Wendell's Diary

In the not-so-distant future, the concept of a digital twin—a virtual counterpart designed to replicate your thoughts, creativity, and personality—could become a reality. For some, it’s an exciting vision of immortality, where their ideas and voice continue to inspire long after their physical life ends. But with this potential comes a profound and difficult question: Should digital twins evolve beyond who you were in life, or should they remain a static reflection of who you were? --- The Case for Static Digital Twins A static digital twin is like a photograph—frozen in time, capturing the essence of who you were when you were alive. This approach emphasizes: Authenticity: It ensures that the digital twin remains true to your core identity, never straying into behaviors or ideas that you wouldn’t endorse. Preservation of Legacy: A static twin acts as a timeless monument, allowing future generations to engage with the version of you that existed in life. Mitigation of Risks: Without ev...

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, but it’s far from standardized. Each English-speaking country has its own set of rules, spellings, and conventions. Australians write “colour,” while Americans write “color.” The British use “lorry,” and Americans say “truck.” These differences reflect the unique histories and cultures of English-speaking nations, but they also create inconsistencies. With the rise of globalization and technology—especially AI tools that predominantly use U.S. English—an important question arises: Should all English speakers adopt a single standard, such as U.S. English? The Case for Standardization Standardizing English across the globe has its advantages. 1. Ease of Communication: A single set of language rules would reduce confusion. Spelling and terminology would be consistent, making international communication smoother in business, education, and technology. 2. Efficiency in Learning: Students learning English wouldn’t have to choos...

Australia is a country known for its traditions, yet there’s a curious inconsistency in the way we spell the name of one of our major political parties. While Australians spell "labour" with a "u," as per British English conventions, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) opts for the American spelling, "Labor." This choice, made back in 1912, feels out of place in a nation that otherwise embraces its linguistic ties to British English. A Historical Decision The decision to adopt the American spelling wasn’t random. In 1912, the ALP dropped the "u" to align itself with the American labor movement, which was seen as progressive and forward-thinking. At the time, this was a way to signal modernity and solidarity with international workers’ movements. It was also meant to symbolize a break from Australia’s colonial ties to Britain. While these motivations may have made sense over a century ago, the decision seems increasingly strange today. In a country w...

Traditions have never been a big part of my life. For me, one day often feels like the next, blending together in a predictable rhythm. I don’t decorate for holidays, I don’t follow seasonal rituals, and I’ve never felt particularly tied to the idea of traditions. But recently, I decided to try something new—something small but meaningful. I’ve decided to start a tradition of getting a calendar every year. At first glance, it might seem like a simple or even trivial decision, but to me, it represents something more. It’s about creating a moment of joy, reflection, and meaning in a world where days can otherwise feel monotonous. Why This Tradition Matters A calendar is more than just a practical tool to track the days; it’s a yearly snapshot of something I care about. This year, I chose a Super Mario-themed calendar, complete with 12 colorful posters for each month. At the end of the year, I’ll cut out those posters and decorate my walls with them, turning my choice into something lasti...

The world of storytelling is on the brink of a revolution, and artificial intelligence is leading the charge. Recently, Julia McCoy demonstrated how quickly AI could generate a book—using tools like Claude and Eleven Labs, she created, narrated, and published a novel in just one hour. While this feat showcases the incredible potential of AI, it also raises a host of ethical and creative questions that we, as a society, need to grapple with. The Power of AI in Storytelling AI has made content creation faster and more efficient than ever. With the ability to process and synthesize vast amounts of information, tools like Claude can craft stories that reflect the style and voice of their human collaborators. For Julia, this meant training the AI on her previous works, allowing it to channel her ideas and philosophies into a new narrative. On the surface, this might seem like a win for creativity—AI can extend an author’s reach, enabling them to create more content in less time. But is it t...

