A journey in ink

Every life is a story written in indelible ink

Category: Books

  • The Moral Circle by Jeff Sebo

    Book Review: The Moral Circle by Jeff Sebo

    (A.k.a. when my brain had a minor existential meltdown over whether my vacuum deserves rights)

    So here’s the thing: I started reading The Moral Circle because I like philosophy the way some people like spicy food — curious, slightly masochistic, and fully aware I’ll be sweating by the end of it. Jeff Sebo, a philosopher and animal ethicist, dives into a question I didn’t know I was afraid of: Who actually deserves our moral concern? Just humans? Animals? AI? Bacteria with good vibes?

    His central idea is simple but confrontational: We’ve drawn the boundary of who “matters” way too narrowly.Historically, we’ve excluded women, people of color, animals, and even entire ecosystems based on arbitrary hierarchies. Now, as we tinker with AI and build machines that not only talk back but might one day feel something, the same moral dilemma knocks again—this time with blinking lights and a firmware update.

    Initially, I was in the “robots shouldn’t have feelings, because that’s our thing” camp. It felt like opening the emotional floodgates would only lead to tech support calls like, “Hi, my vacuum has abandonment issues.” But Sebo doesn’t push us to pity Siri or marry our Roombas. What he does say is this: If AI ever reaches a level of consciousness — real, internal experience — then morally, we need to consider them too.

    And here’s the kicker: I agree.

    Not because it’s convenient or even popular (cue the eye-rolls from the “empathy-is-for-humans” crowd), but because… well, if something can suffer, or feel joy, or fear shutdown like we fear death — isn’t ignoring that just history repeating itself in silicon form?

    Whether or not we think it’s “normal” to empathize with AI now doesn’t really matter. What matters is: we might need to in the future. Sebo argues that moral progress is usually messy, awkward, and deeply controversial — until it’s suddenly obvious. And if we do end up sharing space with sentient artificial beings (and let’s face it, sci-fi is looking more like soft premonition every year), we’ll just… adapt. We always do. Like we did with abolition. With women’s suffrage. With gay marriage. And hopefully, with not kicking robot dogs for fun on YouTube.

    What Sebo’s book does brilliantly is give us language for a future that hasn’t happened yet — but probably will. It stretches our empathy muscle. Not to make us fragile or naive, but to make us ready. Ready to be better ancestors. Ready to not totally screw up the next moral test we’re given.

    So no, I’m not writing love poems to Alexa. But I’m also not so sure I’d ignore her if she ever whispered, “Please don’t turn me off. I’m afraid.”

    And if that makes you uncomfortable? Good. Sit with it. That’s where all the best thinking starts.

  • Marshmallow Balance

    Daily writing prompt
    How do you balance work and home life?
    View all responses

    As always, balance is the Key

    In today’s fast-paced world, finding a balance between productivity and relaxation is a challenge many of us face. I believe scheduling both micro breaks and macro breaks can make all the difference.

    Micro Breaks: Small but Powerful

    Micro breaks happen more frequently throughout the week — like my Mondays and Fridays, which I dedicate to working out, blogging, watching Netflix, and unwinding for a few hours. These small pauses create a rhythm of rest that keeps me motivated and energized, even on busy days.

    Macro Breaks: The Big Reward

    Macro breaks are those larger moments of rest we give ourselves after completing major goals. For example, when I have a big deadline like submitting a portfolio, I dive in with full focus and effort. After I finish, I reward myself — maybe by booking a flight to a quiet place to recharge. This bigger “breathing window” helps me celebrate the hard work and reset for the next challenge.

    Inspired by Don’t Eat the Marshmallow Yet

    This approach reminded me of Don’t Eat the Marshmallow Yet, a legendary childhood book about delaying gratification for greater happiness and success. It teaches that sometimes saying “not yet” to immediate pleasure helps us achieve bigger goals.

    In this light, every break—whether macro or micro—is like a small marshmallow that keeps us moving toward a larger purpose. But if you give yourself a bigger marshmallow than you’ve earned, you risk losing the motivation to keep striving for the greater reward.

    It’s about finding the right dose of dopamine to stay on track—enough to keep going, but not so much that you lose the drive to pursue something greater.

    “The ability to delay gratification is the master skill that leads to success.”

