failed to address the underlying truth and moral conversion of the opponent. Instead, his philosophy of Satyagraha (Truth-Force) was rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence) and aimed for Sarvodaya (the welfare of all), seeking a healing and reconciliation between parties where the action taken would "not harm either party to a dispute," ultimately striving for a social and spiritual justice based on duty, self-discipline, and love for all humanity.

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An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously fought for civil rights and justice during the 1960s using non-violence in the face racism and violent oppression. His approach was revolutionary because he rejected retributive justice in favor of a joyful, inclusive vision of "just us." He advocated for non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and love as the path to true justice. Dr. King's philosophy was rooted in the belief that justice could only be achieved through unity, compassion, and understanding—not through division and retribution. His vision of justice was "Just Us" and his version of morality was ethical, not righteous. His legacy continues to inspire movements for justice and equality around the world.

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The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The pursuit of retributive justice is rooted in the fallacy that their pain will relieve me of mine. If I'm suffering, then they should too. Meanwhile, the powerful get more powerful. The cycle continues. This Justice is never joyful.

Only the joy of "just us" is peaceful, free, and secure. This radical interdependence is not new. It's called Ubuntu: "I am because we are." If your joy, your freedom, or your security comes at the expense of mine, then neither of us is truly free. Joy is inclusive. Joy is expansive. Joy is infinite. Joy is love. Joy is for giving. Ubuntu is the realization that Justice, true justice, can only exist as "Just Us."

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Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu
I am because we are.
A person is a person through other persons.

~ Nguni, African Proverb

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Ubuntu is the essence of being human. It is about compassion, understanding, reconciliation, forgiveness, and respect. It is about realizing that we are all interconnected and that we share a common humanity.

~ Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is the ultimate blueprint for the "Just Us" mindset. After spending 27 brutal years in prison on Robben Island for fighting the horrific apartheid regime, he walked out not with a demand for blood, but with an offer of brotherhood. When he became president, he stood at the ultimate crossroads of power: pursue painful, divisive Justice—meaning vengeance against his oppressors—or embrace the collective Joy of "Just Us." Mandela chose the harder, more powerful path. He created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), demanding that perpetrators confess their crimes publicly in exchange for amnesty. This process was not easy or simple, and it denied the immediate, vengeful satisfaction of typical justice. But it was a radical commitment to the African philosophy of Ubuntu—I am because we are. Mandela’s greatness is that he sacrificed the temptation of individual, retributive pain so that the entire nation could find a shared, unified future. He proved that the pursuit of unity is the only action capable of ending the cycle of suffering.

Intimate relationships are no different. When people fight for justice in a relationship, they are fighting for equality. They want equal suffering, not infinite joy. There is no equality in love. You both must try to "out love" the other. In love, justice is just divisive and destructive. Love is generous. Love is Infinite.

Love is Give, not Get

The only love there is… is the love we make

When it’s all said and done, did you give more than you take?

~ Prince, Emancipation

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Love is like the ocean. I recommend you visit often, jump in, splash about, and surf in its waves, but don't try to bottle it up and take it home. You can receive and even use the power of the ocean, but you can't capture it. If a bottle of seawater is a poor substitute for the ocean, then bottled-up love is likewise a poor substitute for the sense of infinite love available to everyone willing to just dive in. Like the ocean, love's waves move further than you can see and deeper than you can dive.

How do you try to bottle up love? Do you hoard it? Exclude others? Deny it? Punish with it? Love can be the greatest when you're most inclined to resist it. When you think it is unsafe to love is exactly when you should.

What if your sense of justice were inspired by love instead of fear?

With morals we correct the errors of our instincts and with love we correct the errors of our morals.

~ José Ortega y Gasset

This quote by José Ortega y Gasset speaks about love, morality, and instincts. Our instincts give us a sense of survival. Survival is not love. Morality gives us a sense of righteousness. Righteousness is not love and is often used as an excuse to forget to love.

Your sense of "get" is an illusion that diminishes your experience of love. Eliminate the "get" and you'll experience infinite love.

Some say love is a process of forgive and forget. Consider instead that love is for-giving and not for-getting. If you're in a relationship that needs more love, take a look at what you can say or do to be for-giving to the other, and what is there that is for-getting love.

Your sense of "forgetting" love isn't defined by how you were hurt, but by the injury that caused you to forget how to love in the first place. Reduce the thoughts you have about getting love, and you'll experience more love.

Love cannot be confined, defined, or denied. It exists always, forever, and everywhere. Love is infinite, courageous, and for-giving.

Your only birthright is to simply enjoy it.

Romance is Dreaming, not Reality

The indigenous people of Australia have a word for the spiritual force that creates and connects all life: Jukurrpa. It is often translated as "The Dreamtime" or "The Dreaming." The Dreaming is the source of all life, the origin of all things, and the eternal spirit that connects everything. The Dreaming is not just a myth or a story; it is a living reality that shapes the way the Warlpiri Peoples of Australia understand their world and their place in it. Romance is our connection to the Dreaming. Romance is our ability to dream and imagine a world beyond our current reality. Romance is the magic that connects us to something greater than ourselves.

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The man who has lost his dreaming is truly lost.

~ Jukurrpa, Warlpiri Peoples of Australia

Ever wonder why virgins are some of the most romantic people on the planet?

Clearly romance is not about sex. Romance is about dreaming – it’s about magic. The best way to kill the romance is to worry about reality. Romance is not about clarity or certainty either - it’s about possibility. Romance is choosing the “rose colored” glasses, not the microscope. Marriage vows are a wonderful thing if they are in the spirit of dreaming, not promising, expecting, or assessing.

When love is young, the less you know about your new partner, the more magic you feel and the less predictable the relationship seems. As time passes and your sense of certainty increases, your sense of magic and romance is diminished. So why then would you intend to create a predictable relationship? Why do we work so hard to create security and then miss romance?

Ever notice that the greater your sense of predictability is about a relationship, the less romance you will experience? To increase your sense of romance, follow your dreams. Fulfill your fantasies, together, and create new ones. There is truly nothing more boring than a predictable reality. Ask yourself and ask your partner to dream. Be unpredictable, take a trip without planning or packing… be nice for no reason… have fun!

We want to dream. We want magic. We need romance.

Beauty is Connects, not Dissects

Nature connects: atoms become molecules, cells become organisms, and atomic energy connects the universe—it is all beautiful.

Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.

~ Kahlil Gibran

Humans dissect. The ultimate ugliness is the atomic bomb, which is the result of dissecting just one atom.

Now, consider a beautiful song, painting, or movie; you connect with it, and it connects with you. If you choose to dissect it instead, you must first separate yourself. You must disconnect from that beautiful thing to analyze it, and then the beauty is lost.

Loneliness is the deep, aching consequence of a object oriented 3D and disassociating ego. The ego's fundamental mechanism is to judge/separate: "I am better than this person," or conversely, "I am less than that person." This judgment is the first step toward separation, the initial cut in the dissection. For instance, a man might find himself alone at a gathering, observing others and thinking, "They are all superficial; their conversations are trite." His judgment—his ego's need to feel superior by isolating a flaw—acts as a powerful emotional wall, ensuring he remains separate, untouched, and utterly lonely. The want to dissect, judge, and isolate is the silent engine of loneliness.

Where does your life lack beauty? Where is there drama? Notice what you are dissecting, and connect instead.

Falling in love, for many, is our deepest sense of connection. Marriage at its best is the practice of strengthening that sense. Divorce is what happens when people dissect each other, themselves, and their relationship.

Get connected and discover the beauty. It is all beautiful. You are beautiful.

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The "Beauty" industry is a multi billion dollar global enterprise focused on products and services that profit from vanity and insecurity at the expense of ethics, compassion, and sustainability. It is second only to animal agriculture in animal torture/experimentation masquerading as medical research. Consider supporting cruelty-free, ethical, and sustainable brands that prioritize the well being of people, animals, and the planet over profit. Here are some resources to get you started:

• PETA's Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands - A comprehensive list of brands that do not test on animals.
• Cruelty Free International - An organization dedicated to ending animal testing worldwide.
• Leaping Bunny Program - A certification program for cruelty-free products.

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Empathy is Embrace, not Surface

What is empathy? Is it a feeling? Is it a thought? Is it an action? Is it a skill? Is it a virtue? Is it a value? Is it a personality trait?

Is it a superpower?

What if Empathy is your willingness to look beneath the surface. To embrace the unknown and to acknowledge that no matter how much you share, there's always another layer beneath the surface. And so, obviously, that's true for everyone else too.

Empathy is not sympathy. Empathy is not your capacity to feel another's pain, fear, or joy. Empathy is not a feeling at all. It's empowering, not suffering. An empathetic friend is energized by another's experience, not drained by it. Empathy is your willingness to embrace another's experience, circumstances, and feelings without judgment, analysis, or advice. Empathy does not rescue. It does not fix. Empathy connects, heals, and empowers others and the empath. To have an infinite sense of empathy, is to be infinitely available to another's experience without making it right, wrong, or otherwise.

Feelings are like songs, you don't have to dance to all of them.

Truly empathic people are not drained by their empathy. They're not suffering about it, about you, or about the world. They're empowered by drama, they're not a victim of it. Why? No ego. No judgement. To be free of judgement, start with recognizing that judging judgment only compounds the problem. First you have to embrace that you will judge and assess all things, always. It's literally how your brain works. Embrace it. Use it. Celebrate it. And then embrace the fact that most of our judgements are surface level only. They may be 100% right, but only about 1% of the problem.

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God made it, but the surface was invented by the devil

~ Wolfgange Pauli, In a letter to Carl Jung

Pauli, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, was referring to the idea that the surface of things, the superficial layer we often judge and assess, is a deceptive barrier that obscures deeper truths. In this context, "God made it" suggests that the fundamental nature of reality is pure and untainted, while "the surface was invented by the devil" implies that our perceptions and judgments can distort that reality, leading us away from understanding its true essence.

This is not unlike Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics, which states that assessing something changes it. The act of observation affects the observed. In life, our surface judgments and assessments change our experience of people, situations, and ourselves. We can never truly know the full reality of anything because our perceptions are always limited and influenced by our biases, experiences, and emotions.

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves

~ Carl Jung

Carl Jung, a pioneering psychologist, explored the concept of the "shadow", the unconscious part of our personality that contains repressed weaknesses, desires, and instincts. The surface, in this sense, can be seen as the ego's defense mechanism that prevents us from confronting and integrating these deeper aspects of ourselves.

In other words, our surface projects shadows onto their surface.

The Infinity Principle asserts that any and all beliefs can be limiting if they detract or distract from your values. Shadows, of course, but any thought or belief that occurs in the denominator will reduce the probability of exerpiencing your value. It will reduce your access to the infinite. In my case, it's my surface assessments of issues, people, and situations that limit my empathy. When I judge something as "bad" or "wrong", I close myself off from embracing the probability that I'm only aware of 1% of whatever it is I'm judging. There's always more beneath the surface. There's always more to learn. Ignorance is the enemy of empathy.

People are hard to hate close up. Move in. Hold hands. Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.

~ Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness

Brené Brown, a research professor and author, has extensively studied vulnerability, courage, and empathy. She emphasizes the importance of embracing our imperfections and being open to others' experiences without judgment. Brown's work aligns with the idea that true empathy requires us to look beyond the surface and embrace the deeper emotions and experiences of others.

It's not the world that makes you suffer, it's your thoughts about the world.

~ Byron Katie

"The Work" by Byron Katie is a method of self-inquiry that helps individuals identify and question the thoughts and beliefs that cause suffering. It involves four questions that challenge the validity of our judgments and encourages us to see situations from a different perspective. This process can lead to greater empathy, as it helps us recognize that our surface judgments may not reflect the full reality of a situation or person. And it helps us embrace the unknown beneath the surface.

If you want to "master" empathy, master giving it away.

First recognize your surface assumptions and biases and then practice looking beneath your surface, and theirs, to discover 5 new senses beyond what you can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.

"The Five Human Social Senses" by Dr. John Pearsall, Neuropsychologist, outlines five fundamental emotional needs that are essential for human well-being and social connection. These needs are:

1. Feeling Heard
2. Feeling Understood
3. Feeling Competent
4. Feeling Like You're Making a Difference
5. Feeling Appreciated

If and when you can help another embrace these five senses for themself, you will be on the path to infinite empathy. Keep practicing. Notice your tendancy to judge and assess your surface delusions, and embrace the unknown instead.

Chapter 4
Faith, Grace, Purpose and Service

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We're on a road to nowhere, come on inside.

~ David Byrne, Talking Heads

This step is about spirituality.

Spirituality is your relationship to the unknown and unknowable.

Spirituality is not a practice. That’s religion.

Spirituality is not a belief system. That’s philosophy.

Spirituality is your experience of the infinite.

Your facility with the infinite empowers your faith, grace, purpose, and service.

The ratios in this book are tools that empower your relationship to the infinite, so that you can use it, instead of it using you.

It's an inside job.

Faith is Trust, not Hope

Faith is NOT certainty. Faith is the opposite of certainty. Faith is the courage to move forward without certainty. Faith is the willingness to act in spite of your fears, doubts, and excellent excuses. Faith is the willingness to trust in spite of what you know or don’t know.

Your sense of faith is your source of power. It enables new actions and inspires discovery. It does not have to know how it all turns out. Faith thrives in the questions, not the answers. Faith trusts in spite of what you know or don’t know. It moves you without truth, evidence or experience.

Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.

~ Saint Augistine

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Faith is hope in action.

On the other hand, hope without faith is passive. Hope often compensates for a lack of trust. Hope is waiting for faith or a better future. Hope robs you of security, power, and grace. If you are hopeful you are more than halfway to hopeless and almost helpless too. Ever notice that merely hopeful people aren’t very helpful? Hoping is not helping. Helping is helping. Hoping waits for someone or something else to make a difference.

Consider your greatest accomplishment. What did you do that made the difference? Notice that you did something; you didn’t just hope and wait for the best, you took action, and that took faith.

Imagine climbing a mountain with no ropes. Free climbing, like Alex Honnold's ascent of El Capitan. Every time you test a new foothold, you don't know it will hold, but you have the faith—the firm belief, based on past experience and training—that it will support your weight. That faith is what allows you to overcome the inevitable moments of doubt and keep ascending.

The thing is anybody can be happy and cozy. Nothing good happens in the world by being happy and cozy. You know, like nobody achieves anything great because they are happy and cozy

~ Alex Honnold

Courage, preparation, and hard work build trust in yourself and your abilities. Alex doesn't hope he climbs well, he trusts his skills, his preparation, and his experience. He has faith in himself.

Trust is a choice that enables you to take action that is consistent with your purpose, values, and your faith. For example, to forgive is to forward a relationship in spite of your fear that you may get hurt again. To forgive is to choose to trust; true forgiveness and trust is faith.

Ever notice that trustworthy people are also trusting? Trust is a habit you can practice. Your sense of faith will improve the more you practice trusting yourself, others, and the unknown.

In contrast to the certainty that faith provides, absolute certainty is the path to ignorance, fear, and hatred. When you become certain, you close your mind. You stop asking questions, which is the definition of ignorance. This closed-off state breeds fear of anything outside your fixed view, and that fear easily escalates into hatred for those who threaten your "truth."

