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Via several social platforms plus a newsletter, I have been studying the ancient Greek philosophy Stoicism which is making a resurgence (Stoicism 2.0). I wondered what Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius who ruled the world 1050 AD, one of the leaders of Stoicism, would think of all the online Stoic clutter/noise.

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Meditations, Marcus Aurelius’s personal journal, private thoughts, documenting/applying Stoic philosophy to his life has evolved into a world renown self-improvement classic. When reading his philosophy, I always wonder if Marcus writing for himself, to himself, to review the principles of Stoicism envisioned his journaling would reach/impact such a wide audience, plus more importantly be monetized by several authors. Championing the current revival and spreading the Stoic philosophy is an American author/philosopher, marketing entrepreneur and media strategist. Candidly I have muddled thoughts about this individual. The marketing entrepreneur side of me respects how he has broadly communicated the renaissance of Stoicism, but conversely, I am turned off by his non-stop “c’est moi” social media broadcasting (a.k.a. in your face sales pitch). Consequently, to avoid the potential of an online trolling situation by naming this individual, I will dub him the “digital stoic huckster” for the remainder of this post.

One definition of a huckster is a person who sells small items door-to-door or from a stall or small store. Candidly I admit I am being critical of the Stoicism revivalist I mentioned above. Detailed below are some examples of why I believe he has evolved from an advocate of the ancient philosophy to a modern day “digital stoic huckster.”     

• World Tour – The 2024 Stoic Life tour is coming to Europe (my hood) soon. In addition to buying tickets to a Stoic Life event, as a newsletter subscriber I am eligible to purchase a special VIP backstage pass for a first-hand Q&A session with the “digital stoic huckster.”

• Stoicism Crash Course – As a closing call to action in one of my daily newsletters I was offered the “digital stoic huckster’s” 101 Stoicism course to learn actionable lessons in just 14 days: how best to cultivate inner peace, prioritize what truly matters, develop rock-solid self-discipline, overcome obstacles with a positive mindset, as well as embrace change and uncertainty. I know I sometimes can be slow, fixed in my ways, but at age 71, it is taking me a lifetime to learn how best to manage my daily life. I cannot even Imagine having my life all figure out in 14 days!

• Journaling – All of the Stoic philosophers kept journals of their daily endeavors, as in conduct self-examination to best process their thoughts. As I read the guide to journaling newsletter there was a link to a $75 special offer, 25% off their regular price if I bought both the Stoic Life Journal with a Leather cover (ethically sourced, genuine full-grain leather, hand-crafted in Minneapolis, MN). FYI: I journal, but over the years I have used black & white marbled cover composition notebooks, the same type I used in grade school. Now I am digital.

What do you think emperor Marcus Aurelius, one of the leaders of Stoicism who ruled the world 1050 AD (pre-internet), would think of all the online 2024 monetized Stoic clutter/noise?

Opinions Welcomed!

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“I will have a bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted whole wheat with sneakers please.” FYI: Hellmann’s the World’s No.1 mayonnaise as part of their ongoing food waste awareness movement in partnership with the Italian ID Eight fashion label is launching a limited-edition sneaker made from food waste. Innovative!

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Trend? Innovative eco-sportswear.

Another innovative sportswear launch I recently read about is the Scottish sustainable clothing brand from Community Clothing. Their Organic Athletic label sports clothing (compostable shorts, sweatshirts, T-shirts and running vests) are made from plant-based technology (i.e., certified organic cotton, etc.) in lieu of the typical non-biodegradable, oil-based synthetic plastic materials (e.g. polyester, elastane, etc.). Note: Plastics and synthetic fibers have been used in sportswear for decades for their stretchability and breathability plus thermal protection, and quick-drying/waterproofing capabilities.

Kudos to Community Clothing! An innovative solution to prevent the spread of microplastics into Mother Earth’s ecosystems, thus eventually our food chain. Tomorrow is now!  

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Last year I began advocating my concern generative AI is the elephant in the room in regards to planet earth’s environment. Specifically, its use as a marketing tool to influence consumer purchasing behavior resulting in an increase in the overall consumption of manufactured material-based products. Ready for an update?