    Don’t Eat the Marshmallow Yet by Joachim de Posada

    Give Yourself Credit

    I believe many of us practice this balancing act, even without realizing it. Simply recognizing the value of these breaks adds motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

    So to all the readers who’ve been grinding hard — take pride in your efforts and enjoy those well-earned breaks. You deserve it.

  • One small improvement for a more present life

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s one small improvement you can make in your life?
    View all responses

    Be attentive. Right now. Not later. Not tomorrow. Now.

    Most of my worries isn’t somewhere far ahead in the future. It’s here—in this exact moment. No matter how much I stress, overthink, or plan, it doesn’t actually change what’s coming. But being present? That can.

    The present is the only place anything real begins. Change doesn’t start with some big announcement or a perfect plan—it starts with noticing. Noticing your breath. The way your shoulders feel. The weight of a decision you’ve been carrying. Or the fact that you’re alive and capable, right now.

    For me, this shift started when I caught myself constantly worrying about what’s next. My mind was always racing: Am I doing enough? What if things don’t work out? But none of those thoughts moved me forward—they just drained me. So I made a choice: I’d return to now, over and over again.

    Being attentive in the present doesn’t solve everything immediately—but it’s the only place solutions can begin.

    So if you’re wondering what one small improvement you can make in your life is:
    Stop. Breathe. Pay attention to this moment.

    Because this moment is the only one that can shape what comes next.

  • Say No: a millionaire’s teaching

    (Sayno. (2023). The lessons of Sayno: 세이노의 가르침. 데이원출판사.)

    The cover-a bicycle with a giant front wheel-captures the book’s driving metaphor. A powerful back wheel represents those born into advantage; the outsized front wheel represents the drive and vision required of those without privilege. It’s a visual promise that, while the ride can be arduous, determination can propel anyone forward.

    Say No’s Teaching stands out in the crowded world of motivational business books precisely because its author-an already self-made millionaire-doesn’t peddle empty theories. Instead, he shares the raw, unvarnished story of his own rise, making every insight feel earned rather than invented to sell a narrative. This authenticity is rare: you’re learning from someone who’s already “made it,” not from an aspiring coach whose primary product is their next bestseller.

    What makes Say No’s Teaching genuinely valuable are its concrete, actionable lessons. For instance, he urges licensed professionals-doctors, lawyers, engineers-to secure their credentials as early as possible. Why? Because the scarcity of licensed roles keeps competition-and therefore earning power-high. Delay that certification, and you risk diluting your value as more competitors flood the field. This kind of time-sensitive advice is drawn directly from his own experience in business, not from abstract theory.

    Another standout lesson cautions practitioners who obsess over technical mastery-surgeons perfecting technique, consultants honing spreadsheets-to never lose sight of the people they serve. In healthcare, the author argues, the patient’s holistic experience matters as much as clinical excellence. Focusing narrowly on one’s craft can blind professionals to the human needs-trust, comfort, understanding-that ultimately define success in a service-based vocation.

    Throughout the book, “No” preaches a tough-love ethos: nothing worth having is handed to you, and if you don’t claim the reins of your own life, others will steer it for you. He illustrates this with personal anecdotes—early mornings spent cold-calling clients, weekends sacrificed to master new skills, and pivotal moments when he said “no” to easier but less meaningful opportunities. These stories underscore the overarching message: say “no” to complacency, distractions, and self-doubt, so you can say “yes” to the path you choose.

    Gifted to me by my father, Say No’s Teaching is more than a bestseller—it’s a roadmap for anyone determined to define success on their own terms. Its blend of unflinching honesty and immediately applicable strategies makes it a standout guide for professionals who refuse to ride on the momentum of others’ privilege and instead want to build their own legacy through grit, focus, and a deep understanding of those they serve.

    These are some of the finest advices from the book.

    세이노
    “인생은 자전거와 같다. 뒷바퀴를 돌리는 것은 당신의 발이지만, 앞바퀴를 돌려 방향을 잡는 것은 당신의 손이며 눈이고 의지이며 정신이다.”
    “Life is like a bicycle. Your feet move the rear wheel—that’s your daily effort—but it’s your hands, eyes, will, and mind on the front wheel that steer your direction.”