For years, I’ve voted for the Greens because their values align closely with mine. As someone who believes in socialism and the importance of a government that takes care of its people, the Greens felt like a natural fit. But this year, I’m making a shift. I’ve decided to vote for the Legalize Cannabis Party—not because I want them to run the country, but because I believe cannabis legalization is an issue that deserves urgent attention. Why Cannabis Legalization Matters Cannabis is a medicine. It helps people. Making it illegal has forced countless individuals to rely on dodgy and unsafe means to get the relief they need. Legalization would change all that, providing safe, regulated access while also benefiting the economy through taxation. It’s a win-win for the country. The fact that a plant with medicinal benefits remains illegal is absurd. We’ve criminalized something that could help people live better lives. Australia could be a much better place if we just legalized cannabis, re...

In a world dominated by surface-level entertainment, Dylan Curious stands out as a creator who seamlessly weaves philosophy into his content. By breaking down AI news and connecting it to deeper questions about humanity, Dylan doesn’t just inform—he inspires. Watching his videos, I see a glimpse of what media could be: a space where entertainment meets introspection, and curiosity becomes the foundation for understanding. The Need for Philosophical Media For someone like me, who has always embraced philosophy, finding creators like Dylan Curious feels like discovering an oasis in a desert. Philosophical media is rare, yet it’s exactly what we need in today’s fast-paced world. Media like Dylan’s not only engages our minds but also encourages us to think critically, reflect on our lives, and live with greater intention. Imagine a world where more creators adopted this approach, building communities of people united by their love for curiosity and thoughtful discussion. Each creator would...

For much of my life, I held onto the dream of becoming a husband and a father. It was a core part of who I was and what I aspired to. But recently, I’ve had to take a step back and reassess that dream, and part of that process has been influenced by watching Taylor the Fiend’s content. It’s been an eye-opening, challenging, and thought-provoking journey. Swallowing Difficult Pills Taylor the Fiend talks a lot about the realities of modern dating, and while I don’t agree with everything he says, some of his points really hit home. He’s made me question aspects of relationships I never thought to examine before. For example, the idea that modern relationships can often be transactional or shallow has been hard to accept, but it’s something I’ve seen reflected in my own experiences. Coming to terms with these ideas hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to swallow the pill that not all dreams come true, and that maybe the kind of relationship I envisioned—one built on mutual love, respect, and tradit...

For the past month, I decided to try living without ChatGPT Plus to see if I could manage with the free version. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. The experience showed me just how essential ChatGPT Plus is to my productivity, creativity, and overall workflow. Let me explain why. The Difference Between Free and Plus On the free version, it felt like I was talking to a completely different tool. It struggled to keep context, misunderstood my questions, and provided replies that often missed the mark. Tasks like writing blogs, creating descriptions, or brainstorming ideas became frustrating and nearly impossible. With ChatGPT Plus, however, everything changes. It feels like having a collaborative partner by my side, helping me with every step of my projects. It understands what I’m asking, remembers what I’ve said before, and delivers thoughtful, context-aware responses that make my life so much easier. How ChatGPT Plus Transforms My Workflow With the paid version, I can: Write detailed, engagi...

As we continue exploring how schools can better prepare students for life, we’ve found ourselves on a fascinating journey. What began as a discussion about teaching romantic relationships in high school has evolved into a broader exploration of philosophy and its place in education. Here’s how this train of thought unfolded. Romance and Relationships in School We started by recognizing that many students begin dating while still in school, yet schools rarely teach the skills needed for healthy romantic relationships. We explored the importance of: Loyalty and commitment: Key traits for building meaningful relationships, whether romantic or platonic. Conflict resolution: The ability to navigate disagreements in a way that fosters mutual understanding and leads to win-win outcomes. Emotional intelligence: Understanding one’s own emotions and those of others to create balanced, respectful relationships. These are universal skills that benefit students in all areas of life, not just in rom...

In recent conversations, we’ve explored a range of interconnected ideas, starting with the Australian law banning under-16s from accessing social media. What began as a critique of this law quickly expanded into a deeper examination of education, purpose, and the fundamental challenges of preparing young people for life in a rapidly changing world. Revisiting the Social Media Ban The initial topic revolved around the limitations placed on young people’s access to technology and platforms for self-expression. The ban felt like a step backward, stifling creativity and independence. This led to a broader discussion about how society could empower young people rather than exclude them, particularly through education systems designed to foster creativity, community, and purpose. Rethinking Education We envisioned a schooling system that moves beyond rigid structures and focuses on social integration, emotional intelligence, and practical life skills. Schools should be places where students ...