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Generative AI is driving the “new age” of hyperpersonalization marketing. As this marketing transformation rapidly evolves, most companies are currently utilizing existing AI generative tools while some are differentiating themselves by customizing their resources while integrating innovative models with their own systems/data. Optimizing AI information is driving numerous areas of hyperpersonalization. They are detailed below:

• Real time consumer purchasing behavior data analytics.
• Customized marketing movements (e.g. content/social media platform development) in accelerated time.
• Enhanced customer engagement.
• Innovative predictive new product development (e.g., R&D).
• Advanced supply chain processes.

The result for consumer product companies utilizing AI is they are optimizing their revenue growth management strategies. I apologize for sounding cynical, but to me AI as a marketing tool only bodes well if you are a stakeholder benefiting from a CPG company which potentially would drive the overall consumption of its material-based products for increased profitability. In addition, these products might not be manufactured by companies within the sustainable guidelines needed for a healthier plant earth. Note: Remember, many of these products are also delivered in non-biodegradable packaging polluting the planet.

In my initial elephant post, I chose the fashion industry (one of the largest manufacturing industries on the planet which is highly unregulated), as a prime example of wasteful consumer purchasing/consumption behavior fueled in part by marketing. Note:100 billion garments are produced a year; it is estimated 87% will end up in a landfill or an incinerator – only 1% of discarded clothing is recycled. Today I am staying closer to home and citing as an example AI in my industry of specialty, food & beverage; specifically, industry leader Nestlé. The company is utilizing Tastewise a platform which generates food intelligence (market research analytics) providing insights into restaurant items, home cooking trends, and real-life consumption (purchase patterns) incidences distilled down to a micro level (geographic location). The insights enhance marketing decisions to implement targeted/segmented campaigns (e.g., personalized marketing content, promotional strategies, etc.), plus lead to rapid product innovation (new product ideas) to maintain a competitive edge, continually finding new ways to appeal to consumer tastes and preferences. Their utilization of AI leads to better consumer engagement, and higher return on marketing investment.

In closing, as I stated earlier, generative AI is driving the “new age” of hyperpersonalization marketing. My concern is it will drive the overall consumption of goods and services – mankind will buy what they want versus only what they need. As a result, we will continue to drain the limited resources of Mother Earth.

Opinions Welcomed!

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My company is committed to the current transformation for a healthier global food system. Consequently, I have been researching the people/companies participating in this movement. Key learning: Community will be quintessential to lead the transformation.

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Community, community, community! Years ago I shared with my readership words of wisdom from my all-time favorite Chinese fortune cookie:“To build a better world, start in your community.”  Thanks to my bio-diversity project research, I have learned about an African community eco-mitigation project, I would like to share with my readership today – The Great Green Wall.

The GGW eco-mitigation initiative was launched by the African Union in 2007 to restore the continent’s degraded landscapes across 22 African countries. Note: The GGW stretches approximately 5,000 miles in the Sahel belt the region which separates the Sahara and Sudanian domain. The primary objective of the GGW is to help communities living along the wall restore 100 million hectares (247 million acres) of land which is currently degraded and sequester approximately 250 million tons of carbon. In the process of building the GGW, this project is being implemented across 22 African countries, revitalizing thousands of communities across the continent –

millions of jobs will be created by 2030 (stimulate economic opportunities), it will provide food security for millions, climate resilience, etc.

The Great Green Wall initiative is a tangible example of communities (e.g., humanity) working together to mitigate climate change (note: the project is in a region where temperatures are rising faster than anywhere else on Earth), as well as provide a model of how best to champion a new era of sustainability and economic growth. Community, community, community!

Opinions Welcomed!

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Due to personal medical reasons, mental resilience has been my favorite “subject du jour” this summer. Specifically, since I have been studying the ancient Greek philosophy stoicism to refresh my perspective on being resilient. Below are my current thoughts regarding the stoic mindset.