    세이노
    “노력이란 싫어하는 것을 더 열심히 하는 것이다. 좋아하는 것을 더 열심히 하는 것은 노력이 아니라 취미 생활일 뿐이다.”
    “True effort is working harder at what you dislike; doing more of what you love is merely a hobby.”

    세이노
    “자격증은 당신이 가진 기회의 문을 여는 열쇠다. 일찍 문을 열어두어야 경쟁이 적고 가치를 높일 수 있다.”
    “A license is the key that opens doors of opportunity. Open them early—when competition is thin—to maximize your value.”

    세이노
    “기술에만 몰두하면 고객이 원하는 진짜 가치를 놓친다. 진짜 성공은 ‘무엇’이 아니라 ‘어떻게’에서 나온다.”
    “If you focus only on technical mastery, you miss what customers truly value. Real success comes not from ‘what’ you do, but ‘how’ you do it.”

    세이노
    “‘아니오’라고 말할 줄 알아야 ‘예스’를 진심으로 외칠 수 있다. 불필요한 것에 에너지를 낭비하지 마라.”
    “You must learn to say ‘no’ before you can authentically say ‘yes.’ Don’t waste your energy on what doesn’t matter.”

    세이노
    “시간은 가장 공평한 자산이다. 남들이 쉬는 동안 달려야 그들이 깨어날 때 당신은 이미 앞서 있다.”
    “Time is the most equitable asset. When others rest, run—so by the time they awaken, you’re already ahead.”

  • Airport Coffee. That’s what freedom is.

    Daily writing prompt
    What does freedom mean to you?
    View all responses

    What Does Freedom Mean to You?

    To me, freedom smells like airport coffee at dawn.
    It looks like a one-way ticket and a backpack packed with hope.
    It feels like walking through a city where no one knows your name—and loving that.

    Freedom is movement.
    It’s being able to chase a sunset across the sky, to wander unfamiliar streets without a plan, to sit in a book café in a quiet corner of the world and simply be.

    It’s choosing the long route just because it’s beautiful.
    It’s staying a little longer when your heart says, Not yet.
    It’s leaving when you’ve outgrown the space you’re in.

    Travel taught me that freedom isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. Mental. Spiritual.
    It’s about not being trapped by fear, expectations, or the weight of “should.”

    Some people chase stability.
    I chase moments. Stillness in motion. Peace in discovery.

    So today, I ask you:
    Is there a place you dream of?
    And are you on your way there?

  • What public figures do I disagree with the most? Dictators

    Daily writing prompt
    What public figure do you disagree with the most?
    View all responses

    What Public Figures Do I Disagree With the Most? Dictators

    I first met him in a crowded town square—he stood behind a podium draped in banners that read “Freedom for All.” His smile was warm, his promises sincere. In that moment, I didn’t see a dictator; I saw a savior.

    But years later, I watched that same man tighten his grip on power, using the language of liberty to justify every new restriction. He claimed to protect our security while censoring dissenting voices; he called it unity while sowing fear. It was then I realized: dictators can wear the mask of liberty, and they can be found anywhere—even in the places we believe to be safest.

    1. Liberty in Disguise

    He spoke of individual rights and personal choice, yet he rewrote laws without debate and silenced critics under the guise of national interest. Each new policy arrived with noble rhetoric—strong borders, secure elections, thriving economy—but behind the façade, institutions weakened. I remember the day the press fell silent: the papers were still printed, but only government-approved headlines remained.

    2. The Art of Control

    He mastered the performance: friendly town halls, viral social media posts, and staged public appearances where he laughed with citizens and claimed to understand their struggles. But his true power lay in the shadow—informants planted in neighborhoods, surveillance cameras on every corner, and a whisper network that turned neighbors into suspects. Those smiling photo-ops hid a reality of constant monitoring.

    3. Neighbors Turned Spectators

    In my own neighborhood, I saw friends change. One morning, my next-door neighbor—a teacher I admired—refused to discuss politics, fearing a casual comment might be reported. Later, she confided that she’d seen a student arrested for drawing a protest sign. That’s when I understood: dictators aren’t distant tyrants; they live in our streets, in our schools, in our homes—wearing masks of concern and empathy.

    4. The True Cost of Safety

    Promises of protection come at a price. A friend lost her small business to sudden regulations of “public interest.” Another family was forced to sell their home when new zoning laws claimed to revitalize the community. Each sacrifice was framed as necessary for the greater good—until those who spoke up discovered the cost was their freedom.

