DecafQuest's Newsletter

DecafQuest's Newsletter explores transitioning from academia to new career paths, fostering a freelance and entrepreneurial mindset, and applying philosophical principles to personal and professional growth. It discusses the relevance of philosophy in the corporate world, personal narratives, and the importance of questioning norms and assumptions across various contexts.

Career Transition Freelancing and Entrepreneurship Philosophical Application in Business Personal Growth and Self-Examination Income Diversification Digital Teaching and Learning Cultural and Historical Reflections Leadership and Management

The hottest Substack posts of DecafQuest's Newsletter

And their main takeaways

My Journey of Iteration and Reinvention

78 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🚌 Education Lifelong learning Career transition
  1. Transitioning from academia to online teaching can lead to unexpected opportunities and global connections.
  2. Being open to changing plans and exploring new avenues can result in finding a better fit for personal and professional growth.
  3. Adopting a new mindset, seeking diverse opportunities, and rebranding can lead to a successful pivot and expansion into different industries.

A Tale of a Freshly Baked Man’oushe

58 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Memory Nostalgia
  1. Eating a man'oushe was a daily school ritual that helped Wissam quiet social interactions.
  2. Wissam found joy and inspiration in witnessing the process of baking a man'oushe.
  3. Memories of freshly baked man'oushes stayed with Wissam even as years passed and circumstances changed.
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The Illusionist's Quest

19 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Perception
  1. The article discusses the Illusionist perspective on consciousness, which challenges the traditional Cartesian view.
  2. Illusionism posits that consciousness is an evolutionary trick, creating the illusion of a 'ghost' directing our actions.
  3. Understanding consciousness as an illusion can revolutionize how we study and perceive subjective experiences.

Why Tricksters Are Important as Disruptors of Systems

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 21
  1. Tricksters challenge the status quo and strive to improve it by questioning traditions and belief systems.
  2. Tricksters are like heroes in ancient mythology as they disrupt traditional systems, question practices, and inspire change.
  3. Tricksters symbolize change and dynamism, encouraging societies to explore taboo issues, challenge dogmas, and playfully question norms.

My Venture to Bring Philosophy Back to the Marketplace

39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 21
  1. Academia shifted focus and neglected teaching for publishing, leading to disillusionment for some professors.
  2. Transitioning from academia to industry can be challenging due to lack of 'real-world' experience.
  3. Starting small with online courses can lead to unexpected success and growth, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

A Philosophical Stroll in Córdoba

19 implied HN points • 29 Jan 22
  1. The author reflects on their role as an entertainer who mixes historical fiction with philosophical questions.
  2. The author shares a philosophical stroll in Córdoba, discussing the statues and philosophies of important philosophers from the city.
  3. The post includes a short fictional story about Seneca, blending fact and fiction for entertainment.

Our Experiences as Metaphors

19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 21
  1. Our experiences drive us to express ourselves through language as a way to connect with others.
  2. Significant experiences can lead to unexpected life changes and self-discovery.
  3. Expressing ourselves authentically requires a continuous renewal and reinvention to capture evolving life experiences.

When in Doubt, Ask Yourself this Question

2 HN points • 22 Aug 21
  1. History repeats itself with recurring issues despite technological progress.
  2. The concept of 'value' remains complex and subjective even after centuries of philosophical exploration.
  3. When in doubt, focus on sharing content that reflects your true self and approach the subject matter in a way that resonates with you.

Three Events That Shaped Who I Am and What I Do Now

1 HN point • 06 Mar 22
  1. Navigating uncertainty and adapting to change is crucial in shaping one's path.
  2. Adversity can lead to unexpected opportunities and new beginnings.
  3. Reflecting on personal experiences and learning from them can be a powerful teacher.

Philosophy for Business Leaders

0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Philosophy can help business leaders ask meaningful questions and navigate uncertainty.
  2. A philosophical mindset can aid in ethical decision-making and handling stress.
  3. Examining assumptions, questioning beliefs, and using philosophical frameworks can enhance problem-solving skills.

Chapters of Transition

0 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Poetry Books Author
  1. The story conveys a sense of transition and new beginnings at different locations.
  2. The protagonist experiences a moment of epiphany and renewal at the train station.
  3. The text includes links to a podcast, article, and book recommendations for further exploration.

The Fountain of Disruptive Knowledge

0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Critique
  1. First experiences provide a unique perspective and awareness.
  2. Challenging norms and trolling the system can lead to significant discussions and change.
  3. Balancing tradition and innovation is important, incorporating disruptions into the norm is a common cycle.

The Key to Success is to Keep Grinding

0 implied HN points • 18 Aug 21
  1. The key to success is to keep grinding.
  2. Sometimes we have to make decisions without sufficient evidence.
  3. In practical matters, it's okay to act on belief, as long as the option is genuine, forced, and momentous.

A Day at the Court | Euthyphro

0 implied HN points • 04 Sep 21
  1. The main question is: is something pious because the gods love it, or do they love it because it's pious?
  2. The post discusses the concept of piety and its relationship to the gods.
  3. Author shares additional content on Twitter under the handle @decafquest.

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 21
  1. Plato's Allegory of the Cave contrasts appearances with reality/forms.
  2. Forms represent the essence of things, while appearances are mere copies.
  3. Through philosophical activity, one can break free from dogmatism and pursue a good life.

Freddie the Cat Devours Chicken Bites Treats on a Warm Winter Day

0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
  1. Freddie the Cat is certain he will get his chicken bites treat because cats rule the world.
  2. Descartes believed animals do not have souls and are like machines, lacking the ability to think and communicate like humans.
  3. The author questions the problem of certainty in beliefs and ethics, highlighting how absolute certainty can lead to imposing beliefs on others.

Building Assets on the Internet

0 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Coding Product Development AI Applications
  1. The author shares personal experiences with coding and how it led to meeting others in the digital landscape.
  2. Louis Pereira's journey demonstrates how entrepreneurship in the digital world can thrive even without a technical background.
  3. Using no-code platforms like Bubble, individuals can create digital assets that require minimal maintenance and can evolve into successful ventures.

Cultivating a Good Character

0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Virtue ethics Happiness
  1. Virtue theory emphasizes the importance of habituating virtues like honesty and courage for a good character.
  2. Aristotle believed that living in accordance with reason and pursuing balance in actions lead to good character.
  3. A balanced pursuit of virtues, residing between extremes, and engaging in both practical and intellectual virtues, contributes to a good and practical life.

Examine yourself, Question Your Beliefs

0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy
  1. Socrates encouraged self-examination and questioning beliefs to live a better life.
  2. Socrates used dialogue to challenge assumptions about living a good life and being a good citizen.
  3. Socrates' method of questioning beliefs was not well-received, leading to his sentencing to death.