Keeping an Open Mind

To keep an open mind was one of the many virtues that Antoninus passed down to his step-son, Marcus Aurelius. Keeping an open mind means that we are open to questions regarding our own ideas, actions, behavior, and beliefs. If we are confronted with evidence of a mistake we have made, we should not feel … Continue reading Keeping an Open Mind →

The Chasm Between Theory and Action

I'm a mathematician (actuary by trade) and avid problem solver. I also love jiu jitsu. My recent addiction is chess, and in the process of my deep dive into the world of chess over the last several weeks, a theme reemerged from my early jiu jitsu days: the wide divide between theory and action. When … Continue reading The Chasm Between Theory and Action →

Humor Turns Boring Into Useful

In a story I listened to in the audiobook "Humor, Seriously: Why Humor is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life", adults were given a box of tacks and a candle and a challenge to use only these items to mount the candle on the wall in a way in which when lit, the candle … Continue reading Humor Turns Boring Into Useful →

Strength Training: Keep It Simple

During the workday yesterday, I recall thinking I wanted to get a workout in at the gym. I created a list of exercises that are very good for those that practice jiu jitsu. I picked three different ones for this particular workout: split squats, glute bridges, and bent-over barbell rows. By keeping my workout simple, … Continue reading Strength Training: Keep It Simple →

My Chess Challenge

For my first 2 or 3 years in graduate school, I played a LOT of chess. When I wasn't studying math, I grabbed one of my fellow grad students and would play or watch a game. It was very addicting. Then, I pretty much stopped playing. My wife and I watched the Netflix show "The … Continue reading My Chess Challenge →