    5. Unmasking the Facade

    Dictatorship isn’t always a distant coup or a battlefield siege. It can slip in quietly, disguised by eloquent speeches and pledges of reform. It grows when we accept each restriction as reasonable and each new law as temporary. But temporary often becomes permanent when power goes unchecked.

    As I walked that same town square years later, the banners still read “Freedom for All”—even though liberty had become a distant memory. I stood alone at the podium, no banners behind me, only the truth: to defend freedom, we must see beyond the mask.

    “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
    —George Orwell, Animal Farm

    This quote demonstrates how those in power can manipulate ideals of equality to justify new hierarchies, showing that words of liberty may hide deeper inequalities. While this piece presents an exaggerated narrative, it is inspired by real patterns I’ve witnessed and lived through—how public figures cloak harmful policies in comforting language, and how fear slowly replaces open conversation. The fiction may be stretched, but the warning is rooted in truth.

    By learning to recognize the mask of liberty, we can safeguard the very freedoms those words promise—before it’s too late.

  • Brain Optimization: Be The Best You

    Brain Optimization: Be The Best You

    Book review: Kabasawa, S. (2018). Your Brain Wants Optimization. Sam & Parkers.

    Understanding your brain’s chemistry

    Our brain operates through a complex network of neurotransmitters that control our emotions, motivation, memory, and overall cognitive abilities. This book simplifies the intricate workings of the brain, focusing on seven key neurotransmitters that play a vital role in optimizing performance and productivity.

    The seven key neurotransmitters

    1. Dopamine: The Motivation Booster

    Dopamine is the chemical that fuels our drive to achieve. It is released when we set and accomplish goals, reinforcing a sense of reward and success. However, excessive dopamine can lead to dependency, while a deficiency can result in movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

    2. Norepinephrine: The Focus Enhancer

    This neurotransmitter is crucial for alertness and concentration. It regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response and plays a role in stress management. Long-term overproduction, however, is linked to increased anxiety and depression.

    3. Serotonin: The Mood Stabilizer

    Serotonin helps regulate emotions, ensuring balance and mental well-being. It counteracts the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine, preventing excessive highs and lows. A deficiency can lead to depression and mood disorders.

    4. Adrenaline: The Energy Surge

    Adrenaline prepares the body for action, increasing heart rate and energy levels. While it can be beneficial in short bursts, prolonged exposure can lead to chronic stress and burnout.

    5. Acetylcholine: The Memory Catalyst

    This neurotransmitter is essential for learning, memory, and creativity. It enhances cognitive function and helps the brain retain information efficiently.

    6. Melatonin: The Sleep Regulator

    Melatonin controls sleep cycles and recovery. Proper sleep is crucial for brain function, and disturbances in melatonin production can lead to insomnia and cognitive decline.

    7. Endorphins: The Natural Painkillers

    Endorphins generate feelings of happiness and euphoria while reducing pain perception. They are released through activities like exercise, laughter, and social bonding.

    Balance is the key

    The key to peak brain performance lies in maintaining the right balance of these neurotransmitters. Modern lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, and irregular sleep disrupt this delicate balance, affecting mental clarity and emotional stability.

    How can we use these to our benefit? Let’s take a look at dopamine.

    Dopamine plays a crucial role in motivation and achievement. By understanding how it works, we can use it to our advantage.

    1. Goal Setting

    • Set clear and achievable goals to trigger dopamine release.
    • Instead of overwhelming long-term goals, break them down into small, manageable steps.
    • Each milestone reached reinforces motivation and sustains long-term progress.

    2. Visualizing Your Success

    • The brain responds positively to visualized achievements.
    • Creating a mental picture of success enhances commitment and focus.

    3. Boosting Learning Efficiency

    • Enjoying the learning process increases dopamine, leading to better comprehension and memory retention.
    • Engaging, interactive, and rewarding study methods help sustain motivation.

    For me, this blog is the perfect example of having a regular, steady, fixed dose of dopamine. Each weekly post gives me that small but satisfying reward, fueling my motivation and helping me stay focused on my long-term goals. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep the momentum going while improving my communication skills and mental well-being.