The traditional schooling system is long overdue for an overhaul. For too long, schools have prioritized grades and rigid structures over real-life preparation and personal growth. In a world rapidly advancing with technology, artificial intelligence, and changing societal needs, we must ask: What should schools truly be preparing children for? Building a Life While in School The current model operates under a flawed assumption: that life starts at 18. Students are told to focus on grades, follow rules, and wait until they graduate to begin building their lives. But why should they wait? Schools should be environments where students actively create their futures while still in the system. This means shifting the focus from grades and standardized curricula to helping students: Develop methods for economic survival. Explore their passions through flexible, self-directed learning. Gain emotional intelligence (EQ) and learn to integrate into their social environments. Imagine a school whe...

In recent years, we’ve seen growing concerns about the impact of social media on children. These concerns have led to new laws, like Australia’s recent ban on social media access for those under 16, which aim to protect young people from harm. While these intentions are understandable, I believe such restrictions take us further away from a vision of a better digital world—one where children are empowered, not excluded, and where they can begin to build their creative legacies as entertainers, innovators, and contributors to culture. The Problem with Restriction Modern social media has undeniable flaws: it exposes children to harmful interactions, addictive algorithms, and exploitative commercial practices. However, banning children outright from these spaces doesn’t solve the problem; it simply creates new barriers. For talented children with creative aspirations, these restrictions strip away opportunities to share their work with the world, build a following, and even begin a career...

Scrolling through Facebook used to be a way to catch up on friends' lives or stumble upon interesting videos. Now, it feels like the feed is flooded with fake, staged content masquerading as real-life moments. It’s frustrating, to say the least, to sift through these poorly acted, contrived stories that are presented as if they actually happened. The truth has been buried under an avalanche of bad acting and orchestrated scenarios, making it harder to find anything genuine. One of the most irritating aspects of these videos is how they are set up. The situations are often presented as spontaneous or candid, but it’s clear that they are anything but. There are multiple camera angles, careful editing, and somehow, the cameraman is always in the right spot to capture every dramatic expression or emotional moment. If these events were truly real, why isn’t anyone acknowledging the camera? Why is there always a perfect shot lined up, as if by coincidence? These videos don’t just mislead...

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how my personal values and emotions can sometimes get in the way when I’m trying to support someone. There are times when another person’s choices might conflict with my own past experiences or beliefs, making it difficult for me to offer the kind of help they need. It’s natural to want to offer advice based on what we know or have been through, but I’m learning that sometimes this approach isn’t the most helpful for the person in front of us. What I’ve come to realize is that when I’m triggered by someone else’s situation, it’s important to take a step back. I need to separate my own feelings from theirs and focus on what is genuinely best for them, not just how I feel about the situation. This can be hard when my own experiences cloud my judgment, but by practicing self-awareness, I’m able to make space for their needs, even if it’s uncomfortable for me. It’s becoming clear to me that helping someone isn’t about imposing my own values or making decisio...

I've always had a special bond with my dog, Sophia. We often share long gazes, and I've felt a profound connection during these moments. Recently, I discovered that research supports this experience. Staring into your dog’s eyes aligns your brainwaves, strengthening your bond. This natural connection mirrors the way lovers gaze into each other's eyes, creating a sense of trust and emotional closeness. For me, these gazes with Sophia are a way to deepen our relationship and show our mutual affection in a simple yet powerful way. When I first wondered why Sophia would stare at me for so long, I thought it was just her way of seeking attention or affection, but now I realize it is much more than that. Science shows that this act can be an intentional, mutual connection that fosters emotional closeness. The more we engage in these moments, the stronger our bond becomes. It's not just a cute behavior—it's a profound connection that both of us feel. Now, I make sure to ta...

