Last night, I had the privilege of hanging out with some of my oldest friends.

It’s been ages since I hung out with them, but those friendships have defied the pull of time and distance.

These kinds of connections are rare and sacred.

They remind us of who we were and, in many ways, who we still are.

Spending time with them wasn’t just nostalgic; it was grounding.

Being around them, I felt something I don’t always find in daily life: a space to just be.

No pretenses, no expectations—just an authentic presence with people who truly know me.

Do you ever feel that itch to correct someone when their logic doesn’t align?

I do, constantly.

It’s like a reflex—seeing a gap in reasoning and wanting to fill it to bring clarity.

But I’ve realized that, more often than not, the urge to be “right” doesn’t add much.

Instead, it creates distance where I want connection and interruption where I want to add value.

In his timeless book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie reminds us that sometimes, proving a point is far less important than nurturing goodwill.

Carnegie shares a story of letting a misquote slide to maintain harmony, showing that connection often outweighs correction.

Danny Meyer, the famed restaurateur, takes this further with his more modern spin, in a 2015 keynote at The Welcome Conference, saying that “being right too often gets in the way of being generous.”

Meyer shares a story where he chose connection over correction in a moment of customer disagreement, focusing on the guest’s experience rather than winning a minor argument.

For Meyer, letting go of being right allowed him to serve the guests in a way that strengthened their bond.

Sometimes, the need to be correct isn’t as important as the chance to let people feel understood.

Letting go of “right” can make space for something more meaningful: a conversation that isn’t about correctness but connection.

This one might be heady, and it’s definitely still a work in progress and not fully formed yet…

In traditional social media, cliques often get a bad rap for being exclusive, leaving others out, and stifling inclusivity.

But what if we thought about these close-knit groups differently, especially in the world of decentralized platforms?

Small, specialized communities that might seem exclusive could actually fuel cultural and creative innovation.

And although I've been critical of Warpcast, the flagship Farcaster protocol client, I think we're seeing this happen in their dev/builder-centric community.

This dynamic relies on implicit exclusion.

Implicit exclusion isn’t about intentionally keeping people out; rather, it’s about creating spaces that naturally attract people with shared interests and values.

Think of it like open protocols for podcasts.

Just as RSS lets podcasts be discovered on any app, open protocols allow different builders and creators to cater to unique communities more effectively, without forcing universal appeal.

Each client can tailor its experience to a specific group, attracting people with distinct perspectives and passions.

Similarly blockchain networks like Tezos, Solana, and Layer 2s like Base each serve distinct communities and needs.

By contrast, traditional platforms like X, Facebook, and mainstream media aim for mass appeal and broad engagement, often under the goal of egalitarian reach.

While this can be inclusive in theory, it can also lead to content that feels flattened or generic.

In decentralized spaces, implicit exclusion creates room for niche ideas to flourish without the constraints of forced egalitarianism.

It’s not about shutting people out—it’s about fostering spaces where ideas and creativity can thrive within smaller, deeply connected groups.

This shift could lead to a more vibrant internet, where communities grow side-by-side rather than competing to be universally appealing.

Traditional platforms, by striving for broad reach, sometimes end up diluting the creativity and uniqueness that emerge from more focused communities.

But decentralized platforms allow people to join spaces that genuinely reflect their identities.

The result? A cultural ecosystem where differences aren’t just accepted—they’re celebrated.

In this sense, a bit of implicit exclusion doesn’t weaken community—it strengthens it.

The future of decentralized platforms might actually be more inclusive overall, precisely because they allow people to gather based on what makes them unique, not just what makes them fit in.

The "Fruit of Ego" uses a rich emotional palette to reflect the complex reactions to Cattelan’s banana artwork. Using six colors chosen from my Emotional Visualization Palettes, I can tell a visual story reflecting the complex responses to a banana duct-taped to a wall called "Art."

In my opinion, not only is this banana "Art," but it's also the highest form of Trash Art, which, if you know, is high praise coming from me.

Full disclosure: I recently submitted this take on Cattlan's Comedian to SuperRare's Rare Bananas open call. If you like it, let them know!

The six colors I chose were selected from the 13 palettes and 87 emotions found in the bespoke visual language I'm developing for my artistic inquiry into emotional vocabulary.

