24 Living freely, systems, and your shortcomings

No. 24 – 19 May 2023

Welcome to the 24th edition of 4-TP, a weekly newsletter with the actionable insights you need.

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Article

Here are some timeless principles from twentieth-century psychologist Alfred Adler for freeing ourselves from our past, living more deliberately, and overcoming our fears.

— Read more​

Quote

French novelist Gustave Flaubert on organization and systems:

"Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work."

Insight

For centuries, intellectuals and artists from Leonardo da Vinci to John Locke have captured ideas and insights they found most interesting in a book they carried around with them. Known as a 'commonplace book,' it wasn't just a journal but a learning tool they used to understand the world and make connections from seemingly different disciplines.

System experts like August Bradley and Tiago Forte call them vaults and second brains, respectively. Whatever the name, we could all use a similar system to capture, organize, and distill information we digest—whether from books, videos, magazines, or other content sources.

There are plenty of tools to choose from. Bestselling author Robert Greene uses a physical notecard system. August Bradley and Tiago Forte use Notion and other software. Obsidian, Apple Notes, and Evernote are other digital options.

Question

Two of the most common paradigms we use to make sense of the world, including our shortcomings, are gene- and environmental-based.

When was the last time you blamed your parents or environment for your current problems and what opportunities or advantages could you focus on instead?

Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef