Derek Sivers's Blog: Derek Sivers, page 2

The first time I met someone who believes in God

My parents never mentioned God or any religion. Not necessarily atheist — nothing against. The subject just never came up.

Dismissed!

Dismissing gives me a quick little lift.

I hated Dubai until I learned about it

Dubai was in my “Top 5 places where I NEVER want to go”. I heard it was commercialized hedonism, glorified overindulgence, pandering to millionaires and influencers — extravagance and opulence. Everything I hate. That’s why I had never gone there.

To question is to consider, not refute

Tomorrow you have plans to go to an event with a friend. You made the plans a month ago. You ask your friend, “Do you still want to go?”

Rats are surprisingly sweet pets

I used to live in a basement apartment, next to the trash room. Rats were often blocking my door, and I could hear them walking in the ceiling right above me as I slept. I hated them so much that I happily killed as many as I could, with no remorse.

make believe

Kids scream, “Monster in the hallway!”, and hide behind the couch. They stack up cushions for protection, and plan their defense. They know it’s not true — there’s not really a monster in the hallway — but it’s exciting to feel the adrenaline of panic, then make a shelter and feel safe.

a daily run, part two

In my previous post, “a daily run” — (please read it first) — running was a metaphor for whatever actions you take in your life. The story is about how we choose beliefs because they’re useful, not true. Beliefs make emotions. Emotions make actions.

a daily run, part one

Every day you go on a long run through the forest.

Your explanations are not true

We all confabulate without realizing it.

shortest date, and ketchup

Here’s a story about my shortest date, and ketchup.