Rick Rubin: Timeless Inspiration

I recommended Rick Rubin's book here on the website about a year ago, and I still can't praise it enough. His insights into creativity and the artistic process are invaluable. But beyond his writing, Rubin’s conversations are also a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration.

Two particular podcasts stand out. The first is his discussion with Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab Podcast. This episode is a unique blend of free artistic creativity and scientific insight, highlighting Rubin's ability to bridge these worlds effortlessly. You can listen to it here.

Another gem is his appearance on Jay Shetty's podcast, where he dives into the power of creating something that you find wonderful yourself. Rubin’s thoughts on this topic, starting around the 25-minute mark, are especially profound. His words continue to inspire me, and I believe they will resonate with you too. Check it out here.

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Rediscover the World Around You with "The Art of Noticing"

I recently picked up "The Art of Noticing" by Rob Walker, and it’s been a fascinating read. Walker emphasizes how important it is to pay attention to the little things in life that often go unnoticed. He argues that being more observant can enhance creativity and bring a deeper sense of fulfillment.

The book is full of practical exercises designed to help you notice more in your everyday environment. From taking different routes on your daily walk to observing the details in a busy café, these activities encourage you to see the world in new ways. Walker also discusses how our modern lives, filled with constant distractions, can dull our senses, and he offers strategies to combat this.

This book provides some great tools to help you slow down and reconnect with your surroundings. It's a gentle reminder to find beauty and inspiration in the ordinary.

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"The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking" by Oliver Burkeman

In previous conversations, I've often recommended Oliver Burkeman's outstanding work, "4000 Weeks," to many of you. Now, I'm pleased to introduce another of his thought-provoking books, "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking". Burkeman offers a refreshingly pragmatic approach to happiness that challenges the conventional "positive thinking" narrative. Artfully navigating philosophical and psychological insights, he suggests that embracing uncertainty and our limitations can lead to a more authentic form of happiness. This book is not just a read; it's an intellectual journey that encourages a deeper understanding of what it means to live a fulfilled life. Burkeman's engaging prose and real-world examples resonate deeply, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a more realistic and grounded perspective on happiness and life's inherent unpredictability.

After reading this book, I've learned that it offers a perspective akin to walking through life as one would through a mindful meditation: not trying to change everything (especially into something positive), but rather allowing oneself to engage with and accept what is. This approach, as Burkeman presents it, helps to navigate life's complexities with a more centered and peaceful mindset, a concept that, while simple in theory, can be profoundly powerful in practice.

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The Oxygen Advantage

A few years ago, I began exploring the world of breathwork but didn't delve deeply into it. However, this year, I've reignited my interest and practice, and I've found Patrick McKeown's 'The Oxygen Advantage' to be an insightful starting point in understanding the power of breathwork. This book explores breathing techniques not just superficially, but in a way that reveals their potential to significantly improve our sleep, mood and health, aid in weight management, and enhance athletic performance. McKeown's approach is rooted in scientific research, making the profound effects of breathing both understandable and attainable. For anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental well-being, this book serves as a practical guide. It shows how changing the way we breathe can have remarkable benefits for our health and energy. The Oxygen Advantage is not just a manual; it's an exploration of how we can harness the power of breath to live a more vital and fulfilling life.

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Aesop - The Book

What sets this book apart and makes it unique among most brand-related books is its authentic narrative about the founding and early days of Aesop. It delves into the reasons behind the brand's creation. The book reveals Aesop's incredible attention to detail and empathetic approach to making decisions that affect those who interact with their products, such as how Aesop procured brand-new banknotes for change in their early stores, subtly scented to give customers a sense of appreciation and a magical moment. Or how they meticulously adapted their stores to local neighborhoods even as they grew, while maintaining their distinct brand essence - a feat unmatched by any other brand on this scale. While there are other wonderful brands and products in this space, I find this book to be a wonderful source of inspiration. It demonstrates the uniqueness that can be achieved by building a brand with a strong core identity and focusing on details like a scented banknote or a store design - tasks that might seem easier if they were standardized. This approach gives the brand authenticity. The book's engaging stories and beautiful imagery beautifully illustrate how a brand can be built over time by consistently communicating emotion, and how people value and appreciate this authentic, heartfelt approach.

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"Almanack" by Naval Ravikant

Naval Ravikant is not just a thinker; he's a modern philosopher who has managed to bridge the gap between wealth and inner well-being. His book "Almanack" (available in hardcover or as a free download) is not just a book; it's a distillation of a lifetime of insights and observations, shared with remarkable candor and depth. In its pages, he delves deeply into "wealth," not as a superficial pursuit of riches for show, but as a genuine quest for autonomy and freedom. Along the way, he presents nuanced reflections on "happiness," emphasizing its intimate connection to our understanding of wealth. Whether you've been on this journey with Naval before or are about to take your first steps, his insights promise both introspection and enlightenment.

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"Outlive"

In the book "Outlive", Dr. Peter Attia pioneers a proactive, personalized strategy for longevity. He does not seek after mere life extension; he seeks a life in which each decade surpasses the last in health, vitality, and experience. Backed by well-grounded scientific insights, this book serves as a manual for a better and longer life. For those familiar with the Waking Up App, I highly recommend the in-depth interview between Dr. Peter Attia and Sam Harris. Unlike the numerous YouTube videos out there, this conversation isn't optimized for clicks, but instead delves deep into the substance of longevity and health. You can listen to their thoughtful dialogue here.

