Art versus marketing in creative success

From the teachings of Epictetus to the US Government’s secret "Manhattan Project" for AI. We debate the Rick Rubin philosophy of "creation as devotion" vs. the marketing mind virus, breakdown how to live an "optionally retired" lifestyle today, and uncover the details of the "Genesis" AI mission. Plus, a conspiracy theory regarding Nvidia, China, and a 20% government kickback.

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Episode Highlights:

🏛️ Epictetus & The Manual: A Stoic Masterclass

📅 The "Optionally Retired" Lifestyle Design

🎨 Rick Rubin vs. Diddy: Art vs. Marketing

🇺🇸 Project Genesis: The US Government's AI Plan

📉 How to Hedge the Coming Market "Cliff"

🇨🇳 The Nvidia Conspiracy: Is Uncle Sam Taking a Cut?

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Champagne Pop & Intro: Stoicism, The Manual & Holiday Parties

10:45 – 2025 Goal Setting & The "Activities Coordinator" Lifestyle

15:30 – Building the Ultimate Home Gym (Pain Cave)

23:25 – "Optionally Retired": How to feel retired while still working

36:20 – Rick Rubin, Creativity, and the "Offering to God"

47:40 – The Creator's Dilemma: Niche Down vs. Authenticity

59:50 – "Genesis": The US Government’s AI Manhattan Project

01:15:30 – Nvidia’s H100s & The Speculated 20% "Rip"

01:19:15 – Gavin Baker, Google TPUs, and the AI Infrastructure trade

01:26:40 – Cem Karsan’s Strategy: Long Calls & Cash

01:34:30 – Outro: Last Episode of the Year

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