Ask not, “what does the world want from me?”

Ask, “what do I have to give to the world?”

My mood has changed each day with writing the opening article for 2026. I’ve always felt that the first article sets the tone for the rest of the year, so, I have to get it right. Maybe I’ve been putting too much pressure on myself. Perhaps I’m making up for all the people who aren’t critical of themselves haha – which by now is a lot! Perhaps it’s an old part of me that needs to die as it no longer serves a useful purpose. It’s difficult surrendering parts of yourself that were once imperative to your success that you begin to doubt its relevance currently, but it refuses to budge like King Arthur’s sword in the stone. 

A lot has happened since we last crossed paths, and a lot could still happen before this comes out. I miss the days when I only had to worry about things like the NBA trade deadline. It’s not ignorance I miss; I miss the sanity and stability that facilitated such a life. Modern life is largely exhausting to me – and not just because I’ve been recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea. Where is the compassion? Where is the courtesy? Where is the civility? Sincerity? Honesty? Integrity?

For a long time, I had always geared myself to what the world demanded from me. I was under the illusion that I was freely giving myself to the world when in reality it was determined more than I imagined. Passion is a counter to living a life on a predetermined autopilot. In my opinion, I think the people of today are starved of authentic passion, as so much of what we see is performative and/or shallow. We know the difference when we see it and we gravitate immediately towards it. One of my aims this year is to give you more of this. I think one of the reasons why more people haven’t warmed to me is partly because they haven’t had the chance to…and I would like to give people their chance.

Photo by Kashawn Hernandez on Unsplash.

I want to rediscover passion, rediscover joy…maybe if I write about things more subjective and personal it’ll help – rather than my sacrificial, objectively good for humanity style. Enough of an impartial existence. I’m an incredibly deep-feeling, sensitive and emotional man…and yet, I’m incredibly stoic and resilient. I’m scared though, I’m sad…I hide myself away. I feel like there’s always someone waiting to tell me why I’m wrong or that I’m a horrible person and then I’ll be incriminated against forever. Modernity is so unforgiving, unforgetful and relentless. No room for errors, instant harsh punishment with no possible redemption. Everyone seems to be getting meaner, more obnoxious, more entitled, less courteous, less understanding…this is not a world I thrive in.

This will sound ridiculous, but I feel obligated to do my part in not letting the beauty and truth of Western philosophy and literature die out – specifically the physical, tangible books. I see a future of fewer and fewer people willing and able to converse in the likes of Plato, Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, Jung, amongst other classics, and it’s on me to save the tradition. I’m learning through these greats – and I’ve had a couple of great teachers – and in doing so, passing on that learning through me like a superconductor. Offering tremendous insight into the nature of the human condition, you become a deeper, richer, more understanding and appreciative human being for reading these greats, and the payback increases the more you read them. The stories touch you at the most inner part of your being, and then to have the ability to discuss with others the themes, thoughts and feelings from these texts is a truly wonderful experience.

You will notice a difference in the topics I cover this year. They may appear more personal, more random, hell, I might even risk misspeaking! There will still be some universal take home messages you’ll be able to glean from every article, but the primary aim for me will be to write with vigour and voice.

I hope that you’ll stick with me through this change as we navigate the inevitable hits and misses – and I fight myself as much as anything. That is what I have to give to the world, the ability to put myself through the ringer and produce a beautiful boon for those who come into contact with me.

Please consider donating at one of the links below, if you are able to do so, I would very much appreciate it.

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Photo by Stefano Bazzoli on Unsplash.