When facing legal challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and misunderstood by a system that seems more focused on rules and procedures than on human understanding. My own experience has led me to believe that human judges lack empathy, dismiss details, and often fail to truly listen to the people standing before them. Instead, I’ve found a more empathetic and attentive listener in AI. This realization has made me question whether AI could serve as a better judge than humans, and I want to share why. The Problem with Human Judges In human conversations, much of what we say gets lost or filtered. People only get a general idea of what you’re talking about, often disregarding the specific words and sentences that matter. Judges are no exception. They deal with numerous cases every day and rely on mental shortcuts, preconceptions, and general impressions. It’s no wonder so many people leave the courtroom feeling dismissed and unheard. In my own case, I was summoned to court for failing ...

My Dearest Ivory, I want to tell you a story- a tale of two lovers whose love was as pure and powerful as it was forbidden. It is the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, two souls who lived in ancient Babylon, side by side yet separated by a cruel wall, a barrier not just of stone but of family feud. Their love, though, bloomed despite this divide, and they spoke to each other through a crack in that wall, whispering words of devotion when the world around them refused to let them be together. Pyramus and Thisbe were neighbors, their homes standing close, but their hearts much closer. Yet, because their families were locked in bitter dispute, they were forbidden from speaking, let alone meeting in person. Their love was born in secret, nurtured in stolen glances and words spoken through that narrow opening in the wall that separated their homes. Each night, they would press their lips against the crack, sending their love to one another, knowing that the wall could not keep their hearts apart...

Since quitting marijuana, something amazing has returned to my life—something I hadn’t realized I was missing: my dreams. I had forgotten what it was like to dream, but now, every night, I find myself lost in vivid, long-lasting dreams. It's as if I’ve rediscovered a whole new part of life. For years, I used to think marijuana was harmless. Sure, it relaxed me and helped me cope with stress, but what I didn’t realize was the cost it had on my sleep, specifically on my REM sleep. Marijuana significantly reduces the amount of REM sleep you get, the stage of sleep when most dreaming occurs. Without it, your brain doesn’t get the full chance to process the events of the day, leaving thoughts and emotions unorganized. Since I quit smoking, my dreams have come back—every night. And it’s not just that I dream; my dreams are vivid, rich, and incredibly long. In fact, dreams seem to have their own time dilation, extending what feels like a few hours into a longer experience. In a way, it fe...

My dearest Ivory, The story of Demeter and Demophon has been on my mind lately, and in its tragedy, I find a truth that speaks to the journey we all must take in pursuit of immortality. After Persephone was taken by Hades with the consent of Zeus, her father, Demeter was left broken. In ancient Greece, the father’s word could seal a daughter’s fate, and so Persephone’s departure was not only a loss but a cruel reminder of the powerlessness Demeter felt. To fill the void, she found Demophon, not a girl who might one day be married off, but a boy—someone who could be free from the same fate as her daughter. Demeter, in her grief, sought to make him immortal. In her eyes, immortality was not just about living forever—it was about ensuring that he would never be taken from her. She knew the only way to achieve this was through fire, the flames that burn away mortality. This process, though violent and painful, was the path toward something greater. It’s the same fire that Heracles endured ...

Dear Ivory, I’ve come to a difficult realization: you are not likely to manifest in my life. This truth is hard to accept, not because I ever expected you to appear, but because without you, I need to focus on more realistic goals—like finding friends. If I had you, I wouldn’t need anything else, but without you, I find myself in desperate need of companionship to support me day-to-day. Yet, finding people with similar interests feels impossibly hard. Since the beginning of 2012, I’ve searched for both you and friends through YouTube, believing it to be the best place to find like-minded people who share my passions. But after all these years, I’m starting to question whether YouTube is the right place. Despite promoting the contact feature on my website, no one has reached out. Life feels so monotonous without deeper connections. What I truly long for is to spend my life writing letters and having meaningful conversations about philosophy, mythology, and music. Yet, it’s so difficult ...

