Marko Schmitt

Japanese kanji for the word koan.

Zen koans challenge logical reasoning and encourage meditation, self-reflection, and enlightenment:

Ex: what is the sound of one hand clapping?

Martin Luther King Day coinciding with Trump's inauguration is a koan we must live with for the next 4 years.

What insight does this koan mean for you?

I doubt that a robotaxi will be coming any time soon to my town of Taos (pop. 5000).

But when I come to visit you in Hong Kong I'll tell the robotaxi to use chatGPT to take all the most interesting routes, alleys, and side trips that would otherwise piss off a human driver but be great fun!

I hear you Ash, but for me, social media life has gotten simpler. For one thing, I no longer feel a sense of self loathing for being on X and indirectly providing any time or attention to Musk.

And for the time being, I am good with concentrating on BSKY and contributing to growing the community.

Alexei Navalny handcuffed to a Russian police officer who tells us with his body language that he will never give up the struggle for freedom.

"You’re not allowed to give up." Alexei Navalny

What else? Black. Black makes everything else beautiful.

Timeless wisdom from Woody. I love number 16:

Things appear to be going swimmingly over on Twitter. I'd like to point out, however, that Elon illegally overstayed a student visa - he didn't have an H1B. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

Congrats - that is a beautiful moment when your kid wants to walk on their own.

It's the best way to be open to the serendipity of new ideas and connections.

God works in mysterious ways...

When it comes to oxymorons, Rinocrats are right up there.

You are right Daniel - fully awake is the way to appreciate life! You can always sleep later...

Beautiful.

A passage from the Tao that’s frequently worth revisiting.

Maybe that's what it was like for Elon...

But probably not since he was born with a silver spoon up his ass so he never had to work for a fraction of his worth while worrying about getting deported.

Rich people have the stupidest ideas about people who have to work for a living.

What kind of kool-aid is she drinking?

It's a weird day when Coulter starts telling the truth.

It's because smart women won't put up with his bullshit they way wanna be bros will.

The best friend you can make is with your self!

I'd add to this list:

The best friend you can make is with your self.

Then rinse and repeat.

Consistently showing up these three is the best way to show you are worth paying attention to.

Money is currency and currency is energy.

Nobody has a problem with more energy.

So what's the problem with money?

What a cool picture - I love the image of you as pilgrim and seeker - it complements the great work you are doing helping people take charge of their financial journey!

It's not easy but it's worth every step on the way...

This is a very healthy perspective. Unfortunately in most marriages - speaking from experience - it becomes one person's "job."

Any suggestions for how to invite your partner to share the fun of family finance?

Writing is when the magic happens.

This is a a good list and I am all for awakening and self growth.

I know it's normal to want to be a winner - but right now I am OK with doing things like this that good for myself without any extra expectations.

what can you say...

That describes the Musk/Trump team: government by billionaires who will wreck the economy while getting richer

Trump's signature achievement was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which was a huge transfer of wealth to the 1%

The losers in this economy will be most of the people who voted for him

That was very wise of you. The same is true for me - I was 24 when I talked my way into Columbia University after doing circus work for many years - which taught there is always a way in - you just have to find it! And I loved college.

The myth of being normal causes suffering.

Suffering is not normal. It means things are out of alignment in how we are living our lives.

A good question to ask is, "What is my body and mind trying to tell me?"

This is a step towards trusting your inner wisdom which is much better than normal.

This makes a lot more sense than going into debt for a college degree that will probably be obsolete before you are 30.

At the least follow Daniel's suggestion - and then go to college.