spencer's paradoxes

Spencer's Paradoxes delves into the intersection of technology, creativity, and personal growth, examining the role of communal computing, the creation and purpose of small web tools, and the exploration of self through various creative outlets. It reflects on life's paradoxes, emphasizing self-discovery, the embrace of mundane moments, and the pursuit of a fulfilling, interconnected existence.

Personal Growth Technology and Community Creative Process Self-Discovery Digital Tools and Spaces Mindfulness and Presence Life Reflections and Philosophy

The hottest Substack posts of spencer's paradoxes

And their main takeaways

[TI-10] make small web tools

294 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Internet culture Web Development
  1. The web is filled with unique single-purpose tools and libraries that excel at niche tasks.
  2. Single-purpose tools have constraints but can lead to unique designs and functions.
  3. Creating small web tools can provide personal solutions and connect creators with a broader audience.

two questions

334 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Artist Writer Creative
  1. Success can be evaluated by answering 'who am I?' and 'what do I want?'
  2. Constantly questioning purpose and deepening self-awareness is a journey
  3. Desire to make the world better, help people, and surround oneself with loved ones
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[TI-07] my homecooked apps

314 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Apps Software Personal Finance
  1. Many homecooked apps created for specific personal desires and rituals
  2. Desire for better tools to make, curate, and maintain small data collections
  3. Experimentation with creating unique digital spaces for personal use and social interactions

towards flight: a new chapter

471 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Spencer Chang is moving on from Coda to focus on independent research and art related to communal agency in computing.
  2. Spencer is embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery and exploration, embracing multiple creative identities.
  3. He is exploring future concepts like modular networks, folk computing, and technology optimizing for community over scale.

calm lunacy

216 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Authors Books
  1. Great ideas require solitude and curiosity in exploring confusion to emerge
  2. Poetry is a practice of living and embracing the madness of seeking human connection
  3. Becoming a poet means courageously holding contradictory emotions and experiences in life

honoring existence

334 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Art Travel Personal Reflection
  1. The importance of recognizing and appreciating day-to-day moments in life
  2. Struggling with the fear of inadequacy when sharing personal observations through writing
  3. Finding purpose in writing to honor existence and embracing the imperfect, yet genuine nature of storytelling

[TI-08] aliving the web

117 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Internet Web Development Open Source
  1. Make the web feel alive by encouraging rich expression and shared reality.
  2. Strive for a digital space where participants shape the environment rather than algorithms.
  3. Promote resonance and connection on the internet through inventive and original ways of expression.

digital playgrounds

235 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🕹 Technology
  1. Play is essential for learning, creation, and well-being.
  2. Digital environments should encourage natural and fundamental play, not gamification.
  3. Imagining digital playgrounds involves multi-faceted collaboration, interactive websites, and making devices more communal.

boring lives

255 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
  1. In today's world, we often mistake novelty for true fulfillment and fear being seen as leading a boring life.
  2. Consistency and commitment can coexist with dynamism and freedom, allowing us to find novelty in everyday rituals.
  3. Choosing to embrace a 'boring life' can lead to finding meaning and joy in the simple, consistent things that matter most.

creative seeing

216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
  1. Approach the world with natural curiosity and gratitude
  2. Develop a strong taste and preference for things
  3. Listen to your instinct and follow your curiosity

alternate lives

255 implied HN points • 21 Dec 22
  1. Imagining alternate lives can be inspiring and thought-provoking.
  2. Using tools like Multiverse Mapper can help explore different possibilities but also has risks of just imagining without taking action.
  3. Instead of dwelling on what-ifs, consider alternate lives as a source of inspiration for incorporating new possibilities in your current path.

