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A weekly trends and research newsletter exploring ideas and companies that are likely to leave a legacy.

1 Long-Form Lesson

I’ve noticed that I have a handful of people I deeply admire, like Shaan Puri, Andrew Wilkinson, Nick Bare, and others.

When I watch their videos or read their tweets, I do this weird thing where I daydream about what it’s like to sit in their seats.

I presume that they’re 99% stress-free, feel secure in their finances, have most of their lives figured out, and live on top of their world(s).

But as a somewhat smart person who’s personally witnessed the rise and fall of many successful people, I know their shit still stinks.

Maybe their lives are more comfortable, and they don’t worry about certain things, but do they feel like they’re on top of their world, that they’ve made it?

I doubt it.

This entire thought exercise forced me to face my own definition of happiness and feelings of discontent or disappointment.

I’m sitting here writing this from my sunny backyard, sitting in a rocking chair my friend gave me – life is pretty great overall. 

My family is healthy, I am enjoying a new lifestyle, and my body is healthier than ever before. We have money coming in.

I think I crave this feeling of being “on top” or “made it,” but I wonder how differently I’ll actually feel from this moment in time.

I don’t say this to dampen my ambition; rather, I want to give myself a reality check about what I’m seeking.

The more interesting question is,

“What is it like to be ambitious and optimistic for life while being content and grateful daily?”

I know what it’s like to live in this constant state of need and anxiety and stress of “not being successful, yet”. It sucks.

Maybe there’s another path here to the same destination.

What do you think?

This week, I read two thought pieces from Vox and GQ about the next wave of hyper-exclusive, dare-I-say-classist social clubs popping up around New York.

The movement of trends has been well documented, but I like to visualize trends as a bell curve, with the “bell” part of the curve being non-existent in the early days of any trends – basically with any trend you get the extreme versions first.

In the case of third places and spaces you’re getting super local, organic third spaces and then hyper-exclusive spaces on the other end of the spectrum.

I actually feel like this signals that we’re in the beginning stages.

People crave more interaction, spontaneity, and connection, but most people still are clueless about where to go.

My bet is that we’re either going to see a resurgence in religious affiliation and attendance or there’ll be the “Target” version of these more niche third spaces.

Folks have been talking about AI girlfriends and romance for a minute now, but I think there’s some kind of tailwind on the idea now. Especially with the launch of Chat GPT4o and the “Her”/Scarlett Johansson” AI.

People are more exposed to the realities and possibilities.

I was telling friends that I watched a movie called “The Creator” on the plane, which basically imagines a world where intelligent robots are integrated into society and even accepted as family members. The movie is basically about the West trying to elimate all AI lol.

That being said, it begged the question for me: “If I see Milo (my dog) as a real, living, feeling being and I treat him literally like a son, how differently would I treat a robot if it was capable of showcasing emotion and loyalty?”

All of a sudden, AI girlfriends go from being some stupid internet idea to something that you can see happening. Especially if you connect it with the Loneliness epidemic running rampant in the US.

Tell me your thoughts

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