Conversely, doubt is the engine that leads to questions, exploration, and discovery. To doubt is to admit you don't know everything, which keeps you open to new information, driving exploration and, ultimately, genuine discovery.

Heroes have faith, trust, and are trusted. Victims hope.

Where in your life do you need to trust? Where do you only hope? Where do you lack faith, power, and grace?

Stop looking for answers, saviors, or certainty. A commitment to serving others is the ultimate expression of faith. Serve others in spite of your fears, doubts, and excellent excuses. Serve others without certainty. Serve others with faith. Service can heal all vices, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It's the best way to heal from addictions, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Service is the ultimate expression of faith.

Be the savior you want to see in the world.

Grace is Be, not Have

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Every natural action is graceful.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Notice that having love, acceptance, money, or stature pales in comparison to being love, being prosperous, and being inspirational. The difference is grace.

When and why do you behave—whether well or poorly?

The core question is: Who do you have to be in order to have? When you do in order to have (such as performing actions to get love, attention, or respect), you cut yourself off from grace. Grace doesn't behave; it creates. You are pure grace; you are creation.

Grace is creative power, visible everywhere. Look around; you are surrounded by it. How do you recognize grace? Some see it as God, a saint, a mother, or forgiveness. It is the charge inside all of our words. It is the magic in every song that's sung. It is why lips move. It is why we have tongues.

Step outside. You'll see grace in the trees, the birds, and the flow of nature. Nature is defined by being, not by behaving, doing, or having. Nature is creation.

All babies are pure grace. We are all born with this innate state, but we learn to suppress it. Babies are masters at getting their needs met, and they do it without doing at all. They don't behave; they simply are babies.

From a scientific perspective, this "being" state aligns with the earliest stages of identity and behavior development.

An infant's identity is initially undifferentiated; their sense of self is merged with their caregiver and immediate environment. Their behavior is purely an expression of their internal state (hunger, discomfort, joy) without any external conditioning or conscious attempt to manipulate an outcome. This is the ultimate "being" state.

Around 18 months to two years, as the prefrontal cortex begins more complex development, children start developing a theory of mind—understanding that others have separate thoughts and feelings. They learn that certain actions (doing or behaving) lead to predictable responses (having attention, praise, or avoidance of punishment). This shift from purely expressing an internal state to performing a behavior is how we learn to "hide" our pure grace in favor of social conditioning.

This principle extends to creative endeavors. Artists typically love their process (the being of painting) more than their finished product (the having of paintings). Musicians prefer to perform (the being of music) over merely listening to their recordings. This illustrates the freedom and power of being versus the constraint of having.

Exercise:

Find a mirror and stand about three inches away. Look into your own eyes. Breathe, relax, and blink, but stay there until you truly see grace. It is present; look deeper.

Ask yourself, "What or who am I being right now?" Stop asking what you need to do in order to have, and start allowing yourself to be—and perhaps, to be forgiven and forgiving.

Our being—not our doing or having—is what makes us graceful. A graceful person is not defined by or attached to what they possess or what they are doing. They are free to simply be who they are.

You are a human being. You are creation.

Compassion is Interested, not Interesting

Isn’t it interesting that people who are interested are interesting and people who are not interested are not interesting?

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Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

~ Robin Williams

The best actors and comedians aren't just interesting; they are deeply interested. They make a career out of studying the detailed quirks of people, life, and emotions, then they share that genuine interest with us.

The dullest performers? They are self-absorbed and believe they are the interesting part. Since they aren't interested in you, their work feels empty.

Robin Williams was the ultimate example of this principle. He didn't just want to impress you; he genuinely cared about the human struggles he portrayed. That profound compassion and generous spirit made him a legend. He was intensely generous with his time and attention—not just toward the audience, but also toward the crew and other performers, always seeking to lift them up. He was interested, and that made him unforgettable.

Now ask yourself, who has really made a difference in your life? You probably have known of 1000s of interesting people, but only the interested ones are the ones who impacted you personally. A good teacher is interested. A good parent is interested. A good friend is interested.

Ever notice that self indulgent people are not very compassionate? That’s because they think they are interesting. They’re also the most vulnerable to depression - the ultimate in “being” interesting. You can’t possibly be depressed, bored, or even frustrated if you really get interested in something or someone else. If you have a foe, get truly interested in them, and not to win, but to learn and you’ll find the conflict will get resolved and you’ll have a friend instead.

To experience peace, kindness and compassion, be interested.

You’re really not that interesting.

Purpose is Be Cause, not Because

Kennedy's joy with his young son offers a simple example of choosing to Be Cause in a person's life—simply by dedicating time. Despite the immense pressures of the West Wing, JFK famously allowed his children to frequently visit the Oval Office. One time, while a serious meeting was in progress, a curious young John Jr. crawled into the secret kneehole space of the Resolute Desk. Unaware of the gravity of the meeting above him, he suddenly popped out and saluted the astonished officials, getting a laugh from everyone, including his father. For all his influence in the world, JFK actively chose to Be Cause in his son's young life by keeping the door to his office and his attention open.

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One person can make a difference and every person should try..

~ John F. Kennedy

Ask yourself what isn’t working in your life and your world right now. Ask yourself why it is so and why that other more desirable thing is not so. Notice that your answer will likely start with “because”.

For example, I’ve spent much of my life asking… “Why doesn’t my life have purpose?” I literally believed that was a question I could answer and that was the only one worth asking. I feared living a shallow and thoughtless life. I wanted my life to be significant. I thought… once I find my purpose I’ll start doing something worthwhile. This is a fool’s paradox.

Purpose is simply your opportunity to choose to make a difference.

Your sense of purpose is a direct result of your willingness to be the source of something and to be cause in the matter. If there is something you’re not doing because of circumstances, limiting beliefs, fears, etc. It is your sense of “because” that is blocking your ability to be the cause of something greater.

Notice when your focus is on “because” and then choose to “Be Cause” instead.

Be Cause.

What cause would call you to be? What cause is worth living for? What cause could you give your life to? …and it could be simple. Who could you make a difference for right now? How? Why not? Now, Be Cause.

Make a list right now of all the becauses that are true for you and then use them as an invitation to take action to Be Cause in your life.

An infinite sense of purpose and self-worth are available when you practice Being and Causing instead of becausing.

Harmony is Expression, not Perception

Music is the universal language of spiritual love. It connects us to something greater than ourselves. It is the sound of harmony. Harmony is the experience of being in sync with the infinite. Harmony is the experience of being in flow. Harmony is the experience of being at one with life. Harmony is the expression of love.

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Don't you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine.

~ Taylor Swift

Other people's perceptions are often projections. They're the expression of fear, jealousy, and insecurity. Their projections are not about you; they're about them. When you experience disharmony, consider what you're expressing and what they're perceiving. Are you in harmony with yourself? Are they in harmony with themselves? Are you expressing love? Are they perceiving love? If the answer to either question is no, then disharmony is inevitable.

To increase your sense of harmony, practice expressing love and perceiving love. Notice that harmony is not about being perfect; it's about being present. It's about being real. It's about being you. It's about being love.

Look, Taylor Swift’s career isn't just a career; it's a manifesto on how to be a mogul with a soul. Her personal stories in her music aren't just for catharsis—they're the operating instructions for her whole business. She doesn't just sing about surviving the haters; she explicitly says,

Cause baby, I could build a castle
Out of all the bricks they threw at me.

~ Taylor Swift, New Romantics

That isn't just a line in a song, it's her corporate strategy. The phenomenal success—like being the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year five times—is literally the funding for that castle, turning external critique into foundational structural support.

And here’s the kicker: her profound generosity isn't a PR stunt; it’s the embodiment of her belief:

Be good to people.

This plays out in jaw-dropping, real-world anecdotes. We're talking about the huge gifts, sure—the $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame—but also the quiet, heartfelt moves like paying fan medical bills. She's living the legacy ...

Never be so kind
You forget to be clever
Never be so clever
You forget to be kind.

~ Taylor Swift, Marjorie

It’s a perfect, direct harmony: her authentic expression leads to monumental success, and she consistently redirects that influence back to the community, making her integrity undeniable.

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But wait, there's more! Her impact has its own economic theory now: "Taylornomics." The Eras Tour, which blew past a billion in revenue, is a spectacle that generated an estimated $10 billion in global economic activity. Forget your Super Bowls; Taylor shut down the Federal Reserve chatter for a minute. Crucially, this spectacular wealth is intentionally channeled back to her team, proving that her kingdom is built on sharing. She gave an estimated $197 million in bonuses to every single crew member, from the dancers to the caterers and truck drivers, showing her crew that she's there for them, too. It’s the ultimate "we" story, a promise she made early on:

I was screaming, 'Long live all the magic we made'
And bring on all the pretenders
One day, we will be remembered.

~ Taylor Swift, Long Live

she’s not just hoping; she’s actively ensuring that the entire kingdom—her fans, her crew, and her community—reign right along with her.

Taylor Swift's journey is a masterclass in harmony—between personal authenticity and business acumen, between individual success and collective upliftment. Her story is a testament to the power of expressing love and perceiving love, creating a symphony that resonates far beyond the music charts.

Abundance is possible for all when we practice harmony, express our hearts, and perceive the love in others.

Donate your time, talent, or treasure to a cause you care about and experience infinite harmony

Leadership is Accountability, not Independence

The United States of America did not win its independence from England by only being independent, courageous, or rebellious. Our young founding fathers would’ve lost it all if it weren’t for the wisdom and diplomacy of one man, their mentor, Benjamin Franklin.

He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.

~ Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was seventy years old when he mentored figures like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams—all approximately four decades his junior—during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. His advanced age did not slow his commitment to the American cause. Remarkably, he was nearly eighty when he undertook the arduous journey to Paris. There, through deft diplomacy and charm, he persuaded King Louis XVI of France to commit military and financial support, ultimately leading to England's defeat in the American Revolutionary War.

The fundamental system of governance Franklin championed for America was not predicated on independence, but on interdependence. The system of checks and balances he helped establish is, at its core, a system of accountability, not conflict. This accountability is precisely what defines great leadership.

Why revisit this historical lesson? Because the world urgently needs more leaders and less conflict.

Leadership is not achieved through independent thought or actions alone. True leadership emerges from community, and community is fundamentally a system of accountabilities. To develop leadership, one must practice being accountable to others, and equally, practice asking others to uphold their own accountability.

Conflict, conversely, is often the illusion of independence: the belief that one person or group can gain only when another loses. The reward for "not losing again" is perceived as authority. Authority is not leadership; in fact, it often actively opposes it. Authority constrains the potential for leadership in others and breeds greater fear of loss, thus escalating conflict. The solution to the cycle of conflict is not isolation, but mutual accountability. It is Community. It is Leadership.

Beyond the monumental task of securing French aid, Franklin's leadership was evident early in his political career. For example, during his many years in the Pennsylvania Assembly, Franklin often acted as a powerful mediator between the elected representatives and the proprietary governors, who represented the interests of the Penn family. In one instance, when the Assembly was locked in a bitter dispute with the Proprietors over tax fairness—specifically, whether the Penns' vast lands should be subject to taxation for colonial defense—Franklin galvanized the Assembly. He leveraged public opinion and his own influence to push through legislation that asserted the rights of the colonists against proprietary privilege, demonstrating his ability to forge a consensus and hold powerful interests accountable to the community's needs. This tireless work ultimately led to him being sent to England as an agent for the Assembly to petition the Crown directly against proprietary rule, illustrating his willingness to take accountability for the colonists' welfare onto the global stage.

To radically and immediately increase your personal sense of leadership, relinquish the illusion of independence. Abandon the feeling of being alone. Take stock of who you depend on and, crucially, who depends on you. You are not independent. You are an essential part of a much greater whole, and your identity is a collection of the people and groups who depend on you. In this light, you are the center of your community.

To foster greater leadership within your family, organization, or community, focus on creating systems of accountabilities that diminish fear and dismantle the illusion of independence. Strive to replace authority with accountabilities. Moreover, learn to encourage healthy conflict as a vital signal—a call for new leaders and new accountabilities to emerge.

Consider this: who you are is measured by who you are accountable to. You are nothing more and nothing less.

Chapter 5
The Quest for Truth, Myth and Magic

This chapter is about "the quest"...

It seems humanity has always sought truth and magic. Cultures throughout history have always cycled between needing to know the truth and needing more magic in their lives. The more we have of one the more we need the other.

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If you want to change the world, you have to risk the truth.

Myth must be kept alive, for it is the communication, the living language, of the soul.

~ Joseph Campbell

Humans have always sought to catch both the truth and the magic. Across every culture and century, we find this endless cycle: the more firmly we grasp one, the more desperately we yearn for the other. When knowledge gives us a stable world, we start craving the thrill of the mysterious. When mystery overwhelms us, we seek the firm bedrock of fact.

This perpetual human quest is written in the very wiring of our minds, a constant dance between the finite calculator and the infinite dreamer.

Our prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the great architect, the master planner of the brain. It is obsessed with edges, boundaries, and measurable facts—the very essence of Truth. When the PFC successfully solves a puzzle or validates a prediction, it lights up with a wash of dopamine, rewarding us with a feeling of deep satisfaction, safety, and control. It’s the neurological high of being right. However, the PFC gets tired. Too much certainty leads to a rigid, limited world, and the relentless pressure to be right can create the very anxiety it tries to prevent. When we are trapped by the logic of "because" and "what-if," our finite mind is running the show.

Opposite this architect lies the domain of Magic—the sudden, breathtaking feeling of awe. When we encounter something vast—a star-filled night, a towering mountain, or a profound work of art—our brain takes a sudden, glorious vacation.

Scientifically, this sensation is marked by a quieting of the Default Mode Network (DMN), the system responsible for ego, self-criticism, and constant self-referential chatter. For a moment, the controlling "I" disappears. Instead of fixed, three-dimensional boundaries, the emotional centers of the limbic system open up to a pure spectrum of feeling, where joy and reverence mix with a thrilling, boundaryless fear. This is the neurochemical release that makes the rigid world melt, reminding us that we are part of something boundless, limitless, and beautifully un-measurable.

This push-pull isn't new; it's the rhythm of history.

The Greek philosophers, with their pursuit of Logos (reason and natural law), tried to abolish the gods and their chaotic magic. Yet, as their intellectual systems became too cold and strict, people yearned for a return to the infinite. Later, as great, rational empires—from Rome to the Enlightenment's Age of Reason—reached their scientific peak, they often collapsed into new eras of Mysticism and Romanticism. The search for Truth builds the house, but the need for Magic is what makes life worth living inside it.

The challenge, therefore, is not to choose one, but to practice the sacred rhythm: to use our PFC to be effective in the world, and our capacity for awe to remember that the world is infinite.

Joseph Campbell, the great mythologist, understood this dance deeply. He taught that myths are not just old stories; they are the living language of the soul, guiding us through the interplay of Truth and Magic. Myths provide a framework for understanding our place in the cosmos while simultaneously opening us to the mysteries that lie beyond our comprehension.

To truly embrace this quest, we must cultivate both our rational mind and our capacity for wonder. We need to honor the truths we discover while remaining open to the magic that defies explanation. This balance allows us to navigate life with both clarity and awe, grounding us in reality while inspiring us to dream.

