I find there is an absence of meaningful content nowadays – it can be hard to feel a connection in a sea of ads, polarizing politics and the ostensible daily calamity. So, I have decided to return to the roots of my soul and write a simple blog; incorporating words of wisdom and lessons meticulously gathered over the years: quotes, proverbs, aphorisms as well as my personal thoughts when relevant.

The main purpose is to share what has served as an orienting light for me in times of darkness, but also a gradual recognition that much of what this particular soul finds beautiful can only be expressed with writing. The best kind of wisdom is simple yet infinitely profound, illuminating yet practical, commonly accepted yet painfully personal; do not be worried if thinking is not your strong point. In my mind, they are the kinds of stories our great-grandfathers and grandmothers might have told around a fireplace or while plowing rice fields; the kind of foresight that seems so lacking from the world today.

Being born in the East but growing up in the West means to have a foot in both camps. Consequently, I’ve learned to look at the world dualistically; in particular the eponymous cultures and how more often than not they exist in antithesis rather than harmony; much of what you read will consist of attempts to assimilate these narratives into a veritable interpretation.

When beholding the pearls of insight from great men of the past, their giant figures appear to blaze with a blinding light. And though merely looking upon them fills you with shame and inadequacy, their words serve as a bulwark against that darkness; and their giant shadows shelter you from the storm. Till one day, as the rain begins to dwindle, you begin to notice flaws in your idols, chinks in their heroic armour, and you come to realize many of them – neigh, I’m certain all of them – were only all too human, and perhaps not so different from you after all. Step-by-step you wearily continue your journey, day-by-day their shadows grow smaller and yours ever larger. As Emerson might proclaim, “in all [his] lectures, [he has] taught one doctrine, namely, the infinitude of the private man.”

My hope is that, in times of strife, some may seek small comfort in their words; as I did.

– W.H.