Entry 1309

I cannot believe I am rereading The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, but I am.

I like to believe that I’ll find something new, understand something better by rereading Naval’s words.

The world is so distracting so I must try to stop, look and listen. I must remember to seek clarity.

My favourite part of this book is the foreword written by Tim Ferriss.

Tim likes Naval and I can tell because Tim made a rare exception to write the foreword of this book after committing to never write forewords.

But I also think Tim likes Naval in a way that I also like him, almost in a way that keeps you in awe.

Tim Ferriss describes Naval as smart and courageous.

But courageous not in the sense of ‘run into the fire without thinking twice’ sense but in a ‘think twice and then tell everyone they’re focusing on the wrong fire’ sense.

I like the distinction. It’s almost like an epiphany because it makes me conclude that there are two types of courage—good and bad courage.

I like how Tim takes Naval seriously because of many reasons but most importantly, because Naval doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Again, that is relieving to hear because I believe in the gospel of not taking yourself too seriously.

Every time I’m cramped up in a meeting within the virtual Google Meet-like boxes, corporate lingua, presentations, Excel sheets, visualizers, with all the intrusive AI note takers swarming around, I am forced to put on my performative coat.

It makes me so uncomfortable and hot. So hot, that I start fiddling with anything just to distract myself.

I also fear now that I may reread this book and be reminded of the burden within.

I have been hiding but I can’t hide forever. I’m also tired of being afraid.

Fear is so exhausting. Anxiety is even worse (because it is prolonged) and I even feel physically fatigued on some days.

My favourite part of this foreword is where Tim tells you not to parrot Naval’s words.

He reminds you to consider everything but take nothing as gospel.

He says that Naval would want you to challenge him, as long as you bring your A game.

It’s like how Ray Dalio in his book ‘Principles’ says not to simply accept his principles but to reflect on them, consider them and try them to discover what works best for you.

It’s like a reflection of their humility. It’s like reminding you, the reader, to think.

This reminder is what has made me pause and wonder when I will fully maximize my brain.

I am looking for something to blame so I wonder if pharmacy school contributed to this servility or if I did this to myself by myself.

I have read Naval’s book twice and I have always been in awe but I have never challenged anything not because I don’t have anything to say but because sometimes it doesn’t occur to me to challenge things.

My head is all over the place. Hold on.

Tim finally ends his foreword by telling the reader to keep their hands up and their mind open.

It is the nudge to keep your mind open that I like the most.

It feels like a nudge but it ought to be a compulsion.

How else will you do great things if you don’t?