The word “synthesizer” has been bouncing around my head lately. My friend Daniel loves synthesizers. At least he did in high school, I’m not so sure anymore. The musical instrument is a kind of organ, named that way because when it plays a note, it “synthesizes” (brings together) harmonies, making something entirely new.
What I try to do with my podcast, used to do in academic writing, and hope to do with this blog is synthesize ideas to find new perspectives.
I have too many interests to form a “personal brand” which was the advice I received in college. I’m interested in theology, philosophy, history, political science, communications, (*takes a deep breath*) technology, business, finance, etc. and I recently had a crisis:
How am I supposed to use ALL of these interests? I can’t do all of these things.
My interests in these things have a common thread running through them, though. I’m not interested in the technical aspects of these things. I’m not interested in the politics of political science, the economics side of finance, or the technical (Greek: techne) aspects of technology and communication. I’m interested in the way these things influence our lives, our beliefs, and our behaviors (Greek: ethos).
I’m interested in the ethos, not the techne.
And I think this is what philosophy is: humbly learning from many ethics, taking what is good and harmonious, and synthesizing it. Philosophy has the reputation of being high-minded and pompous. But in order to synthesize ideas, you need 1) humility and 2) wisdom.
In order to grow in wisdom, you need the wisdom of other people which requires the humility to get over your darn self (@ me). So, I want to grow in humility so I can grow in wisdom. I want to get really good at synthesizing the wisdom that comes from all of these different disciplines.
Wisdom also needs to be practical. It informs the way you live your life, so I want to use this blog and my podcast, The Crunch, to help people live better.
So I’m going to keep using this blog to write about ideas I’ve come across and how to apply them. I’ll try to synthesize ideas about finance and spirituality, for example. And if you see something you disagree with, comment or send me an email to debate. I’d love to hear from you.
Daniel still loves synthesizers!!! I’ve been reading all the blog posts and love them all. I like them because they all have a good nugget I can take away and remember it well enough to implement it or ponder on it. Great work!! Looking forward to reading more.
Andrea Tenbusch
Thank you! I’m glad Daniel hasn’t changed in that respect lol