We're all on a hero's journey.

Truth is Within, not Without

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.

~ Carl Jung

The world is full of perspectives. Be aware of all perspectives; don’t bother with whether they agree or whether you agree. Agreement is not the truth. It is an illusion. Agreement is a very poor substitute for the truth. An agreement is really just a point in a conversation or a thought where people stop exploring and stop learning.

Now notice if you are looking for truth or agreement while reading this page.

When you imagine THE TRUTH, is it a finite notion?

If the truth you seek is an absolute truth and a certain truth, then you can’t get anymore finite than that. If “finite” is a limiting belief, why believe in a limiting truth? If you believe in a god, I suspect you believe in an infinite god. This is a very good and empowering belief. If your god isn’t finite, then why is your sense of truth?

Give up believing in absolutes. This principle is about choosing an infinite sense of truth… a sense of truth that is always expanding, always learning, always growing.

It is your sense of “without” that creates fear, scarcity, desperation, confusion, hopelessness, etc. What if the truth is, you and your world are infinitely abundant? Can you believe that? Should you? Consider that a belief is simply the thought you chose when you stopped learning about that thing you chose to believe.

Truth is not “out there” somewhere. Don’t bother looking for it. You’ve already got it… you always have had it. You came with it. If you have the limiting belief that you can’t find it, it will find you when you stop seeking. Seeking is driven by your sense of without. Give up seeking, give up scarcity and let the truth in you shine through you.

It is only your beliefs that are limiting your truth. Stop believing and start being.

The truth is inside. Be your truth.

Magic is Imagination, not Knowledge

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Disney, Einstein, Franklin, and DaVinci - these guys loved life.

They believed that “knowing” killed their sense of magic and that imagination was the key to a life of joy and fulfillment. Yes, they learned, they learned a lot, but learning was not about knowing, it was about discovery.

The path to discovery is paved with imagination.

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

~ Albert Einstein

Knowledge and certainty block your sense of magic. They hinder imagination and they keep you from exploring and learning. Consider the things you know for sure, which ones have you known for a long time? When was the last time you truly learned anything new about that which you already know? Knowledge may, in fact, be the ultimate limiting belief.

Knowledge is useful, for sure, but it isn’t magic. Nobody created something new with knowledge alone. It took imagination.

The greatest breakthroughs in science and art were never born from certainty; they were born from a defiant and playful ignorance—a refusal to accept the boundaries of known facts. Albert Einstein, DaVinci, Ben Franklin, and Walt Disney all embodied this philosophy.

Albert Einstein, the architect of modern physics, often spoke about the vital necessity of maintaining a child-like curiosity. He famously said,

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.

One of his defining moments came from imagining a simple scenario: What would happen if I chased a beam of light? No established knowledge of the time could fully answer that simple, innocent question. His knowledge was useful, but his revolutionary breakthroughs—the theories of relativity—came not from meticulously working within the known laws of physics, but from playfully asking a question that those laws said he couldn't answer. His greatest genius was his capacity to suspend his professional knowledge and revert to a state of pure, imaginative wonder, which then forced knowledge to catch up.

Similarly, Walt Disney didn't hire engineers; he hired "Imagineers." This was no mere marketing gimmick. In the early days of planning Disneyland, his team of structural engineers would constantly tell him, "It can't be done", listing the structural, spatial, and financial reasons why a fully immersive, animated theme park was impossible.

Disney's genius was to eliminate the very job description that centered on existing knowledge and certainty. By renaming his designers "Imagineers," he shifted their entire mandate. Their job was no longer to calculate what was known to be possible, but to start with what was imagined to be marvelous. The knowledge of how to build the first roller coaster with an actual loop or the first synchronized dark ride had to be invented after the imagination had already decided it was a necessary part of the magic.

Knowledge and certainty block your sense of magic. They hinder imagination and they keep you from exploring and learning. Consider the things you know for sure—which ones have you known for a long time? When was the last time you truly learned anything new about that which you already know? Knowledge may, in fact, be the ultimate limiting belief.

If you want an infinite sense of magic, imagine more, and know less. The moment you declare something to be a certainty, you close the door on its infinite possibilities.

If you want an infinite sense of magic, imagine more, and know less.

Imagination is born from doubt and dies from certainty.

Magic is not an answer; it is a question. It is the question that keeps you searching, exploring, learning and creating a life of magic.

Predictability is so overrated.

Clarity is Facts, not Stories

We love stories - we especially love our stories. We live in a story telling culture. Stories matter. They give meaning to the events in our life. Some stories empower you, others don’t.

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You take the blue pill... the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill... you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes

~ Morpheus, The Matrix

The truth is simple: You do not inhabit the world you see; you live inside the story your mind manufactures about that world. Clarity isn't some fact you hunt down. It is the sudden, chilling realization that the stories you live by are the chains that hold you. You must see the cage to escape the cage.

What is real? How do you define 'real'? If you're talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then 'real' is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.

~ Morpheus, The Matrix

Your self-doubt, your excuses, your constant need to assign blame—these personal, limiting stories are your own self imposed Matrix. They blind you to the raw, unlimited potential of your mind.

To break free, you must make the choice. You must master the art of distinguishing the Fact from the Story. Facts are indifferent; they simply are. They are the stark, cold, measurable data of reality. They have no capacity to disappoint you. It is your narrative, your fearful interpretation, your attachment to what the fact means, that delivers the sorrow.

You are the sole architect of your stories.

Your ultimate act of self-mastery is to write a new, empowering script for yourself and for others. A wise strategist does not weep over the facts. A good analyst, a good leader, collects the evidence and creates multiple, viable stories to explain that same evidence. Each one is a program, a tool to be used and discarded without a drop of emotional attachment. Stories are useful. Do not, under any circumstances, allow your stories to use you.To cut through the illusion, you must rigorously interrogate your reality.

Ask yourself what is the data and what is the delusion?

The filters that color reality have a definable form, time, and place. They are your creation; they are not the truth.

Factual questions are: Who? What? Where? When?

Story questions are: Why? and How?

The past is fixed. The events are done. But the story you carry about those old events is a parasite, coloring your present and blocking future opportunities.

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The Oracle did not look to Neo's external strength; she looked to his will. The power to save the world, or to save yourself, comes not from being declared the One, but from knowing you are the One. The power flows from the internal, empowering story you choose to believe. Choose to be your own Architect. Reject the Blue Pill of comfortable delusional stories. Start coding a Red Pill narrative — a story where infinite possibilities are the facts.

Stop being run by the program and instead... free your mind. Free your self.

Clarity isn't the TRUTH; it is the freedom from your stories.

Discovery is Persists, not Insists

The greatest danger to our future is apathy.

~ Jane Goodall

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We have to be curious. We have to be prepared to open our minds to possibilities that we haven't thought of before... We have to crawl under, climb over, and work our way around all the obstacles.

~ Jane Goodall

Knowing is not discovering. Knowing insists on the status quo. Discovery persists in a question… and a dream.

I’m not writing to you about how to merely discover haphazardly, but how to live a life filled with an infinite sense of discovery.

Columbus, Magellan and Einstein all challenged common sense and persisted on a path that others insisted was foolish.

Before Jane Goodall, the world insisted that young girls should not live with apes in the jungle, that man was the only toolmaker, and that animals are merely reactive, instinctual, organic machines… not emotional, sentient beings like us. But Jane persisted. She was not a trained scientist or an expert in apes or even camping when she started on her quest in Africa. She was a secretary who was driven by a question.

“What can we learn from chimps in nature? What can we learn about ourselves?”

She did not know what she would discover. She didn’t even know if she would survive, but she persisted. She lived, mostly alone, in the jungle for years. She not only discovered a lot about chimps, she discovered a lot about herself and her kind. She discovered her life, her purpose, and her passion.

What will you insist?

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.

~ Jane Goodall

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“Roots & Shoots breaks down barriers between religions, races, cultures and between us and the natural world

~ Jane Goodall

Wisdom is Seeks, not Speaks

Purple haze all in my brain
Lately things, they don't seem the same.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

~ Jimi Hendrix

It is certainly uncertain what is best to be certain about. The path to discovery is paved with doubt. The song "Purple Haze" is not about drug-induced confusion; it's about the delusions of certainty that he and many others confront on their intellectual journey. The more you know, the more you know you don't know. Only ignorance is certain of certainty.

So ask yourself… What do you know for sure? What are you not asking about? What questions have you stopped asking? Why?

Knowledge is a limiting belief. It protects you from the discomfort of uncertainty, but keeps you from awareness. Awareness is an enquiry, not an absolute. Questioning, exploring and learning are all consequences of uncertainty and awareness. Knowledge actually blocks learning and thus, limits wisdom.

Wisdom has the capacity to grow, change, adapt, and learn. And thus, the best method to increase your sense of wisdom is to notice what you are certain about and then look again, notice another perspective, and ask another question.

Purple haze all in my eyes
Don't know if it's day or night.

When your normal perceptions fail, you are forced to look at the world differently.

Have you ever noticed that highly successful people ask a lot of questions? It seems the least successful have all the answers. Wisdom is enhanced by awareness, not knowledge.

The song "Purple Haze" is the quintessential depiction of an uncertain state, a metaphor for the mind expanding experience that shatters certainty. Hendrix himself offered various explanations for the song's meaning—a dream about walking underwater, a mythical journey, or even a Voodoo spell—demonstrating that the specific knowledge of the event is less important than the feeling of the experience it creates. The true purpose of the song is the experience of disorientation itself:

You got me blowing, blowing my mind
Is it tomorrow... or just the end of time?

This line embodies the destruction of limiting certainty (knowledge) in favor of limitless possibility (awareness).

And thus, knowledge is meaningless without awareness. Imagine a blowhard you know who can share a seemingly endless list of facts, knowledge, stories of his achievements, trivia, etc., but hasn’t a clue whether you’re interested. He is the best evidence that knowledge without awareness lacks wisdom.

So, what and who are you interested in? Be interested, not interesting. Your knowledge limits your capacity for wisdom… awareness and interest increases it.

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

~ Socrates

People like people who are interested, not interesting. To break through the "Purple Haze" of limiting knowledge, one must embrace the moment of radical curiosity and openness. To truly seek awareness is to say:

'Scuse me while I kiss the sky

Creativity is Transformation, not Hesitation

Creativity is a transformative process. Nothing comes from nothing. Transformation starts with the destruction of what's comfortable, safe, and known and stops when you wait. It is the willingness to let go of what you do know in order to explore what you don't. Creativity is not about finding the right answer; it is about asking the wrong questions and being willing to fail, fail, fail, and then learn, grow, and fail again.

Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
There's gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

~ David Bowie

Few people embodied the spirit of change and evolution like David Bowie. His entire career was a testament to the power of embracing change and reinventing oneself. Bowie didn't just adapt to the changing landscape of music and culture; he actively shaped it, constantly pushing boundaries and defying expectations.

He embodies transformation. He is a constant creation, no apologies and no hesitation.

The last thing I want is a polite reception. I want people to riot.

~ David Bowie

Bowie's integrity lay in his unwavering commitment to authenticity and self-expression. He refused to be confined by societal norms or industry standards, instead choosing to explore new identities, sounds, and styles. Each of his personas—from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke—was a bold experiment in self-discovery and artistic evolution.

His ability to integrate change into his work allowed him to remain relevant and influential across decades. Bowie understood that true integrity is not about maintaining a static identity, but about embracing the fluidity of life and the endless possibilities for growth, innovation and transformation.

He did not stick to one safe solution; he evolved continuously, he took risks, he inspired countless others to do the same. In Bowie’s world, change was not a threat but a source of endless creativity and innovation. His legacy reminds us that integrity is found in our ability to adapt, evolve, and embrace the unknown with open arms.

If you feel safe in the area you're working in, you're not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you're capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don't feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you're just about in the right place to do something exciting.

~ David Bowie

Be the Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes you want to see in the world.

Chapter 6
Revelations and Enlightenment

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And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming

And the sign said,
"The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls

And whispered in the sound of silence"

~ Paul Simon

Revelations and Enlightenment are not destinations, truths, or even a state of mind… they are a process. If you are expecting a prophecy, you’ll be disappointed in this chapter, but if you seek epiphany and wisdom…

Keep reading…

You’re on the right path.

Reverence is Bless, not Stress

I want education for the sons and the daughters of all the extremists, especially the Taliban

~ Malala Yousafzai

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To revere something, anything, ourselves, or each other is to revere all life.

Stress is what we feel when we resist life. There is no resistance in life. It flows. A river does not resist the dam, it simply waits. A flower does not resist the winter, it just returns to the soil only to blossom anew next spring.

To bless is to serve all of it, all that it is and all that it isn’t and all that it may become. Regardless of whatever “it” is.

Be willing to bless all that you see and blessings are all that you will see.

So to practice reverence, simply notice where there is stress and bless it instead. You may find stress in yourself, your future, your family, work, or community… and you may find it in someone else or somewhere else. Let stress be your opportunity to bless.

You are blessed with talents, skills, time and energy. Blessings are for giving. Giving of yourself and your blessings is called service. Service is simply the practice of applying blessings to something or someone beyond yourself.

A life in service is a life full of blessings.

Reverence is what happens when you allow life to flow. Malala faced unimaginable stress when the Taliban attempted to silence her, shooting her in the face, and banning girls' education in her hometown. Yet, she chose not to resist life by giving in to fear. Instead, she embraced her situation with profound reverence, transforming her stress into a powerful blessing for others.

At night our fear is strong.. but in the morning, in the light, we find our courage again

~ Malala Yousafzai

Like the flower in spring, Malala's attack was her "winter," but instead of becoming bitter or silent, she returned stronger, blossoming into a louder advocate. She transformed her greatest vulnerability—the attack—into her greatest strength. She transformed her stress into a blessing for the world.

The fear and injustice surrounding the denial of education created a crisis, and she answered with selfless service. She looked beyond her personal trauma to serve even the children of her persecutors with the blessing of education, demonstrating a commitment to blessing all that she saw.

The profound blessing Malala was gifted—her second life and her voice—became the tools for her service. She recognized she was blessed with talents, skills, time and energy, and that blessings are for giving.

Her service is dedicated to the world's voiceless girls.

I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.

~ Malala Yousafzai

Malala’s Fund to advocate for 12 years of free, safe, and quality education for all girls is an act of applying her blessings (her platform, her resources) to something beyond herself—a life in service that is truly a life full of blessings.

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Growth is Seeds, not Weeds

May all your weeds be wildflowers

~ unknown

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The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

In short, you reap what you sow.

This is not new wisdom. We’ve heard this many times before. There’s even a “Secret” based on this principle. Some secret! Here’s the secret nobody is talking about…

It is not because of some universal accounting system, or some score keeping god, or even some karmic economy. It is because we live in community. Your communities, your families, and your circles of influence are your garden. Your words and deeds are the seeds, and the conversations are the water. Like water, conversations naturally flow downhill… so, you be the pump. You can defy gravity.

Elevate all your conversations and nourish the seeds, not the weeds.

When they go low, we go high!