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One of the pillars of stoicism is understanding the dichotomy of control – there are variables we can control; there are variables we cannot control. In addition, for those variables we cannot control which cross our path, we are challenged to make the best of them, maintain a clear unemotional rationale head (level). Stoics philosophers tell us “Accept the fact that all events occur for a reason, and that it is within our capacity to see this reason as positive.” This stoic train of thought is known as Amor Fati. We accept what happens to us, after understanding that certain things particularly bad things (a.k.a. adversity), are outside our control, we are left with facing the situation we are experiencing with fortitude, a reason to be positive.”

Deep! Candidly, I do not totally subscribe to the concept of Amor Fati (a.k.a. fate). 1.) I like establishing priorities to remain positive. However, I am realistic some negative situations we experience are a direct result of poor choices/decisions (e.g., relationships, career, bad habits, etc.). Take responsibility! Key is to learn and focus every day as we strive for self-improvement on the variables, we can control to minimize future negative experiences; and 2.) I am realistic bad things will happen, but do not always accept them since I believe this thought process has led many people to adaptive, complacent behavior regarding adversity. You know these people. They are the ones who shrug their shoulders and remind us “it is, what it is.”

Opens Welcomed!

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I have previously posted about the positive attributes of experiencing the risk factor associated with life’s challenges and growth. Sometimes a byproduct of taking risk is how people handle adversity, specifically their ability to be resilient and bounce back from unexpected setbacks (e.g., curveballs). A resiliency update.

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Unfortunately, due to another medical emergency, my resiliency is once again being put to the test. Consequently, I went into my archives of motivational pearls of wisdom to lift my spirits. Two contemporaries I value are Japanese violinist Daishin Kashimoto, concertmaster (since 2009) with the Berlin Philharmonic often recognized as the world’s finest orchestra and Twyla Tharp, American dancer, choreographer, writer. Their mantra No risk, no fun!”

To further adapt to my latest round of adversity I have begun studying Roman history and reading excerpts from Meditations written by emperor Marcus Aurelius who ruled the world 1050 AD. His philosophy of stoicism has been gaining recent popularity: “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. Life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

Some daily resiliency wisdom which gets me through each morning: “Everything you worry about is much smaller than you make it in your head.”

Opinions welcomed!

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This morning, I was looking at my blogging notes. Specifically, for my March post on Agroecology and the positive impact of innovative technology (a.k.a. Agritech). Research disclosed Agritech cyber-crime, thus I made a note to myself to someday address the pernicious side of humanity, the spine of today’s post.

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Pernicious (adjective): having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

In my Agroecology post I stated the adoption process of balancing the connectivity between plants, animals, humans, community socio-economic and environment conditions        will be time consuming. One reason being the pernicious side of mankind; specifically, the subset of humans who have surfaced during our current climate crisis to capitalize on the situation to make a dollar. A prime example: Farms, orchards, and vineyards utilizing technology to operate their businesses to maximize yields and minimize spending are becoming commonplace – sensors to control heating, cooling, irrigation, security, or lighting. Consequently, a new form of cyber-crime has emerged. Sophisticated farm hackers are getting into these Agritech systems and creating havoc by altering the systems and data, which can lead to crops or product being destroyed. Once a system had been accessed, most offenders are asking for ransom from the owners of the hacked system or sometimes just destroy stuff because they can.

In closing, once again I am cautiously pragmatic. There is a rapidly growing segment of the population which are adhering to the sustainable food guidelines needed for a healthier planet earth. However, there appears to be a handful of individuals determine to obstruct the overall transformation of our global food system, individuals who represent the pernicious side of humanity.

Opinions Welcomed!

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April, Earth Month is over. During my morning online digital rounds, I noticed a surge in comments from wannabe environmentalists broadcasting their woke point-of-views. My reaction? I advocate people need to walk the talk 24/7/365, #planetfirst!