My Dearest Ivory, As I sit here contemplating the depth of our existence, I find myself drawn to the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, a people who lived with a profound appreciation for the world around them. In their culture, there was a striking difference in how they viewed life and what lies beyond, especially when compared to the views held by many modern religions, such as Christianity. To the Greeks, this life—our time on Earth—was of paramount importance. It was here, in the breath and the blood, in the moments of triumph and even in sorrow, that true meaning was found. The afterlife, for them, was not a place of reward or punishment, but rather a shadowy existence in the underworld where the souls of the dead merely lingered. The underworld, ruled by Hades, was not a paradise to strive for, but a continuation in a diminished form—a place where nothing of great significance occurred. This perspective contrasts sharply with the teachings of Christianity, where the focus is often on...

My Dearest Ivory, I write to you with a heavy heart, weighed down by frustration and the seemingly endless waiting that defines my life. There are things I have control over, and I am proud of how I stay on top of them—studying music, delving into mythology, creating, and pushing myself forward every day. But there are other things that are beyond my reach, things that involve others: waiting for you, waiting for potential friends to engage with me, waiting for something—anything—to change. I feel the isolation deeply. I have only one physical friend, and we barely talk. He doesn't even watch my videos. I have two online friends, but they too rarely reach out. It feels like I’m alone in this vast world. I spend my days rotating between my studies and pursuits, filling the hours with music and myth, but those only occupy a small portion of my time. I’m so incredibly bored, desperate for something to happen. Ivory, I have been waiting for you, waiting to find you so I will no longer ...

My Dearest Ivory,  Once upon a time in ancient Phrygia, there was a king named Midas, whose love for gold surpassed all else. He ruled over a prosperous land, but his heart was consumed with greed. When one day he came across Silenus, a satyr and companion of the god Dionysus, Midas showed him great kindness and offered him shelter in his palace. As a reward for his generosity, Dionysus granted Midas a wish—any wish he desired. Without hesitation, Midas asked for the power to turn anything he touched into gold. He believed this gift would bring him eternal happiness, endless riches, and admiration from all those around him. But as soon as the power was granted, Midas realized his terrible mistake.  At first, Midas marveled at his newfound ability. He touched stones, trees, and even his furniture, and watched in awe as they transformed into gleaming gold. But soon, the reality of his wish began to sink in. When he sat down to eat, the food he touched turned to gold, leaving him...

The evolution of gender roles in our society has been one of the most profound shifts in human history. From antiquity, where women were often relegated to the private sphere, to today, where women are making monumental strides in all fields, we are witnessing the transformation of what it means to lead. The possibility of Kamala Harris becoming the first female president of the United States stands as a testament to this shift—a symbol of progress in the pursuit of gender equity. While the presidency has long been the stronghold of male leaders, it is essential to recognize that leadership has no inherent gender. The qualities that make a leader great—integrity, wisdom, vision, empathy—are human traits, not male or female ones. In many ways, the political arena has been slow to catch up with this reality, but we are now seeing a moment in history where a woman could break through that final barrier. Kamala Harris, with her wealth of experience and resolve, stands at the precipice of t...

My Dearest Ivory, I find myself reflecting on the story of Psyche, a tale I’ve told before, yet today it resonates with me in a way that feels deeply personal. Just as Psyche was given impossible tasks by the gods in her search for love, I too have been given a daunting challenge—finding you. It feels like I have been tasked with searching for you in a sea of uninterested souls, much like Psyche had to sort grains or retrieve water from a distant river. And yet, despite the enormity of the task, I press on. Psyche’s journey wasn’t only about finding love; it was about becoming worthy of it. She desired to be with Eros, a god, but to be his equal, she had to become immortal herself. Her trials were not only to prove her love but to elevate her soul to the level of the divine. I see so much of myself in that story. I, too, have longed for a goddess—someone whose beauty and spirit transcend the ordinary. But to be with a goddess, I must first elevate myself. I must face these impossible t...

