Interesting analysis. I wonder if Hemingway would have vlogged his hunting trips if he could. I think the empty lives of the characters in the sun also rises could also be a prescient criticism of social media’s vast sea of vain influencers. Although, Hemingway was horribly vain too according to his critics.
This is a really interesting point... and to be honest, I debated whether or not to pull in what I thought Hemingway's point of view might have been on my own interpretation of this story. I decided not to.
Maybe it's just my opinion, but I feel like the life he lived rarely matched the message of his writing.
I really wonder where he would find himself in today's digital-first world. Would he be an influencer? Would he be a hermit? Would he get into the ring with Joe Rogan on a YouTube boxing livestream? Who knows...
Nice article Jack, I find that posting online and keeping up to date with everyone else can be a challenge and most of the time I can't be bothered for it. I do prefer the quieter approach, but sometimes feel a need to put myself out there (especially from a business point of view).
How do you balance needing to show up online for your work/business with living a quiet life?
Also, haven't read the book, I will add it to my list.
Thanks Stefano! I definitely think there's a balance to be had.
I also think it comes down to determining whether you're posting to contribute value, remember moments or just posting to post, adding to the general noise of social media.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with sharing your life online, just as long as it brings value and happiness to you first. If you're doing it for the benefit of others that's where I see people start to lose that balance.
Ye completely agree here! Think most people on apps like Instagram are doing it to please others. But here, on Substack, it’s more personal and for understanding oneself in the first instance—and then if it helps others, that’s the bonus!
There are clearly awe-striking spoils in our lives—things we cannot sell right away. By the time anything is up for sale, it’s already second-hand. And the way dealers beat down its worth… it’s enough to leave you dazed. Sometimes I wonder if living as a version of myself that others overlook—or worse, think they’ve already figured out—might actually be the foundation for some future, honorable upheaval. That thought stayed with me. Thanks for writing this.
Interesting analysis. I wonder if Hemingway would have vlogged his hunting trips if he could. I think the empty lives of the characters in the sun also rises could also be a prescient criticism of social media’s vast sea of vain influencers. Although, Hemingway was horribly vain too according to his critics.
This is a really interesting point... and to be honest, I debated whether or not to pull in what I thought Hemingway's point of view might have been on my own interpretation of this story. I decided not to.
Maybe it's just my opinion, but I feel like the life he lived rarely matched the message of his writing.
I really wonder where he would find himself in today's digital-first world. Would he be an influencer? Would he be a hermit? Would he get into the ring with Joe Rogan on a YouTube boxing livestream? Who knows...
Nice article Jack, I find that posting online and keeping up to date with everyone else can be a challenge and most of the time I can't be bothered for it. I do prefer the quieter approach, but sometimes feel a need to put myself out there (especially from a business point of view).
How do you balance needing to show up online for your work/business with living a quiet life?
Also, haven't read the book, I will add it to my list.
Thanks Stefano! I definitely think there's a balance to be had.
I also think it comes down to determining whether you're posting to contribute value, remember moments or just posting to post, adding to the general noise of social media.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with sharing your life online, just as long as it brings value and happiness to you first. If you're doing it for the benefit of others that's where I see people start to lose that balance.
Ye completely agree here! Think most people on apps like Instagram are doing it to please others. But here, on Substack, it’s more personal and for understanding oneself in the first instance—and then if it helps others, that’s the bonus!
Great article. Thank you!
Appreciate it, thank you!
There are clearly awe-striking spoils in our lives—things we cannot sell right away. By the time anything is up for sale, it’s already second-hand. And the way dealers beat down its worth… it’s enough to leave you dazed. Sometimes I wonder if living as a version of myself that others overlook—or worse, think they’ve already figured out—might actually be the foundation for some future, honorable upheaval. That thought stayed with me. Thanks for writing this.