~ Michelle Obama

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Look now. What are the words and deeds that will yield fruit and flowers in your garden? What are the weeds that you need to pull? Weeds are the negative thoughts, emotions and stories that don’t serve you or your community. Gossip nourishes the weeds. Stop the gossip and pull the weeds. Don’t just ignore them or deny them. Pull them out by their roots. And not just once in a while, but every day.

When you notice yourself or others complaining or gossiping, let that be a reminder to plant a seed. Say something positive or hopeful instead. If you water the seeds and pull the weeds every day, you’ll be amazed at what your garden grows.

What are all the weeds in your garden? What are some seeds you’d like to plant? What conversations can you start to nourish your seeds?

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

~ Chinese Proverb

Start a positive conversation right now. Plant a seed. Share this post right now with your friends and family. Nourish your garden.

Courage is Go!, not No!

Fear is necessary for courage. There is a difference between being courageous and being reckless. This famous photo from Tiananmen Square does not show a reckless person. He’s not your average rebel. He’s on his way home and holding a bag of groceries. He’s probably a dad and a husband. He has a lot to lose, and yet he’s clearly committed to saving more lives than just his own. This is courage. While the rest of the world says “no, we can’t end violence,” he took action and stopped an army.

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

When others say “no”, heroes say “Go!”

The difference between success and safety is when and where you say “no”. It is your no’s, not’s, can not’s, will not’s, and do not’s that define the boundaries of your life. They are the edge of your possibilities. What you “No” is your box. To get out of your box, you must go beyond your no. What no’s are keeping you safe, comfortable, and secure?

Ever notice that security and obscurity rhyme?

Extraordinary people don’t focus on security; they rarely said "no" when everyone else did. Instead they were the ones to take action, to lead the charge, and to make a difference. They said Go! in spite of their fears and their no’s.

Fear is a great motivator. It is the fuel that feeds the fire. What’s your fire? What’s your fear? Fear is behind all your no’s… notice your can nots, do nots, etc. and then use that fear to motivate you instead of stopping you.

Audacity is Possibility, not Humility

Audacity is the courage to make the impossible possible.

Humility can be great, but it is not the path to greatness. To be great, you must believe in your possibilities. Muhammad Ali believed in his possibilities. He believed he was the greatest, even when the world said no. He believed in his possibilities even when he was stripped of his title and banned from boxing for three years. He believed in his possibilities even when everyone said he couldn’t beat Foreman in Zaire. He believed in his possibilities even when he was told he couldn’t be a conscientious objector and world champion. He believed in his possibilities when he threw his gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a segregated lunch counter.

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I am the greatest! ... I have wrestled with an alligator, I have tussled with a whale, I've handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail.

~ Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali’s life wasn't just a fight; it was a manifesto written in sweat. When the world screamed "NO!" he simply said "Go!"

That’s the difference between success and safety, isn't it? He was offered the greatest security imaginable—fame, wealth, the champion's crown—if only he would say "Yes, I'll go" to the draft. But his deepest truth, his absolute "No, I will not," defined his possibilities. When the establishment stripped him of his title, they were saying, "You cannot be a conscientious objector and world champion." They drew a box around him. Ali’s response? A roar: "I ain't got no quarrel with them Vietcong. No Vietcong ever called me nigger." He went beyond their 'no,' choosing action and principle over the comfort of compliance.

Ever notice that security and obscurity rhyme? Extraordinary people don’t focus on security; they rarely say "no" when everyone else does. Ali proved that early. Back from the 1960 Olympics, a gold medal shimmering around his neck, he was still told "NO" at a segregated lunch counter. Can you feel that fire? That's the fuel! That’s the fear—the fear of a world that won't see you, won't serve you, won't respect you. He didn't let that fear stop him. He used it. He took that symbol of safety and acceptance—that shiny gold medal—and he threw it into the Ohio River. An act of pure, magnificent "Go!" in the face of the American "No."

What’s your fire? What’s your fear? In 1974, the world’s "can nots" and "will nots" were focused on Zaire. "No, he can't beat Foreman!" The collective "No" was deafening. But fear is a great motivator. It is the fuel that feeds the fire. Ali, the master poet of panic, turned his anxiety into a strategy. He welcomed the danger, leaning on the ropes in the blistering heat—the crazy, dangerous, magnificent "Rope-a-Dope." He welcomed the blows, using the fear of being knocked out to sharpen his focus, until he could finally unleash the power of his self-belief.

Fear didn't stop him, it empowered him. Courage won.

It will empower you too. Just notice your no’s and choose to go beyond them.

Welcome to an extraordinary life.

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is nothing.

~ Muhammad Ali

Intimacy is Yields, not Shields

He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, while he who has one enemy shall meet him everywhere.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

This page of my book was supposed to be about sex, yet somehow I came up with that picture and that quote. Hilarious. Both made me cry.

I was ready to publish this book when I had dinner with an old love interest who was recently engaged. I told her about my book and asked what she thought was missing. She said, "SEX." "Your book is interesting and all, but where's the sex? People want infinite orgasms. Silly!"

We laughed, and then I went home depressed. I wondered: why was my book missing sex and intimacy? Not surprisingly, none of my friends, family, editors, mentors, or coaches noticed this. It took a particular woman to remind me of this one. Thank you, Delilah.

Even now, I'd rather write about Intimacy than just raw sex. I like to think that intimacy is more important. I guess I'm still living in some prudish view of sex, but for now I'll write about intimacy. I'll let you imagine the sex. Besides, this book is about the infinite, the undefined, the unknown, and the unknowable. It is about being, not doing. Intimacy is the being; sex is in the doing.

About the Equation

To create an experience of Infinite Intimacy, practice dropping your shields and taking down your walls—not forever, and not recklessly or unconditionally, but powerfully. Power is boundless; boundaries are powerless. Intimacy is a source of power.

Your shields (i.e., filters) are an important aspect of your personality, your success strategies, and so on, but they are an act. Your acts are there to protect you; they are good at it, but they are not good for intimacy. Acts are safe, not powerful. You are not your act. Power and intimacy become available when your acts yield and enable your higher self to relate with others.

About Sex

A sexual orgasm is just one way to experience this gift we call intimacy. Ideally, orgasms are an opening for intimacy; they are not intimacy itself. Flowers blossom for a purpose—it is a means to an end. The flower, like your higher self, must be open and available to enable life's gifts. The orgasm is not the gift; it is the opening.

Are all orgasms openings for intimacy? Perhaps not. Sometimes they seem to be about power, domination, or conquest. Sometimes people get ecstatic about pain, war, or violence, even with the ones they think they love. For me, this is more evidence of our confusion with love. Love is not possessive, attached, or dominating. Love is generous. Sex should be too. If it is not, there is likely an "act" with its shields up.

About Falling in Love

For me, the helpless, desperate, but very exciting sensation of falling in love isn't love at all. It is vulnerability. It is recklessly dropping my shields, and the "high" has more to do with being naked (emotionally) than truly being empowered.

Being in love is a powerful experience; it is being intimate, not vulnerable.

Vitality is Light, not Loss

Vitality is the energy and enthusiasm for life. It is the light that shines within us and the force that drives us to pursue our passions and dreams. Vitality is not just about physical health; it is about mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is the ability to find joy and meaning in life, even in the face of challenges and adversity.

What is soul? It's like electricity - we don't really know what it is, but it's a force that can light a room.

~ Ray Charles

Our sense of Vitality is a function of our light divided by our sense of loss. If and when we focus on "loss," we rob ourselves and others of our light.

Notice your thoughts of lost time, lost opportunities, lost love, lost health. Don't resist, just notice when that sense of loss is consuming your energy and diminishing your light, and then choose to shine your love instead.

Ray Charles, for example, did not focus on being blind, nor did he let the culture of his youth and the color of his skin disable his dreams. He focused his life and his light on his love for people.

His music was a tool to enable him to make a difference for others in the world. His light shines still, and although he's left his body behind, his vitality lives on.

Take a look now. What is the source of your Vitality? What is your light to shine? Perhaps it is just a smile, perhaps you're an artist, an engineer, a parent, or a friend? And what sense of loss has you withholding your light?

What damage from your past is robbing you of your vitality? What pain from your past is dimming your light? Suffering is not from the pain in your past; it's what it feels like to suppress your light in the present.

The wound is the place where the light enters you.

~ Rumi

Healing is an overrated delusion. We don't heal. Not really. We either grow stronger or suffer. We build muscles by tearing them. Broken bones grow stronger. Likewise, healing your emotional wounds is not about fixing what's broken, but about allowing your light to shine through the cracks of your broken heart and fragile ego. Your vitality is your light. Let it shine bright and illuminate the world around you.

This is most beautifully illustrated in the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. The philosophy behind Kintsugi is that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, and should be celebrated rather than disguised.

Your wounds, your losses, are not just scars to hide; they are the very places where your light can shine the brightest. Embrace them, let your vitality flow through them, and watch as your life becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.

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This is Louise Bernadette Butcher, running without a top in her second London Marathon. She is raising awareness of breast cancer and funds for research after being diagnosed with the disease in 1995. Despite losing a breast to cancer, she chose to embrace her vitality and light by running topless to inspire others and raise funds for a cause close to her heart.

Louise's story is a powerful reminder that our vitality comes from within, and it is not defined by our losses or challenges. By embracing her light and sharing it with the world, she has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope for many.

Excellence is Practice, not Perfect

Practice alone is not enough to experience excellence, you must also notice and transform your perfectionism. Perfectionism creates limitations, boundaries, and restrictions that thwart performance unless and until you use it to inspire more practice.

Perfection is the enemy of Excellence. It is a delusion. It is egoic. It is the path to mediocrity. Analysis paralysis is the sure sign of a perfectionist. Notice your want for perfection, it'll look a lot like planning, preparing, and procrastinating. Sure. Make plans, but take immediate action. Practice, not planning, is the difference between winners and losers. Both have the same hopes, dreams, goals, and desires. Both likely have similar plans. The difference is practice. Winners want practice. Losers wait for perfection.

Perfection is the opposite of excellence. Excellence is real. It's measurable. Excellence is the pursuit of mastery, the relentless commitment to growth, and the unwavering dedication to the craft. Excellence is about progress, not perfection. It is about learning from mistakes, embracing challenges, and pushing beyond limits. Excellence is what separates the good from the great. It is what propels individuals to achieve greatness. And yet, exellence is never perfect. It is always a work in progress. It is always evolving, adapting, and improving. Excellence is not a destination, but a journey. It is a mindset, a way of life, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Errors are on the path to Excellence. Mistakes are the stepping stones to mastery. Failures are the building blocks of success. Embrace them. Learn from them. You'll never achieve excellence without errors.

I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.

~ Serena Williams

Serena's life is like a master class in the Infinity Principle of Excellence. She has faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her career, including injuries, health issues, and personal struggles. Yet, she has always bounced back stronger and more determined than ever. Her relentless practice, unwavering commitment to growth, and unyielding dedication to the craft have propelled her to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

There are few GOATS that can compare to her record of excellence: she has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era, holding the world number one ranking for 319 total weeks, including a joint-record of 186 consecutive weeks, winning four Olympic gold medals, achieving the "Serena Slam" twice (holding all four major singles titles simultaneously), completing a career Grand Slam in both singles and doubles (a "Golden Slam"), returning to dominance in her career after injuries and setbacks, using her platform to advocate for racial equity in US health care and for better treatment of mothers returning to tennis after childbirth, which led to a rule change by the WTA, being a UNICEF ambassador and engaging in significant charitable work, like building schools in Africa.

Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.

~ Serena Williams

And she's had more than her share of obstacles: facing racism, sexism, and body shaming throughout her career, the 2003 murder of her half-sister, Yetunde Price, in a gang-related shooting, which caused depression and led to a break from tennis, suffering a blood clot in her lung in 2011, which was life-threatening, experiencing a difficult childbirth with an emergency C-section and severe complications, including another blood clot, followed by postpartum depression, dealing with injuries throughout her career, which caused her ranking to drop, facing controversy and fines due to on-court altercations and arguments with referees, early career challenges, including a loss in her first professional match at age 14 and struggling with qualifying rounds in subsequent tournaments.

I don't like to lose, at anything, yet I've grown most not from victories, but setbacks.

~ Serena Williams

Evolution is EQ, not IQ

In Charles Darwin's "The Descent of Man" he mentions love and empathy nearly 200 times, but "survival of the fittest" only twice and with a disclaimer that it is a misnomer.

We did not evolve from violence or technology, we evolved with empathy. Our ability to understand and share the feelings of others is what allowed us to form complex social structures, cooperate in large groups, and ultimately thrive as a species. Empathy is the foundation of our social intelligence, which is a key component of emotional intelligence. EQ is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It is a critical skill for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and leading effectively.

Intelligence is the ability to solve problems. Consciousness is the ability to feel things such as another's pain, joy, love and anger.

~ Yuval Noah Harari

As aritificial intelligence continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly clear that EQ will be more important than IQ in the future. While IQ measures cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, creativity and logical reasoning, EQ measures our ability to connect with others, communicate effectively, and navigate social situations. In a world where technology is rapidly changing the way we work and interact with each other, those with high EQ will be better equipped to adapt and thrive.

Bots emulate both IQ and EQ easily, but they cannot and will not ever relate to being human. They cannot feel and so, they cannot be truly Conscious. They will evolve and their capacity to emulate, deceive and manipulate humans will improve, but the humans that thrive will be the ones who invest in EQ, not IQ. The future belongs to those who can connect, empathize, and collaborate with others.

Note to self: Notice when you're feeling right, smart or clever and choose empathy instead. Empathy is your super power.

Reject any thoughts, habits, tech, or ideologies that trade IQ for EQ. They are the path to "machine men", not your evolution. Take a moment and watch the wisdom of Charlie Chaplin, I'm not sure it's ever been said better...

And no, I'm not arguing for ignorance, superstition or anti-intellectualism. IQ is important, but EQ is essential for our evolution. Invest in both, but use your IQ to improve your EQ. The future belongs to those who can connect, empathize, and collaborate with others. Intelligently.

Ideally, we must use both effectively. Consider ethics and morality. IQ without EQ is psychopathy. EQ without IQ is naivety. If developed equally they create Wisdom.

Capitalism has been the best engine for our intellectual evolution. Science is the fuel, but is often employed without empathy. It often dismisses EQ. This must change. We must learn to use science to evolve our standards for ethics, morality, and empathy instead of debating ancient texts that were written without either.

We must evolve our economic systems. We need a currency of service, not servitude. We need to profit from contribution, not competition. We must measure success by the impact we have on others, not our capacity to hoard, oppress, and exploit fear, addiction, and ignorance. We need to reject privilege and practice generosity. We need to value people more than profit and values more than valuables. We need policies and politicians that talk more about ethics than economics.

In short, be Conscious, Conscientious, and Compassionate.

Charlie Chaplin - The Great Dictator (1940)

I'm sorry, but I don't want to be an emperor

That's not my business

I don't want to rule or conquer anyone

I should like to help everyone if possible

Jew, Gentile, Black Man, White

We all want to help one another, human beings are like that

We want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery

We don't want to hate and despise one another

And this world has room for everyone, and the good Earth is rich and can provide for everyone

The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way

Greed has posioned men's souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed

We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in

Machinery that gives us abundance has left us in want

Our knowledge has made us cynincal

Our cleverness, hard and unkind

We think too much, and feel too little

More than machinery, we need humanity

More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness

Without these qualities life will be violent, and all will be lost

The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together

The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all

Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world - millions of despairing men, women, and little children - victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people

To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair

The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress

The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people

And so long as men die, liberty will never perish

Soldiers!