[TI-06] people and computers

137 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Computing Internet Software Web Innovation
  1. The show Halt and Catch Fire explores the history of personal computers and the early days of the World Wide Web.
  2. Computing can be a tool for creating human connection and meaningful interactions on the internet.
  3. Focusing on creating a computing environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences can lead to a more positive online space.

motion, rhythm, gardening cycles

196 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
  1. Reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new one
  2. Embrace the theme of motion and focus on moving without rushing
  3. Cultivate rituals, nurture rhythms, and embrace paradoxes in life

reminders when worrying about whats next

275 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
  1. Focus on living in the present moment and appreciating life as it happens.
  2. Learning and growth come from taking action, making mistakes, and adjusting.
  3. Strive to create meaningful connections, pursue passions, and embrace each moment with enthusiasm.

surrendering

196 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. Embrace the element of surprise in life.
  2. Let go of control and surrender to the unknown.
  3. Surrendering can lead to personal growth and emotional truth.

life of a romantic

235 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
  1. The author embraces being a romantic, finding beauty in love, emotions, and experiences.
  2. Being a romantic has its struggles, such as feeling intense pain when expectations aren't met.
  3. The author reflects on societal changes, like the impact of technology on relationships and the struggle for genuine connection in a social media-driven world.

give fiercely, spend freely

255 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
  1. Don't hoard your ideas, give and spend them freely
  2. Embrace full experiences and live in the present moment
  3. Express yourself fully and believe in limitless energy

first winter chill

216 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
  1. Winter brings a sense of freedom and deeper reflection.
  2. Chilly winter air holds a promise of possibility and life.
  3. Take moments to pause, reflect, and appreciate the stillness around you.

[TI-04] gestures at alternative internets

117 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🕹 Technology Internet Art Computing
  1. Creating internet spaces that highlight humanity and promote real dialogue between humans and technology is important.
  2. Speculative research and creating 'art' pieces are essential in understanding and envisioning the kind of world we want to build.
  3. Technology should be used to create spaces that acknowledge growth, decay, and change while promoting close attention and quality of interaction.

the faces of objects

176 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
  1. Transitionary periods in life often involve slow, messy shifts with moments of nostalgia and reflection.
  2. Objects can hold significant meaning and become imbued with memories and stories over time.
  3. Our relationship with objects can be profound, allowing them to bear witness to our lives and create emotional connections.

loose fear

275 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
  1. Give yourself permission to feel the freedom and loosen your fears
  2. Distinguish between fear of things that don't align with your desires vs. fear of things that are just hard
  3. Practice being more "unhinged" and letting yourself move naturally

recipe for freedom

176 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
  1. To be free, act true to yourself and feel no inhibition
  2. Freedom means fighting for what feels right despite external conflict
  3. Surround yourself with people who empower your freedom

secret places

157 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
  1. What we pay attention to dictates our life and outcomes.
  2. Imbuing things with meaning is a sacred act with limitless possibilities.
  3. Create your own secret hideaways and bring meaning to the places you cherish.

realizations & transformative moments

216 implied HN points • 24 Aug 22
  1. Realize that your struggles may not be as common as you think.
  2. Accept your weaknesses and shames - they empower you in unexpected ways.
  3. Take risks, even if they seem insignificant - transformative moments often come from unexpected leaps.

making hard things easy

216 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
  1. Life is about making hard things easy. True ideas are cliches that you need to embody.
  2. Focus on persistence and practice to overcome lack of talent. Repetition makes difficult things feel easier.
  3. Instead of forcing yourself, follow the natural flow of energy in each moment to make things easier.

move towards love

157 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
  1. Believing in love is like believing in a religion - both require faith and avoidance of complete understanding.
  2. Moving towards what you love can shape your surroundings and bring a sense of freedom and joy.
  3. Expressing love freely and openly can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and meaningful connections.

[TI-01] our internet

137 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
  1. Our current internet systems are outside our control and overwhelming
  2. Despite the vast information online, we often feel lonely and isolated in digital spaces
  3. There is a call to imagine and create a new internet that is more personal, communal, and natural

the little moments are what we live for

157 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
  1. Small, mundane moments can bring the most joy and fulfillment.
  2. People often stress over big decisions, but it's the little things that truly matter.
  3. Finding happiness in simple moments is essential for our existence and the world needs that positivity.

quarter life commitment

255 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
  1. Turning 25 can bring reflection on living and being
  2. Embrace hope and fight for what you love and believe in
  3. Existentialism doesn't have to be negative, it can coexist with hope and love

in search of awe

196 implied HN points • 20 Jun 22
  1. Take space to answer questions about how you are, and be open to going in-depth.
  2. Reflect on whether you are truly challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone.
  3. Embrace growth and seek awe in life by continually pushing yourself to experience more.