I agree with all of these. I would add the ability to speak in front of a group should added to the list. If a person can read, write, speak, and hold their focus for more than 30 seconds, will be considered a star. If they are healthy, not obese, no meds, and no mahor diseases on top of reading and writing, you may be thought of as an alien. I am with you, my doctors are all amazed that in my early 60's with no health issues and I can get up off the floor with no hands.
Tim, I could see many of these ideas presented here coming to fruition.
I want to share a story that tells me why I think you're spot on about the future of work.
You often write about the opportunities that arise from writing online. I've long wondered if and how they would ever pop up in my life.
A few weeks ago, I watched a panel of agricultural speakers at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, conference.
One of the speakers was a farm management instructor from my hometown. I felt a bit of envy watching her share her ideas, both on the stage and in the farm magazines I often find her writing.
I told myself I needed to find a way to do what she does, but I had no idea how.
Later at lunch, my partner and I found the last empty table and took a seat before three gentlemen sat next to us. One was Brad, a farmer I'd met in the lobby bar the evening before. The second was Carl, a rookie field inspector. The third guy I did not recognize.
Before long, the conversation began when Brad mentioned something about an idea for a magazine article to the third guy.
Huh, magazine, I wonder as I glanced at the third guy's name tag. Kevin. Editor at The Farmer magazine.
How will I get this guy's attention without holding up a "Hey, I'm a writer" sign?
Think Kuznia, think.
Then it hit me...Brad mentioned he was from Thief River Falls, right next to the lineup of Versatile tractors I wrote about last summer in a Substack newsletter. So I turned to him and asked how far his farm was from the lineup of old iron.
After a chuckle, Brad told me about his neighbor with a yard full of junk and old tractors and how he hadn't thrown anything away since Moby Dick was a minnow. We all laughed while I casually mentioned my Substack and how my lady and I snagged a bunch of pics of the junkyard for the newsletter. Nothing more.
The conversation continued while we wrapped up lunch and prepared to head back into the conference room when Kevin turned to me and said, hey, did you say you write articles?
Yes, I write a weekly stack about farming and mental health and share my life experiences from the farm. After informing him what Substack is (it still surprises me how many people are still unaware of Substack, which tells me there is still a ton of room for growth), he asked me if I've considered doing any freelance writing because he's struggled to keep up with covering the entire state and could use some help.
Would I?
Unable to conceal my excitement, I blurted, I'd love to!
We exchanged business cards, shook hands, and returned to our seats.
A few weeks passed until yesterday when Kevin emailed me asking if I wanted to write a story for The Farmer about sugarbeet production in the Red River Valley.
My first freelance writing gig presented itself because I put myself out there long enough to get noticed. Pretty fucking awesome.
Stories like this make me think of the knock-on effects of writing online and following successful writers like you. It makes me excited for the future and not having to waste away in a nine-to-five.
If it weren't for your writing giving me the motivation to keep cracking when I was frustrated and wanted to quit, this opportunity would've remained a dream.
Great story! I’ve been thinking about starting out on a writing journey so reading your story is super inspiring. I’ve only just recently become aware of Substack but I’m not in love with it yet, it’s probably lack of use to get familiar with how it works.
Thank you Tim, great article. I’ve been driving my friends crazy to make sure that they start teaching their kids about investing and finance. I’m on a learning path too.. and wish I’d started earlier but I’m doing it now.
I think people are becoming a bit superficial due to the information overload. Some good old fashioned deep thinking and a solid value system should help most in the 30 seconds realm :-)
When I am maintinaing my weight, I eat 65% plant-based, 30% meat, and 5% saimple carbs. When losing weight, I shift to 75% plant-based, 20% meat, and 5% simple carbs. The most important thing I do is eat my vegetables first, followed by meat or protein, and finish with simple carbs. This allows the vegetables to cover my gut with fiber to filter out high absorption of glucose. I lost 105lbs doing this and kept it off since 1998.
I knew there was such a thing, as in the actual China Study, and had watched some long form videos, and I think, a documentary on it, but had no idea there was a book. I’ll have to add that to the reading list.
Yes, Tim, several points stood out. One of the main ones is this one:
"Those who hold onto these valuable reading and writing skills will make all the money in the future.