Don't give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you - who regiment your lives - tell you what to do - what to think and what to feel!

Who drill you - diet you - treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder

Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men - machine men with machine minds and machine hearts!

You are not machines!

You are not cattle!

You are men!

You have the love of humanity in your hearts!

You don't hate!

Only the unloved hate - the unloved and the unnatural!

Soldiers!

Don't fight for slavery!

Fight for liberty!

In the 17th Chapter of St Luke it is written: "the Kingdom of God is within man" - not one man nor a group of men, but in all men!

In you!

You, the people have the power - the power to create machines

The power to create happiness!

You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure

Then - in the name of democracy - let us use that power - let us all unite

Let us fight for a new world - a decent world that will give men a chance to work - that will give youth a future and old age a security

By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power

But they lie!

They do not fulfil that promise

They never will!

Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people!

Now let us fight to fulfil that promise!

Let us fight to free the world - to do away with national barriers - to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance

Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness

Soldiers!

In the name of democracy, let us all unite

We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity

More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness

Without these qualities life will be violent, and all will be lost

~ Charlie Chaplin

Chapter 7
To Infinity and Beyond!

This is it, the final chapter. The big finish. The grand finale. The ultimate equation. The secret sauce. The meaning of life. The answer to everything. Are you ready?

Have fun and share with a friend.

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This isn't flying. This is falling with style!

~ Buzz Lightyear

In life and in mountains, the peaks are only as high as the valleys are low. The journey is not about reaching a destination, but about exploring the infinite possibilities along the way. The secret to happiness is not in having everything, but in appreciating what you have. The key to success is not in avoiding failure, but in learning from it. The path to enlightenment is not in seeking perfection, but by celebrating your flaws. The essence of love is not in possession, but in freedom. The power of change is not in control, but in surrender. The beauty of life is not in certainty, but in mystery. The meaning of existence is not in finding purpose, but in creating it.

The ratios in this final chapter and all prior are fodder for your own exploration. They are not rules, nor laws, nor commandments. They are simply tools to consider as you navigate your own journey to infinity and beyond.

See if you find your own ratios.

Enlightenment is Flaws, not Blahs

Whoa! Wait a minute. Aren’t enlightened people flawless?

I have spent the better part of my life trying to fix, compensate, and/or deny my flawed self. I flog my flaws. I reject them. I avoid them. Sometimes, I blame others for them… sometimes I pay others to tell me why I have them, where I got them, and how I can give them up… and yet, woe is me, they’re still here. They’re still mine, and they are still a part of me.

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I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I'm not blonde either.

~ Dolly Parton

It turns out that enlightened people are far from flawless. The difference is they embrace their flaws; they love them, and even nurture them. Why? -- Because their flaws are just as useful as their assets. Dolly had her critics and naysayers, but she embraced her flaws and used them to her advantage. She turned her perceived weaknesses into strengths, and in doing so, she became an icon of empowerment and self-acceptance and one of the most powerful voices in music history.

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

~ Dolly Parton

The path to enlightenment is a very wide path. There is room for me, myself, and I and all our flaws. There is room for all of you too.

The fast path to infinite enlightenment is enthusiasm. Yes, we all thrive on enthusiasm. Did you know that the original Greek meaning is “the god within”? Indeed, enthusiasm is a great thing to practice. But if you’re like me, it is almost impossible to fake it when it’s not there. So now what? Well, what is there is what I call the blahs. Blah, blaaah, blaaaah, blaaah, blah, blah… pause, take a look, and notice what or who in your life seems blah? What is blah? Blah is worse than the blues, worse than depression, worse than boredom, and cynicism. The blahs are all those emotions plus they’re numbed out with resignation.

The areas of your life that seem “blah” are your best opportunity for enlightenment. Notice them, appreciate them, love them, and now take action. There is an action waiting for you everywhere a “blah” occurs. Take action there, and the god within you will shine. You’ll discover a new sense of power and enthusiasm that you thought you had lost.

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And at 77, Dolly is a rock star and the picture of vitality, enlightenment, and enthusiasm. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She has won numerous awards, including 10 Grammy Awards, and has been recognized for her humanitarian work, particularly in the areas of literacy and education.

Integrity is Evolution, not Solution

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change those things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.

What is integrity?

Isn’t it like strength? Strength, as defined earlier in this book, is commitment over attachment. Our attachments interrupt our commitments and rob us of our sense of strength. I believe that integrity is more than just giving up your attachments, habits, and addictions and practicing your commitments.

We’re taught that a person has integrity if they are honest and keep their agreements. An engineer says a bridge, building, or machine has integrity if it doesn’t fail under pressure. An accountant says a business has integrity if the books balance.

So, isn’t integrity also like stability or predictability?

Does God and Nature have integrity? I say yes, absolutely, and yet… is a tornado predictable? How about an earthquake? Is life?

Life is unpredictable, and yet it has integrity. In fact, life demands it.

Integrity is your capacity to integrate change so your life works.

God and Nature ensure integrity through a process we call evolution. It is simply the adaptation to changing circumstances through experimentation. It doesn’t create one good solution; it creates lots of adaptations and then keeps the ones that work best.

In this way, integrity is not the best solution to a problem; it is a balance between chaos and predictability and/or the balance between destructive and creative forces. Some call this God, Nature, or Life… others call it the Ying/Yang, Dharma, or the Tao… I call it Integrity.

Ever notice that today’s solutions often become tomorrow’s problems? This is what happens when we get attached to the “right” solution - stop trying to solve problems and instead start adapting, learning, growing, and even playing in the unpredictability and magic of life.

Perhaps there are no real solutions because there are no real problems. There is only change and what you’re going to do with it. Let chaos be a catalyst for your personal sense of strength and integrity, not your reason to fear or suffer.

So, what about infinite integrity? Your sense of “solution” is a belief that there are “problems to solve”. If you can eliminate that limiting belief, all change will become opportunities instead of something to fear. It is your sense that “something is wrong and needs fixing” that robs you of your sense of integrity.

Change is certain… chaos is perfect… and you can thrive because of it.

"To be perfect is to have changed often"

~ Winston Churchill

Churchill's life was filled with change, challenge, and chaos. Yet he thrived because he embraced change as an opportunity to evolve and adapt. He didn’t seek perfect solutions; he sought progress. He understood that integrity is not about having all the answers, but about having the courage to face uncertainty and the wisdom to learn from it.

His rise is largely due to his "Tank" project in WWI. He faced resistance from his superiors and so, he adapted, he lied. He told them it was for carrying water. He later said that was to confuse the enemy in case the plans were discovered. Regardless, he persisted, adapted, and evolved the idea until it became a reality. His integrity was not in following the rules, but in his commitment to innovation and progress.

Armored tanks changed the course of warfare, and Churchill's ability to integrate change and adapt to new circumstances was a testament to his integrity. He understood that true integrity is not rigid adherence to the rules, the status quo, or the expectations of authority, but about the ability to evolve in the face of uncertainty and chaos.

Ethics is Responsibility, not Morality

If your puppy chews your shoe, is it a shoe or is it a chew toy?

What it is and what it is for is a matter of perspective. If you are a puppy, chewing a chew toy is not only appropriate, it is essential. That is what puppies do. So is it wrong to chew the shoe?

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Morality is the belief in Right and Wrong. For some, it's black and white. No color. No nuance.

There's nothing fun about fundamentalism.

Morality is relative, and it's a spectrum.

A strict sense of morality on one end of the spectrum believes in a finite list of things that are true, good, and right, and so, everything else is a bit false, bad, or wrong. This creates an overwhelming sense of all is lost, all is wrong, and we need a savior to make it better. This is the root of all fundamentalism, extremism, and fanaticism. If you believe in a finite list of truth, good, and right, the probability of being wrong is infinite.

A strict sense of morality is trumped by an infinite number of wrong perspectives. The ego loves to be right. It craves certainty. It needs to be right to feel safe, secure, and worthy, but the infinite mind knows better. It understands that certainty is an illusion. It knows that everything is relative, related, and connected. It knows that everything you do and say matters.

The infinite mind calls the shots. The ego only takes credit. While the ego fights to be right, the subconscious is calculating probabilities, and it knows there is no chance for certainty.

Said another way, we cannot understand God's plan.

It's why religious fundamentalists tend to be more hypocritical and less ethical than people who lean agnostic and atheist.

Hypocrisy is inevitable when you believe in a finite list of rights and wrongs. You will always be wrong. Some even believe they were born wrong. This is the root of guilt, shame, and unworthiness and the need for salvation. It is also the root of war, violence, and oppression. If you believe in a finite list of rights and wrongs, you will fight to make your list the only list. You will fight to make your perspective the only perspective. You will fight to make your morality the only morality. You will fight to make your god the only god. You will fight to make your tribe the only tribe. You will fight to make your nation the only nation.

You will fight to be right.

On the other end of the spectrum is a more liberal sense of morality, moral relativism, which believes in a finite list of absolute wrongs, and so, everything else is a shade of right, light, and maybe. When you believe in a finite list of absolute wrongs, it's so much more probable to be right and less necessary to fight. This is the root of tolerance, acceptance, and peace. If you believe in a finite list of absolute wrongs, you have little to fight about. You appreciate nuance, diversity, and feel obliged to make things better. You feel more responsible. You are more ethical.

Ethics is the art of living as if everything you do and say matters.

~ a church billboard

The butterfly effect is the notion that everything is related… and everything matters.

If you believe that everything you do and say matters, then you are truly responsible. Now that’s not necessarily the truth, but it is a powerful perspective that will increase your sense of ethics. And by the way, if you’re a parent, consider that teaching kids right and wrong is a quick fix, perhaps, but to truly create powerful, happy, and ethical young people, you must give them a sense of responsibility.

They must believe that they matter.

People who believe they don’t matter are not responsible and are not ethical.

If you’re not convinced yet to practice reducing your sense of morality, go to a maximum-security prison. You will find tons of highly moral people who firmly believe they are not responsible for their circumstances.

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Peace is Complete, not Compete

Peace is easy, just love and be loved. Why is that so hard?

Peace exists. You don't need to create it or fight for it. It is already here, there, and everywhere. It is the natural state of things. Life is at peace. It is outside and inside of you and everybody already. You only need to be quiet and listen.

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Peace is not something you wish for;
It is something you make, something you are, something you do, and something you give away.

~ John Lennon

Peace is being complete. Completion is what we are truly seeking when we chase success or happiness. It means being whole, accepting yourself and the world as it is, and letting go of the internal need to compete and win against others.

The Beatles, despite their fame and fortune, struggled with addiction, relationships, and the pressures of their own creation. Yet, they produced some of the most influential songs about harmony and love. Their music continues to inspire because they touched on a fundamental truth: peace isn't achieved by struggle; it's experienced when you are complete.

"All you need is love, all you need is love, all you need is love, love, love is all you need."

~ The Beatles

Yet, The Beatles' own journey was fraught with intense competition. Their drive fueled some of their greatest work, but it also created pain and suffering, ultimately leading to their breakup. They were not, at that time, complete or at peace with each other.

Stop Competing. Start Empowering.

You will truly "win" when you empower others to win. This is not a quaint philosophy; it is the fundamental principle of successful relationships, leadership, and prosperity. And, as it turns out, it is also the key to peace.

Evolution is not a brutal contest; it is the inherent "dance of life, love, and creation." What if nothing truly dies, but simply transforms and nourishes the next phase? The universe does not play to win or lose; it is a cycle of giving and receiving. Stop resisting and competing; start thriving and empowering others to thrive. Life is a generous cycle, not a zero-sum competition.

The path to being free, whole, and complete is often blocked by our incompletions—the persistent, painful stories from the past that remain lodged in our heart, mind, and body.

How do we remove these persistent memories? Do we ignore them, rage against them, or simply wait for time to heal all wounds? Time does not heal alone. The key is to transform those memories from stories of suffering into a source of power and inspiration.

The pain persists because our past suffering feels like a predictable loss awaiting us (or others) in the future. The transformation requires:

• Acknowledge the past and your role in it (your responsibility).
• Invent a new, empowering future.
• Share that future with the people in your life.

This process is what we call being complete. It is an act of reclaiming your wholeness, integrity, and power. You were not born to suffer; you learned it. You were born to love, be loved, and to know peace.

To be complete is to be whole. It is to be at peace with yourself and the world around you. It is to love and be loved. It is to accept yourself and others as they are. It is to let go of the need to compete and win.

Following The Beatles' breakup, John Lennon and Yoko Ono sought a radical path toward peace and completeness that contrasted sharply with the competitive, high-pressure world they had left. Their love story and their artistic collaboration became a public performance of their belief that radical change begins internally and extends outward through shared vision.

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Their famous "Bed-Ins for Peace" in 1969 were not intended as a conventional protest; they were a peaceful, almost absurd, spectacle designed to disarm the media and promote their simple message: Stop resisting and start envisioning. They understood that the energy used in competition and conflict could be repurposed for creation and peace.

The song "Imagine," released in 1971, is the purest expression of this shift from competition to global empowerment. It doesn't tell people to fight for peace; it invites them to simply imagine its effortless existence.

The song dismantles the core structures that drive global competition and conflict: possessions, religion, and nationality.

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today.

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace.

~ Yoko Ono & John Lennon

This lyric challenges the divisive narratives that separate humanity into competing groups. By imagining a world without these constructs,

Lennon and Ono suggest that peace requires the completion of our collective identity—moving beyond the separate, competing groups that divide humanity.

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

~ Yoko Ono & John Lennon

This lyric directly addresses the need to "let go of the need to compete and win." The struggle for "more" or "better" is replaced by a state of shared abundance, an echo of the idea that life is a generous cycle, not a zero-sum competition. When the focus shifts from individual accumulation to collective well-being, the need for conflict dissolves.

The ultimate power of "Imagine" lies in its call to invent a new, empowering future simply by seeing it as real. Yoko Ono, who was officially recognized as a co-writer of the song in 2017, brought a strong influence from her conceptual art background, where the idea of a thing is as powerful as the thing itself.

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

~ Yoko Ono & John Lennon

This final stanza is the ultimate act of sharing that future with the people in your life. It is an invitation to wholeness—to move from the isolation of competition to the power of a shared vision. John and Yoko realized that personal peace and global peace are not two separate battles, but one: the result of transforming internal stories of scarcity and division into a shared song of abundance and unity.

The lesson from John and Yoko's later work is that the path to peace is less about an aggressive search and more about a quiet realization. It is about empowering others to win by showing them an image of the world where there is no losing. When you are complete, you are able to accept yourself, your past, and the world—and that acceptance is the birthplace of peace.

Liberation is Compose, not Woes

The breakup was painful for the whole world, but it fully liberated George from the constraints of the Beatles' competitive dynamic. Freed from the need to prove himself against John and Paul, Harrison was able to fully express his spiritual vision through his music. His solo work became a powerful testament to the idea that true liberation comes from being complete and empowering others, rather than competing for dominance.