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"Status and Culture"

The book "Status and Culture" by W. David Marx delves deep into the sociological underpinnings of how our aspirations and social rankings influence art, fashion, identity, and even societal shifts. While many books might offer a blueprint on attaining status, Marx's work stands apart, guiding readers on a nuanced journey to understand its genesis and metamorphosis across cultures and eras. Anyone fascinated by social dynamics, cultural anthropology, or the subtle forces that shape individual and collective identities will find this book both enlightening and compelling. It's a tome that promises not just knowledge, but profound insight.

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The Alchemist (Recommended by Karim Morsy)

Karim: “Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" really inspired me. The protagonist’s journey across the world only to discover that the treasure he was looking for was at his starting point fascinated me. The journey, though laborious, was necessary. He found his life's love along the way and even if the physical treasure at the end was not as valuable, the journey itself was. It echoes the sentiment that the journey is the treasure.”

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Rachmaninoff's Second and Third Piano Concerto (Recommended by Karim Morsy)

Karim: “As for music, Rachmaninoff's Second and Third Piano Concerto stand out. They contain a life experience within their sounds, much like "The Alchemist". It's challenging to play, pushing the boundaries of the piano’s capabilities. His music balances dissonance and harmony in a very unique way.”

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Eckhart Tolle Videos

One of my top YouTube recommendations is the YouTube channel of Eckhart Tolle. His humor, his love for people, his appreciation of beauty, and his humility make him such a unique and wonderful human being. This particular video on becoming more peaceful and content by stopping negative thinking is a favorite of mine. There's little that can relax you more than a 10-minute video by Eckhart Tolle. Give it a try.

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Make something wonderful Book
I just finished the newly released ebook, "Make Something Wonderful: Steve Jobs in His Own Words," featuring a beautiful custom web experience by Jony Ive. Job's quote, "If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time," and some of the previously unpublished stories, also motivated me to start this newsletter now. I want to share this book with you, hoping it might encourage you to pursue something you've pondered for a while. You can get the free ebook here.

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The Creative Act: A Way of Being
I highly recommend 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being' by legendary music producer Rick Rubin, who has collaborated with many iconic artists like Adele, Jay-Z, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Delve into Rubin's creative process and discover how embracing your true self can unleash your inner magic. Maybe you already have the book, then read it. And if not, order it here.

Vincent Van Duysen

Vincent Van Duysen’s architectural language is a harmonious blend of minimalism with warmth and nature. His designs, devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, speak of spaces that breathe and exude an organic sense of calm and serenity. The textures, the muted palette, the play of light and shadow in his work, all come together to evoke feelings of comfort and profound beauty. This interview with Forbes captures not only his philosophy, but also the soul of his art. Here, he shares his reflections on beauty, his commitment to daily meditation, and the essence of his craft. If his words resonate with you, diving into his books—especially those highlighting his work from 1989-2009 and 2009-2018 —will offer a more intimate journey through his minimalist yet soulful world.

How We Feel: Wellbeing App

8 months ago, I discovered "How We Feel" (iPhone only), a beautifully designed, non-profit app that serves as a simple journal for your well-being. It securely tracks moods and recognizes patterns right on your phone without sending data to anyone. After using it for a while, I noticed some interesting patterns that I hadn't seen before. Created by a team led by Ben Silbermann, Pinterest co-founder, and Dr. Marc Brackett from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, this app is worth exploring. Find more information and try "How We Feel" here.

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GPT 4 - Journaling with Socrates
Recently, while immersing myself in GPT-4, I've been truly fascinated by its potential for "mental ping-pong" and innovative applications. Imagine the excitement of using GPT for journaling with Socratic questioning to uncover deeper insights or seeking feedback on business ideas from the perspective of a marketing guru's book, embracing their unique wisdom. As we're only at the beginning, I'm genuinely thrilled about the possibilities this technology brings to light. What are some creative and meaningful uses you might try?

Discover the Best of Milan: My Google Maps Guide

I recently visited Milan for the Salone del Mobile and was reminded of just how vibrant and inspiring this city is. From cozy places to sleep, beautiful cafés, and delightful restaurants to unique spots for design inspiration, Milan has it all.

I've created a Google Maps list of my favorite spots in Milan for sleeping, drinking, eating, and discovering beautiful things. Each place on this list has been carefully chosen to help you experience the best that Milan has to offer. You find it here on Google Maps and can save it on your phone.

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My Personal Munich Favorites: A Curated Google Maps Guide

In my previous newsletters, I've shared my favorite places in cities like New York and Tokyo, sparking the curiosity of many of you who asked, "What about your own city, Munich?" So, I'm happy to finally reveal my personal Google Maps list of favorite places in Munich. This carefully curated selection is a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, each holding a special place in my heart. From bustling marketplaces steeped in Bavarian tradition to tranquil parks that offer an oasis in the city, my list reflects the diverse and vibrant character of Munich. Whether you're a fellow native or a first-time visitor, I hope this list helps you discover the unique charm and rich culture that Munich, my birthplace and lifelong home, has to offer. Enjoy exploring my city through my eyes.

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Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka - My Favorites
Sparked by my recent trip to Japan (and your fantastic feedback on the New York list), I've curated a Google Maps list featuring the most intriguing and beautiful places in and around Tokyo, as well as Kyoto and Osaka. Explore the Tokyo list here and the Kyoto and Osaka list here.

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NYC Gems - My Favorites
No matter the season, New York City is always a great destination to explore and find new inspiration. To help you make the most of your next New York adventure, I've put together a personal Google Maps list for you.

This carefully curated list combines the latest recommendations from our friends living in the city, insights from the best New York city guides, and my own personal discoveries from our previous visit (last summer). Don't miss the immersive theater experience Sleep No More (special thanks to Phil & Cameron for the tip).

To start exploring, just save the list in Google Maps and let it be your guide as you wander through the vibrant and ever-inspiring streets of New York.