A reflection on The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway — on endurance, quiet strength, and finding meaning even when success slips away.

The Unbroken Spirit: Lessons from The Old Man and the Sea

Reflections on the ending of Orwell's 1984, exploring the broken spirit of Winston and Julia, and what it means for freedom, truth, and human connection

The Broken Spirit: A Reflection After Reading 1984

A short reflection on the passing of my grandfather Joaquim Valverde, the feeling of saudade, and the reminder to live fully.

Avô Joaquim, One Year Later

Most of what I learned in school didn't stick — and that's okay. As an adult, I've realized it wasn't a lack of intelligence, but a lack of context and curiosity. This post reflects on how learning changes over time, sparked by revisiting a thought experiment I forgot I'd ever studied.

I Barely Remember Anything From School and That's Okay

With AI changing software jobs fast, is it time to diversify? A reflection on coding, careers, and learning skilled trades

Should I Learn a Skilled Trade Just in Case?

A reflection on the mental model "The Map Is Not the Territory" and why we should question simplified explanations—especially in the age of AI.

How Often Do You Trust the Map Too Much?

A personal reflection on worry, control, and the wisdom of Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount—through the lens of modern anxiety.

Can Any of You by Worrying Add a Single Hour to Your Life?

Reflecting on my first MTB races, I realized how competition pushed me to grow faster than years of casual practice ever did.

The Underrated Benefits of Competition

Tech layoffs are accelerating—and AI is often cited as the reason. Is this the new normal? A personal reflection on staying adaptable.

All posts / Reflections