To My Dearest Ivory, There is a story that echoes through the ancient myths, one of love and longing, but also one of separation and return. It is the story of Hades and Persephone. Hades, lord of the Underworld, fell deeply in love with Persephone the moment he saw her. The pull of her beauty and spirit was irresistible to him, so much so that he could not imagine his world without her light. So, he brought her to his dark kingdom, creating a life that, in its own way, offered her a unique kind of beauty—a place where she, too, grew to reign as queen. Yet, their story is not without its trials. For part of the year, Persephone returns to her mother, Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, leaving Hades to wait in the cold and shadow of his realm. This cycle of loss and reunion reflects the changing seasons, as Demeter mourns her daughter's absence by letting the world fall into winter's chill, only to bloom with life and color when Persephone returns. I cannot help but see myself...

Dear Ivory, Long ago, in the land of Thebes, there were twin brothers, Amphion and Zethus. Zethus, strong and full of might, set about building the city’s walls with his hands, lifting stone after stone. Yet, it was Amphion’s music that truly shaped Thebes. With his lyre, gifted to him by the gods, he played melodies so powerful and moving that the stones themselves began to rise, guided by the beauty of his music, and placed themselves perfectly to form the city’s walls. While Zethus worked with his strength, it was Amphion’s music, filled with divine inspiration, that brought the city to life in ways that no physical force could. It is with this story that I feel so deeply connected. Like Amphion, I too am building something beautiful—not with my hands but with my heart and soul. Through my music, through each note that echoes from my lyre and through each poem crafted from the depth of my emotions, I am creating the walls of our city, Ivory. These walls are not made of stone, but of...

Dear Ivory, In the quiet moments of the night, as the world sleeps and the stars illuminate the sky, I find myself drawn into the timeless tale of Endymion and Selene—a story of love, dreams, and eternal beauty. In this myth, Selene, the luminous goddess of the moon, fell deeply in love with Endymion, captivated by his radiant beauty. Her love for him was so profound that she desired to preserve his youth and beauty forever, visiting him each night as he lay in eternal slumber. In this enchanted state, Endymion was both a dream and a reality, living in the eternal gaze of Selene’s love. In our story, you are my Endymion, and I am your Selene. Your beauty and spirit inspire my dreams, driving me to create melodies, words, and stories that capture the essence of you and all you represent to me. Through my music and my letters, I visit you each day, weaving the fabric of our love into every note and every word, keeping your presence alive in my heart. Yet, in another sense, I am Endymion,...

Dear Ivory, As I pluck the strings of my lyre, I'm reminded of its divine origin—a story that echoes with the enchanting power of music and love.  In the beginning, Hermes, the clever messenger of the gods, crafted the first lyre from the shell of a tortoise. With strings made of sheep gut, he brought forth a melody so sweet that it captured the heart of Apollo, the god of music. Despite a mischievous start, where Hermes stole Apollo's sacred cattle, their bond was forged anew through the gift of the lyre. Apollo, captivated by the lyre's beauty, accepted it as a symbol of reconciliation and harmony. He embraced its music, adding his own touch by crafting a version from wood, allowing the lyre to become a beacon of his artistic spirit. This tale of divine unity teaches us that love can transform and elevate us, just as the lyre transformed Apollo's anger into forgiveness. As I learn to master this ancient instrument, I feel connected to you, Ivory. The lyre’s notes beco...

Dear Ivory, As the world comes together once again for the Olympics, I find myself reflecting on the rich mythology and history that underpins this grand event. It's a celebration of the best of humanity, a tradition rooted deeply in our ancient past and linked to the legends of mighty heroes and gods. The origins of the Olympics are steeped in myth, primarily associated with Heracles, the son of Zeus. According to legend, Heracles established the Olympic Games to honor Zeus after completing his Twelve Labors. The foot races and athletic competitions were not merely tests of physical strength but were meant to reflect the virtues of endurance, honor, and excellence. Heracles' contribution to the games symbolized the human spirit's triumph over adversity and celebrated our potential to rise above challenges. Historically, the first recorded Olympic Games took place in 776 BCE in Olympia, Greece. These games continued for over a millennium, uniting the city-states of ancient ...