Copper (#b87333) along the banana’s edges captures Hubris, embodying both the allure and risk of pride in calling a banana “art.”

Charcoal Gray (#36454F) in the tape represents Hate, echoing the friction and distaste some feel toward this audacious piece.

Snow White (#FFFAFA) in the background conveys Humility, offering a clean contrast that suggests simplicity amidst the boldness.

Gold (#FFD700) of the banana brings in Admiration, capturing the respect and fascination sparked by Cattelan’s bold concept, highlighting the success of such an unconventional work.

Dark Gray (#A9A9A9) conveys Disappointment, mirroring the letdown felt by those expecting something more profound.

Finally, Pale Dove Gray (#6D6D6D) embodies Lovelessness, hinting at the emotional distance and detachment that leave viewers questioning the depth of the work.

Places We Go When It's Beyond Us

Interest, Wonder, Confusion, Surprise, Awe and Curiosity

Places We Go When Life Is Good

Tranquility, Relief, Calm, Happiness, Foreboding Joy, Contentment, Gratitude and Joy

Places We Go When The Heart Is Open

Trust, Flooding, Betrayal, Lovelessness, Defensiveness, Heartbreak, Hurt, Love and Self-trust

Places We Go When Things Are Uncertain Or Too Much

Fear, Dread, Overwhelm, Stress, Avoidance, Worry, Excitement and Anxiety

Places We Go When Things Aren't What They Seem

Cognitive Dissonance, Paradox, Nostalgia, Irony, Sarcasm, Bittersweetness and Amusement

Places We Go When Things Don't Go As Planned

Discouragement, Expectations, Disappointment, Boredom, Regret, Resignation and Frustration

Places We Go When To Self-asses

Pride, Hubris and Humility

Places We Go When We Fall Short

Perfectionism, Guilt, Humiliation, Shame, Embarrassment and Self-compassion

Places We Go When We Compare

Comparison, Envy, Jealousy, Schadenfreude, Reverence, Freudenfreude, Resentment, Vulnerability and Admiration

Places We Go When We Feel Wronged

Hate, Disgust, Contempt, Dehumanization, Self-righteousness and Anger

Places We Go When We Search For Connection

Connection, Belonging, Invisibility, Disconnection, Loneliness, Insecurity and Fitting In

Places We Go When We're Hurting

Grief, Sadness, Hopelessness, Anguish and Despair

Places We Go When With Others

Boundaries, Empathy, Pity, Comparative Suffering, Compassion and Sympathy

Every interaction we have carries a weight of responsibility, even when it feels insignificant.

It’s easy to think some moments matter less than others—that people might not really notice or that not every effort has to be our best.

But the truth is, we never know who’s watching or what impact we’re making.

Someone could be experiencing our artwork, podcast, writing, or seeing us for the first or last time, and it’s in those moments that giving our best truly counts.

It’s a reminder that each interaction can be meaningful and that each effort can potentially leave a lasting impression.

Bringing our best to every moment isn’t just about achieving a result; it’s about respecting the journey, the work itself, and the people who might be impacted along the way.

Because we never know when something we do might be exactly what someone else needs to see.

Not always knowing exactly what I’m doing means I see things differently, spotting patterns and ideas others might miss.

It’s like moving through an open field of possibilities while others are constrained by the path they see.

The world rewards precision but sometimes underestimates the power of fresh perspectives.

After all, innovation often lives in the unknown.

So, why not let that empower us?

While youth may indeed be wasted on the young, there’s a powerful reminder here for anyone seeking growth and fulfillment.

Wisdom isn’t a relic—it’s a resource.

It risks becoming as wasted as any unused talent or unpursued dream if left unexamined and untapped.

For me, this message resonates deeply.

My career has woven through book publishing, sports, and tech, and I’ve experienced both the highs of innovation and the lows of burnout.

Each twist in my journey has taught me that wisdom isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about revisiting and refining what I know.

Whether working in the fluidity of digital art or standing on the cutting edge of emerging tech, I’ve learned that wisdom helps us recognize when to push forward and pause.

Imagine wisdom as an instinct cultivated over time, helping us make decisions that blend ambition with insight.

This process—this act of turning experience into deliberate action—ensures we don’t waste what we’ve gathered along the way.

