Jay Matthews

Inherent in this vision of “perfection” is the embrace of trial-and-error learning and experimentation as necessary aspects of any worthwhile human endeavor. Integrating this commitment to  tolerating and learning from error  as part of one’s ideal of self-perfection is, by the way, one of the most powerful correctives for neurotic perfectionism

As I see it then, the formula runs something like this: a man must choose a path which will let his ABILITIES function at maximum efficiency toward the gratification of his DESIRES. In doing this, he is fulfilling a need (giving himself identity by functioning in a set pattern toward a set goal), he avoids frustrating his potential (choosing a path... See more

On early scientific discoveries: To peer into the nucleus and discover a new and important phenomenon that no one had ever glimpsed “was like the trembling of the veil that poets write about,” Wilczek says. “Something was stirring deep in the heart of nature.”

To the American way of thinking, respect is bound up with honesty, and honesty is essential to personal responsibility. Hiding, dissimulation, and other forms of deception amount to disrespect. You lie only to those beneath you—children, constituents, employees.

And that purpose was to communalize trauma, to create the conditions where — the word “amphitheater” in Greek means “the place where we go to see in both directions.” “Amphi-” — I see you, you see me; both directions. “Theatron” — the seeing place. So we go to the amphitheater in the fifth century, B.C., to see each other, to see ourselves; to see... See more

Starting  projects and embracing “theories of change” became  de rigeur .

On investment in India: Young and entrepreneurial ecosystem that want to build well, traditionally frugal. Option to list in Singapore and then go public on US stock exchange.

In one of my favorite podcast episodes, Tim Urban and Jim O’Shaughnessy talk about the benefits of viewing the world through models instead of beliefs —an idea that has stuck with me since I heard it and pretty much sealed the deal of an individual-first approach to my life.