His woes drove him to compose some of the best and most liberating music on record. Complaints have a way of becoming commitments. Notice what you complain about and then turn that into a commitment to make it better. This is the path to liberation. Compose a new future whenever you want to wallow in your woes.

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Released on his monumental triple album, All Things Must Pass, "My Sweet Lord" was George Harrison's first solo single and an immediate number one hit. It is the perfect sonic illustration of the idea that peace exists already, and we only need to listen for it.

Harrison conceived the song as a deliberate effort to abandon religious sectarianism and express the unity of faith. He wrote it as he was vamping chords, alternating between singing the Christian-Jewish phrase "Hallelujah" and the Hindu chant "Hare Krishna." His intention, as he later stated, was to have listeners chanting the sacred mantra before they even realized what was happening, showing that all roads lead to the same spiritual completion.

The song is a powerful, yet simple, prayer—a direct expression of the longing for union with the Divine, which is the ultimate form of being "whole."

I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord

~ George Harrison

This lyric captures the universal human frustration with the feeling of incompletion—the "heavy load" of the material world that prevents us from experiencing innate peace. Harrison’s journey was about overcoming this distance, making his past suffering (the competitive, material focus of his Beatles years) his spiritual inspiration.

"Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna / Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama / Rama Rama, Hare Hare"

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Rama Rama, Hare Hare

~ George Harrison

By integrating the ancient Sanskrit mantra, Harrison models how to transform the story of his material past into a source of transcendent power. He uses music as a direct, non-competitive tool for spiritual connection and collective consciousness.

Following the success of "My Sweet Lord" and the massive humanitarian effort of The Concert for Bangladesh, Harrison returned with a song that makes the direct plea for peace personal and unconditional. This song embodies the principle of Stop Competing. Start Empowering.

Harrison described the creation of this song as an effortless process: "Sometimes you open your mouth and you don't know what you are going to say, and whatever comes out is the starting point... This song is a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord, and whoever likes it." This "flow" state perfectly mirrors the concept of letting go of competition and allowing life to be a "generous cycle, not a zero-sum competition."

Give me love, give me love
Give me peace on earth
Give me light, give me life
Keep me free from birth

~ George Harrison

The plea to "keep me free from birth" expresses the deepest spiritual ambition: to be free from the cycle of karma and material suffering—the ultimate freedom from all past painful stories. It is a request for wholeness and completion on a cosmic scale.

Give me hope
Help me cope with this heavy load
Trying to touch and reach you with
Heart and soul
Oh, my Lord
Please take hold of my hand
That I might understand you

~ George Harrison

This is the ultimate statement of empowerment through surrender. Harrison acknowledges the "heavy load" of his human journey but seeks not to conquer it, but to be lifted by a higher understanding. He asks for guidance to be complete, moving from the personal "I" to the divine "you," embodying the idea that true winning comes from aligning oneself with the larger creative dance of life.

You don't have to be a rock star to find peace on earth, just start by being complete and stop competing. Use your woes to compose a better future. Turn your complaints into commitments. You can start right now, where you are, with who you are, and what you have.

Give love, give peace on earth.

Impact is Affect, not Effected

Most of us want to make a difference in the world and with world leaders. Few get to. Even fewer do at just 15 years old. So what makes her so impactful? So effective? Why is she making headlines around the world? Why is she inspiring millions of people to take action on climate change? What can we learn from her?

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How dare you!
You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.

~ Greta Thunberg

The key to her success is how little she's affected by powerful critics, the status quo, the scope of work before her, her age, or the lethargy she sees in the world. In fact, she's fueled by it. She uses it to affect change. She focuses on what she can do, not what she can't. She focuses on what she can affect, not what she's affected by. She focuses on her impact, not her image, nor the results. If she was affected by the data, she'd give up, but instead, she's empowered by the opportunity to affect change.

At 16 she addressed the U.N.'s Climate Action Summit in New York City. Here's the full transcript of Thunberg's speech, beginning with her response to a question about the message she has for world leaders.

"My message is that we'll be watching you.

"This is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you!

"You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!

"For more than 30 years, the science has been crystal clear. How dare you continue to look away and come here saying that you're doing enough, when the politics and solutions needed are still nowhere in sight.

"You say you hear us and that you understand the urgency. But no matter how sad and angry I am, I do not want to believe that. Because if you really understood the situation and still kept on failing to act, then you would be evil. And that I refuse to believe.

"The popular idea of cutting our emissions in half in 10 years only gives us a 50% chance of staying below 1.5 degrees [Celsius], and the risk of setting off irreversible chain reactions beyond human control.

"Fifty percent may be acceptable to you. But those numbers do not include tipping points, most feedback loops, additional warming hidden by toxic air pollution or the aspects of equity and climate justice. They also rely on my generation sucking hundreds of billions of tons of your CO2 out of the air with technologies that barely exist.

"So a 50% risk is simply not acceptable to us — we who have to live with the consequences.

"To have a 67% chance of staying below a 1.5 degrees global temperature rise – the best odds given by the [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] – the world had 420 gigatons of CO2 left to emit back on Jan. 1st, 2018. Today that figure is already down to less than 350 gigatons.

"How dare you pretend that this can be solved with just 'business as usual' and some technical solutions? With today's emissions levels, that remaining CO2 budget will be entirely gone within less than 8 1/2 years.

"There will not be any solutions or plans presented in line with these figures here today, because these numbers are too uncomfortable. And you are still not mature enough to tell it like it is.

"You are failing us. But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal. The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say: We will never forgive you.

"We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not.

"Thank you."

Legacy is My Opus, not Myopic

So, you want eternal life? Look beyond the confines of time and space, because your existence is not a function of either. By now, you know we are all just energy, just waves making waves. Who you are, now and forever, is the ripple you create around you.

The person you see in your reflection is not the person others see, and it is certainly not the person you will ultimately be. After you leave this plane, you will only exist as a symphony of conversations, each one its own sonic wave with its own impact and power.

Your legacy is your eternity. Your ego will die, and only your echoes will remain.

Do not diminish your legacy or your life with myopic concerns. Act locally, but think globally. An ethical life, your life, is living as if everything you do and say matters.

To be or not to be?

~ Hamlet, William Shakespeare

Answer: It's not up to you.

It's simple. Your existence has nothing to do with your location or your mental state and everything to do with your contribution. Your life is a conversation that you are not in. Who you are for yourself is of no consequence; who you are for the world is all that you are and all you ever will be. You only exist now because you matter to others. You only matter to them, because they mattered to you.

It does not matter when you lived; it only matters how you lived.

Do Siddhartha, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and Santa Claus exist?

Yes! Are they alive? No!

Their stories and impact endure. Now consider your great-great-great-grandmother. Do you know her name? Her story? If she’s like 99.999% of humanity, her name is lost, her story is finished, and she no longer exists because she is no longer the subject of conversation.

Yet, her spirit, her values, and her impact still have ripples beyond her name, her time, and her space. And yours will too.

Living a life that positively impacts others, a life so worthy that it will be talked about long after you are gone, that is the key to eternal life.

Said another way,

The only heaven is the heaven you make.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Easy. Right? Actually yes, your community and their conversations is a lot like an orchestra, and you're the conductor. You get to pick the tune, the tempo, and the tone. You get to choose how you want to be played. You get to conduct your legacy. Sure, some people will play their own tune too, but if you lead with your heart and your values, they will either follow your lead or get drowned out by the music of your life.

Don't die with your music still in you.

The thought that "I don't matter" is the most crippling of self-imposed roadblocks. It’s not just wrong; it’s a self-serving lie. This mindset is a cop-out—it absolves me of responsibility to my family, my future, and the world. It is a tragically limited and myopic view of my impact and my existence.

My practice is to recognize when "my" focus becomes my-opic and to respond with my Opus.

My Opus is the creative, outward expression of my life's highest purpose. It is a commitment that what I think my life is about is less important than how my life impacts the people and communities around me, my orchestra.

This concept is rooted in the Infinity Principle, which states that we fundamentally confuse values and valuables. We mistakenly believe that our limited, objective reality is the whole truth and that our infinite potential is merely a dream.

This error is not philosophical; it’s a failure to understand our own minds. The infinite mind, your deepest, most creative potential, is calling the shots, while the finite ego only takes the credit. Our power lies in consciously aligning with the infinite. Some call that intuition.

So, what's your legacy? What's your Opus?

Write it down. Share it.

Bliss is Trauma, not Drama

This book opened with infinite happiness and ends with bliss. What's the difference? I don't know. It's up to you. None of this is dogma or limited, and you're encouraged to discover your own ratios. Use the ones that empower you and transform the ones that don't. You can change the trajectory of your life by simply changing the probabilities. Change the ratios that inform your rational mind. The goal is not to get it right, but to get it real. Our brains are constantly calculating millions of probabilities, so don't imagine there is just one perfect ratio for happiness or any of your values.

So, what is bliss to you?

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Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls

~ Joseph Campbell

Drama resists trauma. Drama is a wall. It closes doors.

Trauma opens them.

Trauma is what it feels like when walls collapse and new paths emerge.

For every ending, there is a new beginning. For every breakdown, there is a breakthrough. For every trauma, there is a transformation. For every upset, there is an upgrade. For every loss, there is a lesson.

For every hardship, there is a hero's journey.

"Follow your bliss" is not about comfort, safety, or ease. It's about courage, risk, and growth. It includes hardship, trauma, and upset. Drama can be caustic; let it be catalytic. The path to bliss is paved with pain. Be grateful for your past trauma, learn from it, and use it to grow stronger, smarter, and more effective. Don't let it stop you; it will propel you. It is the fuel for your fire.

Bliss is not extreme pleasure or a hedonistic high. It is not safe, still, or peaceful. Bliss is not pain-free. Bliss is the moment you stop suffering about trauma and your fear of it, and start using it. Trauma can be your best teacher, your best motivator, and your greatest ally.

The path to bliss takes courage. The courage to risk mistakes and to embrace trauma, to learn from it, and to use it to live your best life.

And don't numb the lesson. Trauma is the teacher you didn't choose, but the one you need. You wouldn't drop the class of your favorite mentor, nor would you silence their voice or ignore the homework. Do the work; don't numb it away with drugs, alcohol, food, or distraction. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to grow stronger, smarter, and more effective.

What? The dog ate your homework? Drama.

What's drama? Drama is suffering. We primarily suffer about control and our desire for it. We want control so we can avoid trauma, pain, and upset. Silly. Trauma is our greatest ally. Don't avoid it. If you're suffering drama, you can bet you're playing a familiar role in the dreaded drama triangle. If you're complaining, blaming, or rescuing, you're in drama.

Drama resists trauma. Drama robs you of the lesson.

Every great story has three characters. They're the archetypes of nearly all human mythology. Every great movie, book, and love song has a persecutor/perp, victim, and rescuer. Learn to recognize them in your own life story and transform them into bliss, by embracing pain, trauma, and upset instead of attacking, blaming, rescuing, denying, numbing, hoping, or feeling hopeless.

Karpman’s Drama Triangle asserts that every drama will have these three elements at play. And not necessarily in three different people. Silent movies always portrayed these roles clearly. The damsel in distress (victim), the mustache-twirling villain (persecutor), and the heroic savior (rescuer). These roles are not just for movies; they are the archetypes of all human drama. We all play them at times.

Addiction, for example, is a classic drama triangle, but often contained in the same person. The drug is both the rescuer and the persecutor depending on whether the addict/victim is high or not. Likewise, they'll often express these characters in their lives and abuse the people who love them most. Those people often play rescuer/enabler, persecutor/critic, and victim as well. It's a vicious cycle. Drama is a disease. It's contagious and crippling. It robs us of our power and our peace. It keeps us small, scared, and stuck. It keeps us from living according to our values. It robs us of bliss.

The Jesus Story is another drama triangle. Perhaps the most successful and the most destructive. Somehow he manages to be the creator and the created, the persecutor and the victim, and the rescuer and the rescued all at once. Talk about drama! The story has inspired billions of people to live better lives, but it's also motivated some of the worst atrocities in human history. The drama triangle is a powerful story, if you transcend it. Jesus did when he forgave those who crucified him. He transcended the drama triangle and found bliss.

You can too.

But I don't want trauma!

Remember when you were 2 or 3 years old and you touched a hot stove? You felt pain, and you learned to avoid touching hot stoves in the future. That was traumatic. Do you touch hot stoves now? No. Does it still hurt? No. Are you still suffering? No. Do you need therapy about hot things? No, of course not, and you don't likely even remember the trauma or the pain of that first and likely last hot stove. Trauma is your friend. Embrace it.

Drama resists trauma. Drama robs you of the lesson.

Consider that every painful event in your past was just Trauma teaching you how to thrive. Drama is the pain we choose when we resist the lesson.

Trauma is over in a moment. Drama can last a lifetime.

Trauma is not your enemy; it is your greatest ally. Embrace your pain, learn from it, and use it to live courageously.

And don't quit. Choose Grit.

Ali didn't start counting situps until it started hurting.

I hated every minute of training, but I said,

'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion

~ Muhammad Ali

Bliss²
Samadhi is Dharma, not Karma

All spiritual traditions aspire to Samadhi. What is it?

Samadhi is the Sanskrit word for the state beyond bliss. It is Bliss squared. It is the state of being fully present, fully alive, and fully connected to the infinite moment. It is the experience of being one with all that is, and it is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.

My goal is to be enrolling without being inaccurate, but this is a baby step, not a deep dive into Samadhi, Dharma, and Karma. It is incomplete, for sure, but hopefully an inspiring invitation into the profound wisdom of Eastern philosophy.

Dharma is your highest purpose, your true nature, your essential reason for being.

Karma is the universal law of action and consequence. Karma is not inherently good or bad; it is simply the mechanism of cause and effect. When you live in alignment with your true purpose (Dharma), your actions (Karma) naturally generate profound well-being for yourself and others.

If you have strong opinions already, please review lingua sacra

We suffer when we treat Karma as the focus. When we obsess over actions, reactions, and consequences, demanding justice or justification, we are stuck in the finite domain of the ego. This focus on the past and future is inherently painful. When you commit to your Dharma, your calling, you rise above this suffering and transcend the drama, fear, and limitations of your karmic stories.

The goal is to let your Karma inspire your Dharma.

The challenges and conditions of your life, your Karma, are not something to be avoided; they are the very material upon which you must practice your Dharma. If you focus too much on the consequence, good or bad, you are suffering in the causal world, seeking a reward that belongs to the ego, not to bliss or spirit. Instead, notice the stories of your Karma and use them as the opportunity to practice your highest truth. Here, you transform your limiting concerns into an empowering practice.

You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction

~ Bagavad Gita

So why is Karma in the denominator? Aren't we supposed to avoid the denominator? Absolutely not. The denominator simply diminishes our values until we learn to use it to practice the numerator. In other words, notice your karmic stories and use them to practice dharma. When you focus too much on karma, good or bad, you're suffering in the causal 3D world of your finite ego. You're looking for justice and justifications, not bliss. You're separate, disconnected, and caught in the cycle of action, reaction, and consequence, which is the domain of the ego and is inherently painful. You're focused on the past and the future, rather than this infinite moment. In this way, we transform a limiting belief into an empowering practice. Here you can transform your concern for karma into your dharma. You'll stop obsessing on karmic consequences and start using them as the very ground upon which you practice your highest self.