And here’s the real challenge: how often do we pause to reflect, allowing ourselves to turn the day’s lessons into the next step forward?

Those on the inside have access to unique insights, valuable opportunities, and a shared understanding that sets them apart.

Meanwhile, those on the outside are left wondering what it is that insiders know and what makes them different.

If you’re questioning whether you’re on the inside, you’re not—because if you were, you’d know.

Drawing from my academic studies into emotional intelligence, emotional vocabulary, and emotional literacy, I'm connecting emotions with colors, flowers, and sentiment. The aim is to raise emotional awareness and express complex feelings visually. This creative journey, influenced by decades of personal growth and artistic practice, looks at how art and emotion overlap, fostering empathy and understanding. As I navigate this journey, I explore both collective and personal emotional expressions, contributing to a broader conversation on emotional intelligence and artistic expression. This pursuit goes beyond art creation; it's a journey into emotional intelligence that nurtures deeper connections and communication.

Palette Name: Emotional Sanctuary
Palette Sentiment: Slightly Positive

Palette Description: The palette you've assembled beautifully reflects a range of emotional experiences and interactions that can occur in spaces where we connect with others. Each color chosen carries deep symbolic meaning, contributing to a nuanced spectrum that captures the complexities of human relationships and emotional exchanges. Here's a summary and interpretation of your palette. Together, these colors paint a picture of spaces filled with emotional depth, understanding, and mutual respect. They suggest environments where individuals can navigate their relationships and emotions safely and supportively, reinforcing the idea that shared places can be sanctuaries of emotional connection and healing.

Definition: Psychological or emotional limits that define the extent of comfortable and acceptable interactions.

Color: Dark Slate Gray
Flower/Plant: Hawthorn - Represents protection and setting boundaries.
Sentiment: Neutral/Mixed

Color Description: This color sets the tone for boundaries within interpersonal spaces. Its firmness and defining quality suggest a respect for personal limits and the importance of clear communication in shared environments.

RGB: 47,79,79
HEX: #2F4F4F
EV Code: 365438

Definition: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Color : Pale Turquoise
Flower/Plant: Alstroemeria - Symbolizes enduring friendship, mutual support, and empathy.
Sentiment: Positive

Color Description: Evoking the essence of empathy, this soothing color reflects an environment that fosters understanding and mutual support. Its presence in shared spaces suggests a comforting and reassuring atmosphere where individuals feel seen and understood.

RGB: 175,238,238
HEX: #AFEEEE
EV Code: 2643210

Definition: The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others.

Color: Thistle
Flower/Plant: Alder - Represents protection and compassion, but with an undercurrent of sorrow.
Sentiment: Negative

Color Description: With its soft, melancholy hue, Thistle introduces a layer of gentle awareness to the palette. It symbolizes the nuanced expression of pity, acknowledging the sorrows of others while maintaining a delicate balance of compassion.

RGB: 216,191,216
HEX: #D8BFD8
EV Code: 155556

Definition: Evaluating one's own suffering in comparison to others', often minimizing one's own pain.

Color: Pale Violet Red
Flower/Plant: Patchouli - Associated with grounding and balance, yet its strong scent can be overpowering, similar to overshadowing others' experiences.
Sentiment: Negative

Color Description: This color speaks to the complexities of emotional comparison and shared suffering. It embodies both the sensitivity to pain and the warmth of empathy, suggesting a space where diverse emotional experiences are acknowledged and validated.

RGB: 219,112,147
HEX: #DB7093
EV Code: -276664

Definition: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

Color : Medium Pink
Flower/Plant: Gardenia - Represents secret love, purity, and gentle compassion.
Sentiment: Positive

Color Description: Representing compassion, Medium Pink adds a tender and caring touch to the palette. It signifies a nurturing environment where kindness and gentle support are freely given, fostering a sense of comfort and safety in shared spaces.

RGB: 255,182,193
HEX: #FFB6C1
EV Code: 464210

Definition: Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.

Color : Misty Rose
Flower/Plant: Aspen Leaf - Quivers like a heart touched by others' pain.
Sentiment: Positive

Color Description: Soft and comforting, Misty Rose complements the palette by emphasizing the importance of sympathy. It highlights a space's ability to offer solace and understanding, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that soothes the soul.

RGB: 255,228,225
HEX: #FFE4E1
EV Code: 254339