Plants vs soil, undercooked meat, and crystals
- Fatherhood: Plants vs soil
- Fitness: Free resource: Units of antiquity
- Focus: Growing crystal(lization)
- A book, a quote, a dad joke PLUS: help me build a new resource for dads
Fatherhood: Plants vs soil
We often think about what kind of plants we want to grow, what kinds of habits we want to cultivate, or what kind of young humans we’re trying to develop. In all cases, our efforts work best when we look at the soil first and see what already grows there without our intervention.
Fitness: Units of antiquity
Eugen Sandow was a bodybuilder and showman, often heralded as a key figure of early North American physical culture. He was also an absolute unit. If Sandow had an Instagram account now, people would be asking whether he was natty or not. However, he died in 1925, a full decade before testosterone was synthesized.
Sandow was physically gifted; no question. However, what he accomplished over a century ago came without the benefit of modern supplements, training technology, or an internet connection. Just something to bear in mind the next time you get pitched something that is supposedly essential for progress.
I’ve also shared some of Sandow’s thoughts on nutrition in the quote section. See if they feel dated or not.
Dad Strength mini-course
I’ve put together a resource on the concepts behind a successful long-term exercise practice.
Focus: Growing crystal(lization)
We live in such a competitive and information-dense environment that our questions are invariably those of inputs. Do I read my preferred news source? Scroll social media looking for treasures? Read a book? Ask ChatGPT? However, without space, is it really reasonable to expect any of our memories or ideas to crystallize?
Crystals need specific conditions to grow. They require the right temperature, pressure, and concentration of mineral components. With these conditions in place, the process occurs naturally and without intervention. The only remaining criterion is to ensure you don’t disturb the formation. You’ve got to let things cook! So, when it comes to learning and retention, is the key to find better information? Or to find enough information and then give it breathing room to crystallize?
I’ve been experimenting with fewer inputs (listening to music instead of podcasts, spending longer periods sitting without taking action, etc) and the results, so far, have been positive.
What I'm reading/listening to + a request for action
Is the alpha wolf idea a myth?
Should this creepy search engine exist?
Request: 🤠
If you have a favourite book, movie, game, etc. please send me some details — including the age your kid was when they experienced it. I’ll compile it into a dadabase and share it when it’s a little more developed
Quote
I am myself no believer in a special diet, still less in a rigid one, as necessary while training. The old nonsense on this subject, about raw eggs and underdone meat, seems to be passing away, and more rational views now prevail. I eat whatever I have a taste for, without stinting myself unduly; nor do I restrict myself seriously in what I drink. Commonly, I abjure anything intoxicating, confining myself mostly to beer and light wines. Tea and coffee I never suffer myself to touch. All I impose upon my appetites is that they shall be temperately indulged.”
– Eugen Sandow, System of Physical Training
Dad joke
What’s a crow’s favourite drink?
Caw-fee