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One of my all-time favorite quotes was hockey icon/superstar Wayne Gretzky’s reply when he was asked what makes him so great: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” Years ago, I used to post my annual selection of an innovative individual who was always skating to where the puck was going to be. Today, I want to take time out to acknowledge one of the few, cutting edge #planetfirst advocates I engage with online regularly who walks the talk and is worthy of a Gretzky. The individual I would like to praise is Simi D the leader of rescue clothing company https://okimmiofficial.com/ Rationale:

• Simi D is passionate 24/7/365 about #planetfirst – she advocates earth day is every day, accordingly warrants being considered daily. Consequently, she delivers/shares relevant content with her tribe daily regarding her sustainable process of regenerating clothing by piecing and shaping from the wasteful/toxic global fashion industry which produces an estimated 100 billion units per year.                       
• She is more than the typical c’est moi social media broadcaster by engaging as well as enlisting others (building community) to support sustainable #planetfirst choosing wherever possible. Example: She is always forwarding to me articles about the transformation of the global food system given my area of expertise.

Disclaimer: I am biased given I have been connected to Simi D for close to a year now. To me her process is evolving beyond couture and transforming into an ecological art form since she is passionate 24/7/365 about #planetfirst. Simi D is authentic, walks the talk, and understands:

Tomorrow is Now!

Blink:

April is earth month, a time to celebrate our planet; this year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics. It is estimated 30 million tons of plastic is produced every year while only 9 percent of plastic produced has been recycled. I am reminded of the 1967 Hollywood classic: The Graduate.

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Let me set the stage. Benjamin played by Dustin Hoffman is a recent college graduate attending a family party when he engages with a friend of the family (Mr. McGuire) who wants to share some advice.

Mr. McGuire : I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.                                                                                                                            Benjamin : Yes,sir.                                                                                                                  Mr. McGuire : Are you listening?                                                                                                                                  

Benjamin : Yes, I am.                                                                                                                                              McGuire : Plastics.                                                                                                                Benjamin : Exactly how do you mean?                                                                                                                                        

McGuire : There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?

For the Record: (A) The script for The Graduate was written before the inaugural Earth Day held on April 22, 1970. (B) I have posted my thoughts regarding the toxicity of plastics choking our planet.

I would like to share with this year’s crop of college graduates two words of advice – Planet First!

Tomorrow is Now!

Blink:

Environmentalists’ latest “buzz du jour” associated with the transformation to a sustainable and fair food system globally will be the adaptation of agroecology – the application of ecological processes to agricultural/farming production. To make it happen, they believe it will take more government policies/incentives to elevate the transition.

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I agree, but concerned the global transition to agroecology, balancing the connectivity between plants, animals, humans, community socio-economic and environment conditions will be a very slow, time-consuming process. Why am I being cautiously pragmatic? Threefold:

1. The adoption of agroecological practices will require a significant amount of government assistance to educate and train farmers’ knowledge in this subject area. That will take a considerable amount of investment and regulations.
2. Lobbyists representing capitalist agribusiness will flourish to obstruct policy makers.
3. The pernicious side of mankind represents a speedbump. Specifically, the subset of humans who surface during natural disasters (now the climate crisis) to capitalize on the situation to make a dollar. Example: A recent Reuters News exposé revealed, some climate finance/funds have gone towards projects which have no connection to climate change, thus are not directly reducing global warming and its impact – airport expansions, a love story film set in the Argentine rainforest, retail chocolate and gelato stores, etc.        

Instead of solely relying on government policies and subsidies, I believe an important factor (a.k.a. wildcard) in a successful agroecology movement will be technological innovation a topic I have addressed before Innovative Planetary Technology. One area which piques my interest is precision agriculture – the utilization of AI driven data to help farmers grow more crops with fewer resources to maximize yields and minimize spending. Regenerative farming is an eco-friendly sustainable approach to agriculture which has recently gained significant attention; specifically the importance of soil management. Numerous technology companies have surfaced (e.g., Soil Scout) planting wireless sensors to monitor real-time information like soil moisture levels and other environmental factors which affect crop growth.

There are many innovative solutions on the table for a #planetfirst food system transformation. Understanding/embracing agroecological farming principles combined with innovative planetary technology is a great place to start the adventure. However, I remain cautiously optimistic. We need to be patient, thus realize we will experience the growing pains and learning curve associated with the transformation. All aboard. Time to move forward

Tomorrow is Now!