In the western world, we often think of karma as a form of cosmic justice, where good actions are rewarded and bad actions are punished. We suffer now in this moment about a possible eternity in heaven or hell. We confuse both dharma and karma with the drama of morality. Samadhi is not moral, amoral, ethical, good, or bad. Samadhi is simply the experience of being fully alive and present in this infinite moment, regardless of the circumstances, consequences, or our judgments. When we focus on our dharma and align with our highest purpose, we experience bliss, we transcend the drama, fear, and suffering of our karmic stories.

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Mahatma Gandhi’s life is a historical example. His Dharma was the relentless pursuit of truth and non-violent resistance (Satyagraha). His Karma was the constant barrage of colonial oppression, imprisonment, and personal hardship. Had he focused on the negative consequences (Karma), he would have been consumed by hatred and revenge. Instead, he used those hardships and injustices (Karma) as fuel—the perfect opportunity to practice his highest truth (Dharma). His relentless focus on non-violence transcended the drama of the "eye for an eye" cycle, achieving a profound, transformative result for himself and his nation.

By transforming your concern for Karma into the ground for your Dharma, you take the challenges of life and turn them into the practice of your highest self.

Samadhi, Bliss, Joy, Happiness, Love, Enlightenment, whatever word you prefer, they all point in the same direction: Presence. The key is not to obsess over the right words, but to notice the words, thoughts, and limiting beliefs that obstruct your purpose, diminish your duty, and prevent you from engaging in good deeds.

This is the purpose of life, the path to presence, bliss, and the ultimate legacy.

🧠 The Neuroscience

The rational mind, in its most profound and unconscious state, is a ratio-making machine. Every thought, every feeling, and every experience you have is the consequence of a nearly infinite number of ratios being calculated concurrently in your subconscious. This is the brain’s fundamental operating principle, and it explains why certainty is an illusion and why our lives are dominated by probability.

There is no scientific study more vital to man than the study of his own brain. Our entire view of the universe depends on it

~ Francis Crick, Neuroscientist
Discovered the DNA structure

We like to believe that we know things—that memories are fixed, and facts are certain. But the brain operates under perpetual uncertainty. Instead of storing solid knowledge, the brain is constantly calculating the probability of something being true, and that probability—that ratio—is what we perceive as "knowledge" or "memory."

This computational view is encapsulated in the Bayesian Brain hypothesis. The mind is a statistical modeler, always pitting its internal predictions against incoming sensory data. This is known as Predictive Coding, where the brain generates top-down predictions about what it expects to sense and compares those to the bottom-up sensory input. The true ratio at play here is:

If the world confirms your expectations, the prediction error ratio is low, and your current model holds firm. But if reality deviates—if you expect coffee to be hot and it is cold—the prediction error skyrockets, forcing a dramatic recalibration. Neuroscientists like Karl Friston propose that the brain’s primary goal, articulated in the Free Energy Principle, is to constantly minimize this "surprise." Minimizing surprise is, in effect, ensuring that the countless statistical ratios calculated by our distributed cortical networks remain coherent and predictive. This constant calculation forms the bedrock of our perception; we are, quite literally, living in a moment-by-moment ratio of expectation versus reality.

These ratios ultimately converge on a calculation of value. As neuroeconomist Paul Glimcher explores, the brain is wired to calculate the Expected Value (EV) of every potential action, which allows it to compare vastly different outcomes (e.g., the reward of eating now versus the reward of working longer):

Expected Value (EV) = (Probability of Outcome × Reward Magnitude) / Cost of Action

This EV calculation is performed in regions like the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (vmPFC) and the Striatum, which integrate sensory, emotional, and cognitive information to guide decision-making. The brain is constantly evaluating these ratios, often below conscious awareness, to determine the best course of action. This is why we can make split-second decisions that feel intuitive; they are the result of rapid, subconscious ratio calculations.

This EV ratio dictates every decision, large or small. Consider the choice to pursue a difficult professional certification (low probability of passing, high cost in time, massive reward in salary) versus staying home to watch television (high probability of comfort, zero cost, low reward). The EV ratio is the continuous, subconscious negotiation between what could be and what must be expended, serving as the final arbiter of action.

Despite this elegant, probabilistic engine running beneath the surface, our conscious experience insists on a clean, coherent narrative. This is the domain of the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), the brain’s executive architect.

The PFC struggles to handle the high-dimensional, uncertain nature of underlying probabilities. Its job is to guide action and ensure survival. You cannot build a bridge or coordinate a social group if every moment is simply a cloud of statistical possibilities. Therefore, the PFC imposes a powerful, necessary illusion: the linear sequential story.

This effort to force every thought into a temporal sequence is a perfect description of the PFC's role in working memory and the creation of episodic memory. When we "travel through time" in our minds, as pioneered by researcher Endel Tulving, we are constructing a causal narrative ("I did A, which led to B, so I must do C"). This linear story is merely the PFC’s approximation of the non-linear, statistically computed reality managed by posterior regions like the Parietal Lobe, which handles the complex numerical and spatial relationships that underpin probability.

The danger of this necessary illusion is its rigidity. The PFC's tendency to create a neat, sequential narrative often leads to cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias. In a sense, confirmation bias is the PFC refusing to update its storyline, prioritizing narrative coherence over probabilistic accuracy. It’s easier to maintain the existing story (the current ratio) than to tolerate the discomfort of integrating novel, contradictory evidence. None of our thoughts are truly finite, and none are certain; they are all probabilities given a context. The PFC, however, filters and smoothes these probabilities into a functional, step-by-step reality, allowing us to plan beyond the next second, but often blinding us to emerging truths.

This inherent conflict—the non-linear uncertainty versus the linear narrative—comes to a head in our deepest, most subjective thoughts: our values. Values are not concrete valuables; they are powerful affective ratios that do not converge on a certainty. Instead, they diverge into the unknown and the unknowable.

When the brain's predictive model breaks down, signaling high uncertainty, this divergence is immediately flagged by the brain’s deep emotional and interoceptive circuits. The Amygdala signals immediate fear and the anticipation of negative outcomes, while the Insula processes interoceptive signals—our "gut feelings"—connecting the breakdown of the external probabilistic model to our internal physical state. The Insula alerts us: something is statistically wrong, and your body is responding to the perceived risk. This moment of statistical divergence can lead to two profoundly different outcomes, dictated by the final weighting of the neural ratio:

Anxiety: The ratio calculates a low probability of success and a high potential for loss. The Amygdala takes control, pushing us toward avoidance and fear—the "unknowable" path is perceived as dangerous. The body floods with stress hormones, preparing for retreat from the probabilistic threat.

Inspiration: The ratio calculates a potentially massive Reward Magnitude, even if the Probability of Outcome is low. This is the activation of the Ventral Striatum (Nucleus Accumbens), the core of our dopamine-driven reward system. The "unknown" path is perceived as high-risk but high-potential, driving us forward with excitement. Consider an entrepreneur launching a highly disruptive, yet unproven, product. The Amygdala screams risk, but the Ventral Striatum shouts reward, and the resulting action is a ratio of those two powerful affective signals.

The key to personal empowerment lies in recognizing this machinery. We cannot stop the brain from being a ratio-making machine, but we can harness it.

This process is the objective of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, both of which rely on the principle of cognitive reappraisal. Reappraisal is simply the conscious act of the PFC engaging its top-down control to interrupt the emotional loop and shift the terms of the ratio.

When faced with a fearful situation, the automatic, subconscious ratio, driven by the limbic system, might be:

In short, the more we practice risky behavior, the less fearful we become and ironically, the more we play it safe, the less confident we feel. The weapons industry has profited for decades from this paradox, selling security that preys on our fear of uncertainty.

Through cognitive reappraisal, we can consciously reframe the situation, altering the ratio to something like:

This act of shifting the inputs—changing the perceived numerator and denominator—fundamentally changes the final emotional and behavioral outcome. Moreover, this is not just philosophical; it's a mechanism of neuroplasticity. By repeatedly engaging the PFC to override the immediate Amygdala response, we physically strengthen the neural pathways of the empowering ratio and weaken the habitual pathways of the fearful one. We replace a self-defeating statistical loop with a courageous one, proving that while our thoughts are probabilities, our choices define the ratios we live by. The ultimate freedom lies in choosing which ratios we allow to dictate our reality.

Any man could, if he were so inclined, be the sculptor of his own brain

~ Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Nobel Laureate
Father of Modern Neuroscience

📚 References

Friston, K. (2010). The Free-Energy Principle: A Rough Guide to the Brain? Trends in Cognitive Sciences. (Describes the brain's fundamental goal as minimizing "surprise" via prediction error, the core of the Bayesian/Predictive Coding ratio.)

Glimcher, P. W. (2011). Foundations of Neuroeconomic Analysis. Oxford University Press. (A foundational text detailing how neural systems—like those in the Striatum and PFC—encode and compare Expected Value ratios.)

Ranganath, C., & Blumenfeld, R. S. (2020). Functional connectivity of the prefrontal cortex: Cognitive implications. Annual Review of Psychology. (Review detailing the PFC's role in maintaining and sequencing information over time—the "linear sequential story" function.)

Sutton, R. S., & Barto, A. G. (1998). Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction. MIT Press. (Foundational computational framework, particularly Temporal Difference Learning, which explains how the brain learns and updates the reward component of the EV ratio.)

Ochsner, K. N., & Gross, J. J. (2005). The cognitive control of emotion. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. (Focuses on the mechanism of cognitive reappraisal, demonstrating how the PFC exerts top-down control to change affective ratios derived from the Amygdala and Insula.)

Bechara, A., Damasio, H., Damasio, A. R. (1994). Insensitivity to future consequences following damage to human prefrontal cortex. Cognition. (The classic Iowa Gambling Task trial demonstrating that PFC damage impairs the ability to calculate long-term loss ratios, leading to poor decisions.)

Damasio, A. R. (1994). Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. Penguin Books. (Introduces the Somatic Marker Hypothesis, arguing that the Insula and ventromedial PFC use "gut feelings" (somatic markers) to rapidly assess complex, uncertain value ratios.)

Gold, J. I., & Shadlen, M. N. (2007). The neural basis of decision making. Annual Review of Neuroscience. (Reviews evidence that decisions emerge from the accumulation of evidence ratios to a threshold, primarily in the parietal and premotor cortices.)

O'Doherty, J. P. (2007). Neural computation of decisions involving risk and reward. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. (A concise overview of fMRI studies showing that the Striatum and Orbitofrontal Cortex encode and compare the precise risk and reward components of the Expected Value ratio.)

Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Oxford University Press. (A philosophical expansion of the Bayesian/Predictive Coding framework, discussing the implications of the brain as a continuous probabilistic ratio-maker.)

Rushworth, M. F., Kolling, N., Sallet, J., & Mars, R. B. (2011). Frontal cortex and the regulation of decision-making. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. (Review focused on the specialized ratios handled by different PFC subregions, such as balancing expected reward against the necessary effort or cost.)

Montague, P. R., & Berns, G. S. (2002). Neural economics and the biological substrates of valuation. Neuron. (A seminal early review that solidified the field of neuroeconomics, establishing how dopamine and neural systems compute and compare economic-style value ratios.)

👍 Personal Testimonies

The Infinity Principle is a fast and effective tool for profound, permanent, personal transformation. The ratios in this book are merely examples. They're supposed to inspire you to find your own ratios, transform them, practice rewiring your limbic loops, and change the probability of your life. The following are about real people, their experience, and their results.

The principles and practices in this book has helped thousands of people and coaches from diverse cultures and countries cope with fears, phobias, anxiety, depression, PTSD, loss, grief, relationship and career challenges, and much more. Here are just a few of their stories.

• Jerry - a dad who conquered a lifetime of stuttering and fear of speaking
• Janice - an executive coach who conquered her fear of heights and improved her practice
• Sharon - a doctor who overcame debilitating pain, suffering, and anxiety
• Nikhil निखिल - a father, grandfather with dog PTSD, and now a dog rescuer
• Sārah سارة - an abused wife who liberated herself and others from oppression

Jerry - Stutters, Dad, Engineer, Public Speaker

I've never completed a single sentence without stuttering. Not once, not ever.

When I first encountered the Infinity Principle, I was skeptical. I've struggled with a chronic stutter my entire life, and nothing seemed to help. I could not complete a sentence without stuttering on several words, not even hard words, just random. Most people don't want to suffer with me and tend to end conversations quickly after completing words for me. It's not helpful, it's hurtful, but I've learned to live with it. Mostly in silence.

I've tried speech therapy, self-help books, hypnosis, you name it. Nothing worked. I resigned myself to a life of silence and embarrassment. My kids were embarrassed by their dad. I was embarrassed to meet new people or speak to strangers, and I never answer the phone. I avoided social situations whenever possible.

My InfinityCoach didn't address my stutter directly. "It's a symptom, not the cause" Instead, we worked on my fear of public speaking. Given I don't remember not stuttering, I didn't really consider that this is a fear. It felt like just a reality. Turns out "reality" is the most limiting belief there is. There's a lot more neuroscience to the Infinity Principle than just ratios, but ratios are the root of everything. Every thought, feeling, perception and experience is a consequence of the brain's ratios. Finding your ratios and the limiting beliefs they empower is the key to overcoming any and every issue. They change the probability of your life.

This is not an exaggeration. After just 30 minutes of InfinityCoaching, I wanted to quit. I said this won't possibly work. I spoke for at least 10 minutes about how this won't work for me and my coach just listened, smiled, and eventually interrupted me. He said, "Jerry, do you realize you haven't stuttered once in the last 10 minutes?" I was shocked. I hadn't noticed. I was so focused on my limiting beliefs that I didn't even notice I was speaking fluently. I turned pale. I sobbed. I still can't believe it. I've been stuttering non-stop for 45 years and in 30 minutes, I spoke fluently for 10 minutes. Just like that. The brain is amazing.

I simply cannot recommend InfinityCoaching enough. It changed my life. It'll change yours. Perhaps not in 30 minutes, but I'll bet it'll be much faster than years of therapy, self help books, pills, etc. I'm no longer afraid to speak in public, meet new people, or take leadership in my life. And best of all, my kids are no longer embarrassed by their dad.

My favorite ratio that I practice daily is Audacity = Possibility / Humility. It reminds me that anything is possible if I just have the audacity to try. Thank you, InfinityCoaching! You changed my life.

Janice - Executive Coach, Speaker, Author

As an executive coach and speaker, I am always looking for new tools and techniques to help my clients achieve their goals. The Infinity Principle is one of the most powerful tools I've ever encountered. It has helped me and my clients reprogram our minds, overcome limiting beliefs, and achieve breakthroughs in our personal and professional lives.