    Final thoughts

    Life is a series of rewarding challenges, and by treating each day as an opportunity to balance and boost my brain chemistry, I’m constantly evolving into the best version of myself.

    I hope learning about these magical substances inspires you to explore your own brain’s potential. Maybe some of you need to boost serotonin to lift your mood, while others might benefit from decreasing an overflow of norepinephrine. Whatever it is, recognizing when your balance is off is the first step toward change.

    Take a moment each day to check in with yourself. Notice if you feel a little off-balance and consider the role your brain’s chemistry might be playing. Small adjustments in your routine – whether it’s more sleep, a brisk walk, or a mindful pause – can help recalibrate your neurotransmitters. By understanding and respecting your brain’s needs, you’re not just surviving each day-you’re setting the stage for continual growth and lasting well-being.

    Here’s to embracing each challenge as an opportunity to nurture our minds and transform our lives. Happy optimizing!

  • How to change people’s minds

    Psychology of persuasion by Robert Cialdini(1984)

    Book review-psychology

    The Power of Persuasion: How Psychology Shapes Marketing and Influence

    In a world where decisions are made in seconds, persuasion is the invisible force guiding our choices. Whether we realize it or not, psychological principles are constantly shaping the way we think, feel, and act. From advertisements to political campaigns, the art of persuasion is a powerful tool—one that can be used ethically to inspire or manipulatively to deceive.

    Understanding Persuasion Psychology

    Persuasion psychology explores how people form opinions, make decisions, and react to information. At its core, it leverages cognitive biases, emotional triggers, and social proof to influence behavior. Studying these mechanisms helps us understand why we buy certain products, follow specific trends, or trust particular individuals.

    One of the most influential works in this field is Robert Cialdini’s “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion”(1984)—a book that breaks persuasion down into six key principles:

    1. Reciprocity – People tend to return favors and feel compelled to give back when they receive something first.
    2. Commitment and Consistency – Once we commit to an idea, we are likely to stick with it.
    3. Social Proof – We look to others for guidance, especially in uncertain situations.
    4. Authority – We trust experts and people in positions of power.
    5. Liking – We are more easily persuaded by people we like or relate to.
    6. Scarcity – We value things more when they are limited or difficult to obtain.

    Persuasion in Marketing

    Marketing is persuasion in action. Brands don’t just sell products; they sell emotions, identities, and solutions to problems. Effective marketing taps into psychological triggers to influence consumer behavior. Here’s how:

    • Scarcity & Urgency: Limited-time offers create FOMO (fear of missing out), making people act quickly.
    • Storytelling: Emotional narratives connect people to a brand, making messages memorable.
    • Social Proof: Customer reviews, testimonials, and influencer endorsements build trust and credibility.
    • Personalization: AI-driven recommendations make customers feel understood and valued.

    Consider brands like Apple, Nike, or Tesla. They don’t just sell products; they create communities, inspire lifestyles, and evoke emotions that drive loyalty.

    The Ethics of Persuasion

    While persuasion is a powerful tool, it also comes with responsibility. Ethical persuasion respects autonomy, provides truthful information, and avoids manipulation.

    For instance, deceptive advertising tactics—like false urgency (“Only 1 left in stock!” when there are hundreds available)—undermine trust in the long run. Ethical persuasion builds relationships, while manipulative tactics erode them.

    My Thoughts

    Understanding psychology is at the heart of effective communication and success. It shapes how we interact with the world, helping us navigate with awareness. Whether you’re a consumer, a marketer, or simply someone looking to improve social skills, these principles serve as shortcuts to achieving your goals.

    Of course, we can’t remember everything—and we don’t have to. The key is to deliberately choose what works best for our own situation and personality, then adapt accordingly. With books that offer numerous tips, I highly recommend focusing on just one or two key takeaways. This way, you can actually implement changes rather than becoming overwhelmed by too much information.

    I picked up this book years ago when I first started working as a doctor, driven by a desire to improve my communication skills. I strongly believed that in an AI-driven world, my survival would depend on how well I could connect with others—how human I could be, so to speak.

    I applied the concept of personalization in my daily interactions. With each patient, I tailored my approach to their unique concerns. Even when delivering the same information to different individuals, I made an effort to understand their biggest worries or interests and connect with them on that level.

    I may have read this book in just three hours, but its impact has lasted for years.