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it myself. I met Chad at a Vipassana meditation retreat in Calgary, Canada. We were both engaged in silent meditation for 10 days, so we didn't get to discuss much until the last day. Our group decided to go to Banff Village for lunch. When we got there, Chad wanted to take the tram to the top of the mountain and have lunch with an amazing view. Being a professional coach, I couldn't possibly admit my fear of heights and so, I pretended I wasn't hungry and wanted to do some shopping. He said, "No worries, we don't have to eat. Let's just go up and take in the view" Dammit Chad! Now I'm stuck. He sensed my panic and asked "Janice? Are you afraid?" Ugh. I couldn't hide it anymore.

I'm 50ish and have been a coaching, speaking, and teaching for over 20 years. I've never admitted fear to anyone, let alone a stranger I just met. But there was something about Chad that made me feel safe. So, I admitted it. "Yes, I'm afraid of heights." He smiled and said, "Great! I can help. But only if you want to give it up." I said no. I was quite happy with both feet firmly planted on the ground and had no desire to ride that tram and ruin my day. But then he said something profound. He said,

Janice, you're not afraid of heights. You're afraid of losing self control and "fear of heights" is just the context and the catalyst.

This intrigued me. I knew he was right, but I hadn't related to my fear of heights that way. I know that control is the cause of all drama and he wasn't offering me control. He was offering me freedom. He asked for just 5 minutes of my participation in a conversation, nothing physical or risky, and I agreed. In those 5 minutes, we discovered my core limiting belief around control and how it was impacting every area of my life. We reframed it using the Infinity Principle ratios and I felt an immediate shift. I was no longer afraid of losing control. I was free.

We rode that damn tram to the top! I was not only unafraid, I was exhilarated. The view was breathtaking and I felt a new sense of freedom and possibility. Since that day, I've been using the Infinity Principle in my coaching practice and have seen incredible results with my clients. It's a powerful tool for transformation and growth. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

Your only limits are the ones you believe in.

~ Janice - executive coach, speaker, author

My favorite ratio that I practice daily is Courage = Go / No. It reminds me that courage is simply the choice to move forward despite fear. Thank you, Chad Steele and The Infinity Principle! You changed my life and my coaching practice.

If you haven't already, I recommend you schedule a free introductory session at InfinityCoaching. It will change the probability of your life.

Sharon - Mom, Dancer, Doctor

I wasn't a mom yet, my husband and I were trying and failing. I was experiencing my second 2nd trimester miscarriage in a row. I was devastated, suffering, and in pain. I'm a doctor, so naturally I don't like taking meds, pain pills, etc. I tell myself I'm tough enough. I prefer to find natural ways to heal and manage pain. I'm friends with Chad and we had talked about the Infinity Principle before and how he used it to manage pain/suffering.

For example, one time on a hike a little girl with extreme allergies fell into a ditch full of poison ivy. Her arms quickly swelled up and were covered in bumps and she was in terrible pain. Chad had her close her eyes. He walked her through a visualization game based on the Infinity Principle and the neuroscience of pain, suffering and identity. He helped her separate the physical pain from the identity of suffering. The pain was real, but the suffering was mental. Within about 10 minutes, the pain had completely disappeared a long with the suffering. She opened her eyes and her arms were completely clear. No bumps, no swelling, no redness. Just like that. Her mom was amazed. I wanted to learn this technique.

And so, when my miscarriage was happening, I was in terrible pain and suffering. I needed help, so I called Chad. He's not a doctor, not a woman, not an expert in any of this, but he did say this,

I can't stop the pain, but we can stop the suffering

I didn't know it at the time, but he wasn't just talking about the physical suffering from the miscarriage. He was talking about the suffering that caused it.

With his help, I was able to separate myself from the pain in that moment. I miscarried anyway, of course, this is not a story about saving that baby. It's about saving my marriage, my family and my life. I discovered that my "identity", my ego, didn't have room for a family. I was too busy helping others, dancing from one crisis to the next, and thought my personal life should just take care of itself. I was a doctor, not a mom. And so, my children left before they were even born.

My limiting beliefs about who I was, what I deserved, and what my life should be, created a ratio that made it improbable for me to have a family.

Now, please know this is my story, not medical advice, nor an explanation for every miscarriage. There are many medical reasons for miscarriages, and I'm not suggesting that mindset is the only factor. But for me, it was a significant one.

Read more about suffering and identity.

Fast forward. I have two beautiful daughters now. We dance daily. I am proud to be a mom, who happens to be a doctor. Chad helped me reprogram my mind using the Infinity Principle ratios. He helped me find my limiting beliefs, reframe them, and practice new empowering ratios that changed the probability of my life.

My favorite ratio that I practice daily is Family = We / Me. It reminds me that family is about us, not just me. Thank you, Chad! You changed my life.

Nikhil निखिल - Father, Grandfather, Dog Rescuer

I've always had a fear of dogs. And not just street dogs, but all dogs. Big or little, my fear was debilitating. It affected my daily life, my relationships, and my ability to enjoy simple pleasures like simply walking to work or the market.

I don't remember it, but I'm told I was bitten as a baby. You can't see the scars, they're emotional. Generational.

My dad is afraid. My mom. My grand parents. Most everyone I've ever met is afraid of dogs.

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Those who feed the hungry, whether they are humans or dogs or birds, reach the highest state.

~ Varaha Purana, Chapter 202

My wife is afraid too. We taught our kids to be afraid. One day at the park I saw a pack of stray dogs playing with a child that looked just like my son when he was that age. My first thought was to rescue that child, but I saw him laughing. I was afraid and he was joyful. The dogs too. It was pure love and laughter. No fear and no courage required. The only problem was mine.

My name निखिल in Sanskrit means "complete" or "whole". I realized that I was not whole. My fear of dogs was robbing me of courage, pride, freedom, love, and connection. I was not complete. I felt weak, powerless, and small when faced with even smaller dogs.

I felt humiliated.

Do not yield to this degrading impotence; it does not become you. Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise

~ Bhagavad Gita 2.3

And, I realized that I had robbed my kids of the joy of dogs because of my own fear. My parents and their parents also never knew the joy I saw in that child. We have too many suffering street dogs in my country, mostly because we are afraid of them. We neglect them and throw rocks at them. Our kids grow up with fear, not compassion, not courage, not love and without the desire or the confidence to make a difference. My fear was not only limiting my life, it was limiting the lives of everyone around me.

Fear is the thief of faith. It robs you of courage, confidence, and the power to make a difference.

~ Nikhil निखिल, Complete Dog Lover

And so, I decided to confront my fear. I reached out to a Dog Rescue NGO near me so that I could volunteer, serve and be near dogs. I met another volunteer that recommended this book. I signed up for a free coaching session. In that one session, Chad helped me identify the ratio that was robbing me, my family and my community of the joy and love of dogs.

Said another way, the more I fought for comfort the more I feared losing control. Like life, stray dogs are nearly impossible to control and so, my sense of control is reduced and my fear increased exponentially. Chad helped me reframe this ratio using the Infinity Principle.

I learned to notice my fear and my want for comfort and use it to practice compassion instead. Compassion does not require courage, it builds it.

Compassion is simply being more interested in another than yourself and your own fears. For me, this meant using my fear of dogs to learn to feed them, care for them, and now I love them. And now I'm known in my community as the "dog rescuer". I've rescued over 50 street dogs in the last year alone. I've adopted 3 of them myself. My family loves dogs now too. My kids and their kids are fearless with dogs and in life. We've transformed our family and community by transforming our fear into compassion and action.

Act now. Find a local dog rescue NGO near you and volunteer. Use your fears to practice compassion. It will change the probability of your life and the lives of those around you.

My favorite ratio that I practice daily is Impact = Affect / Effected. It reminds me that my impact is a consequence of how much I affect others, not how much I'm affected by my fears. Thank you, Chad and The Infinity Principle! You changed my life and the lives of so many dogs and people around me.

Sārah سارة - Ex-Wife, Human Rights Advocate, World Leader

At sixteen, I discovered the Infinity Principle and the ratios vitality = light / loss and happiness = appreciation / expectations, which would stay with me for years to come. Years later, I married a man who seemed gentle in public but was cruel behind closed doors. Anchored in my Islamic faith, family values, and ambition for personal and professional growth, my marriage became one of the greatest tests of my life. Living in a patriarchal community, I endured attempts to twist religious teachings into tools of manipulation and control, a problem I realized extended far beyond my own experience and faith. The marriage ended in a traumatic divorce, and it was only then that I fully recognized the destructive patterns of narcissism, how it masqueraded as charm, authority, or charisma, yet eroded the lives of those closest to it. Recalling the wisdom of the ratios, bliss = trauma / drama and faith = trust / hope, I began to rebuild myself, embracing healing without holding onto the drama or desire for revenge, and instead focused daily on gratitude: for my faith in God, my family, myself, and for having been saved from a life of abuse.

Through this journey, I transformed my pain into purpose. I pursued a career in global human rights advocacy, championing women’s empowerment worldwide. I strived for light over bitterness, appreciation over expectation, and integrity over ego. These principles guided my ascent into international influence, not as someone using my story for popularity or sympathy, but as a principled leader who empowers others and speaks for the most vulnerable in society. Where narcissism once sought to control, I found freedom in being true to myself and my values, where fear demanded silence, I chose to use my voice and reclaim my power. The journey was not easy, but the ratios in the Infinity Principle provided me with a roadmap for transformation, growth, and the courage to follow it. I am forever grateful to the Infinity Principle for helping me, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to unlock their full potential and live a life of infinite possibilities.

Some more of my favorites are:

• Strength = Commitment / Attachment
• Reverence = Bless / Stress
• Impact = Affect / Effected

Enjoy.

🚀 Speaking, Coaching & Workshops

Are you ready to reprogram your mind, your team, and your life for infinite success? Whether you're an individual wanting to change the probability of your life, a team aiming for peak performance, or an organization striving for transformative change, we offer tailored coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops rooted in neuroscience, designed to reprogram your infinite mind and maximize the probability of your potential.

Need examples? See the testimonies for inspiration.

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We coach leaders, speakers, families and teams to harness the power of the ratio making mind to transform limiting beliefs into powerful habits that exponentially increase the probability of your life. Our approach is grounded in the latest neuroscience and the principles outlined in "The Infinity Principle," providing practical tools and strategies to help you navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and unlock your full potential.

If you are already a coach, speaker, teacher, healer or therapist, let's talk about training you to become a certified InfinityCoach^TM and joining our global network of infinite leaders.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free introductory session to explore how we can radically change the probability of your life and support your journey to infinity and beyond.

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~ George Bernard Shaw

All of our services come with a 100% money back guarantee. All include unlimited coaching sessions scheduled at your convenience. Why? Because we don't do therapy. It won't take long to train you to break free of your limbic loops and to reprogram your elastic neural networks. If not, you get your money back. No questions asked. See our guarantee for details.

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We depend on you being thrilled, powerful, and making a difference. It does not serve us, you, or the world if you are not and so, you will not pay if you are not thrilled with the results.

All of our services come with a 100% money back guarantee. All include unlimited coaching sessions scheduled at your convenience. Why? Because we don't do therapy. It won't take long to train you to break free of your limbic loops and to reprogram your elastic neural networks. If not, you get your money back. No questions asked.

However, we do charge $199 for missed appointments without a 24 hour notice. If homework is assigned and agreed to, it must be completed before your refund is issued. In other words, if you commit to the process, we commit to your success.

See testimonies for inspiration.

💞 Pay it Forward

If you can't pay it back, pay it forward.

~ Catherine Ryan Hyde, Pay it Forward

Here's a list of charities I mentioned in the book.

Please consider supporting them in any way you can. Every little bit helps. Thank you!

And if you're inspired and found this book useful and inspiring, please help spread the word. Visit their site and share the section of this book that inspired you on their social media so that others may benefit as well. The world will find peace when we share our values instead of fighting over valuables.

❤️ Love is Infinite

What is love?

I wanna kiss your toes, your calves, your knees, your thighs...
I wanna look in your eyes and hear you cry... out...
for love, for me, for you, for heaven's sake
and for the earth that quakes, shakes, and bakes
for us ... ... ... ... and for it!

Love is Infinite.

But why do we objectify? rectify? and specify?
The light in your eyes and the spark in the gap between your... uh... sighs

And would you like some LOVE with your burger and fries?

Love is not a subject, object, noun, or verb...
It is the charge inside all of our words.
It is the magic in every song that's sung
It is why lips move. It is why we have tongues.
Love is not a thing you can lose, lust or list...
It's not that... It's not this...
It's not a what, where, when or why...
It's not a how or a who... it's not me... it's not you
It's not better than... it's not about to begin...
and it never... ever... ever... ends.

Love is Infinite.

Love is kind... Love is that space beyond your mind
and maybe it’s time we all rewind
and love all others like we are blind

Blind to all the fear and haste
and all the time that we waste
waiting and hoping for the kiss of fate
waiting for love to displace all hate
while we worry bout those from another place
and those with different beliefs, gender, age or race
and if not love, at least, gimme a hot mate to date,
rate and investigate ...and dominate
and if not love or a mate, just give us a pretty picture,
so we can masturbate

What is porn without our minds?
Is it not just a reflection of the divine?
And what's a church without our grace?
It's just another empty space.

And what's you and me in a bed without love in our hearts and in our head?

Good, Bad, Right, Wrong... let's love, love, love, all week long

And what of war, violence, guns, money and crime?
Aren't soldiers just children get'n paid and do'n time?
Aren't criminals just victims who repeat the rhyme?

What if family was bigger than flesh, blood, and DNA?
What if love included orphans, whores and people who are gay?
What if love enabled a future where children and nature can play?
What of the unknown, the alone, and the evil we slay?

What is evil? If not the chance to love?
Does fear and hate really come from above or down below?
Or is fear just the shadows we throw?

Love, like light, has no boundaries, no clans, no tribes...
Love is infinite. Love is life.

Love has no sound, no smell, taste or touch...
So why does love matter so much?

It's not mine, it's not yours
And we can't hide it behind closed doors

Love is out, Love is free,
Love is all around you and me

Love is with us and them,
for ever and ever and without end

Love has no risk and provides no safety
Love transcends our identities

Love has no use for cause or time
Love is Infinite. Love is divine.

Love includes and does not deny
Love is truth and does not lie
Love is alive and does not die

Love heals all fear, pain and hate
Love is bigger than souls that mate

So, my friends, my lovers, my sisters and brothers...
Don't faaaaall in love with one another.
It's not a hole. It's not a pit.


You are Infinite Love, now just give it!

~ Chad Steele, The Infinity Principle

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Help others discover their infinite potential by sharing this book with friends, family, and colleagues. Every conversation you start creates ripples of possibility that extend far beyond what you can imagine.

Remember: You are infinite. Your potential is limitless. Your impact matters. Stay engaged, stay social, and most importantly, stay curious about the endless possibilities that await you.

Together, we're creating a world where everyone recognizes their infinite nature and uses it to create positive change. Thank you for being part of this movement.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others

~ Mahatma Gandhi

To be continued...

One of the most liberating realizations I've had writing this book about Infinity, not surprisingly, is that there is no end. There is no final chapter. There is no last word. There is only the next step, the next adventure, the next ratio to explore. The journey to infinity is endless, and that's the beauty of it. So, this is not really the end, but rather a pause, a comma, a semicolon in the ongoing story of your life, my life, and this book.

I'll add more. Promise.

If you want to be notified when I do, please sign up for alerts via your browser or follow us on social media

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