Reading is how we learn about the world. Writing is how we dissect what we’ve learned to reveal the truths, paradoxes, and lies.
Read more than you watch. Write more than you talk."
It stood out because it validates my love of reading and writing. 😊 And, l'm not a grammar expert, but l do pay attention to punctuation, syntax, and other things, when l'm writing. Whether it's a message to an acquaintance, or a client.
I don't do that to show off, but as an attempt to share my thoughts with others, as clearly and correctly as possible. It comes from a desire to really get through to others, and be understood. I think communication works best when people understand each other. 😊
So, the point on the value of reading and writing skills also validates the way l fuss over punctuation and similar things. 😄
Tim, I'm not sure that owning Bitcoin will be a status symbol but my opinion is also subjective. One thing I know for sure, though, is that financial markets will play a more important role in 10 years. Investing is becoming a necessity now. It'll be a must a decade later (low wages, non-existent state-sponsored pensions, etc.). Those not growing their wealth in the financial markets are missing out on a huge opportunity even beyond Bitcoin.
Yep, investing is now mandatory. Especially with central bank money printing.
Denis, you must go down the Bitcoin rabbit hole. It's cost you so much money already. Why would Fidelity, Blackrock, and all of Wall Street embrace it? Read the book "The Bitcoin Standard." Will you read it?
“Having good manners is going to be a huge flex in 10 years. Start mastering the subtle art right now.”
Amazing what a cheat code it is to just be polite to people.
I was unemployed for a bit recently and my former employer wanted to dispute my eligibility for unemployment insurance. I got an email saying I would get a phone call from an arbitrator and a snail mail with the details.
I only saw the email a few hours before the call and never got the letter, but when the arbitrator called and asked if I was ready I said “no problem let’s just get this taken care of, I’m sure you have a busy day already” and I made sure to be polite the whole time and she went out of her way to find reasons to take my side and even got upset over the fact they were making trouble for me in the first place. Then she called me back 5 minutes later and told me her plan to make all this go away. Which it did.
Insightful and thoughtful article. I have two quibbles though- nobody really understands cryptocurrencies- it started out as an unregulated currency, and is now basically a scarce asset.My prediction is that the more it is mainstream regulated, the more it will default to its currency usage, and the more its value (then no longer a scarce asset) will diminish. Therefore, rather buy old- fashioned gold for long-term investment returns. Second quibble- I am not sure if your garden food- source is an argument for veganism, but I suspect non- animal- based nutrition will be a first- world luxury for a long time to come.
Robin, just look at the price graphs of gold and Bitcoin (there's no comparison). Second, when you measure the value of gold you're doing so in a currency like USD that is being devalued through money printing and inflation. So often the returns look bigger than they are.
Yes, as Bitcoin becomes more mainstream the explosive price growth will reduce. But it's still early. It's one of those topics where unless you go below the surface it will never make sense. The point is America has now embraced it and so has Wall Street. Every pension fund and financial advisor can now sell it.
I don't tell people to go vegan. We can all do with more fruits and vegetables in our diet though. Agree?
It's definitely challenging and requires effort, but I'd say the most effective way would be to convince people that their apathy will only make things worse than they currently are.
For this, we need to give relevant, practical examples, and also practical suggestions on how the average person can do his/her part towards making a difference or bringing about change.
In terms of approaching such apathetic people, it's better to do this as a group or coalition by working together with other like-minded groups or associations.
Seeing a movement with a significant number of people is more convincing and instills confidence in the average person, who otherwise can easily feel that it's pointless and not worthwhile.
I can relate, especially with the “not on medication” part. People are encouraged to take pills when there is a slight discomfort (headache, stomachache) while waiting it out for some time will get it to normal.
There is no shortcut to this as mainstream media and modern society have inundated this pills culture for almost a century.
What we can do:
1. Embrace and promote holistic healing approach.
2. Educate our closest circle the long-term danger of overreliant to medications.
3. Show by example that a little bit of pain is okay, and why its not okay to rely on medications. I have my mom to thank for this; she didn't always drink the prescribed medicine as she understands her body well and how even the medicine might consists food colorings especially the colored capsules.
Thanks for the insights, Tim. Well written with a nice bit of humour thrown in.. I like the Nobel prize idea.. just for finishing a book.. I’m in the running and I’ve got ten years to finish a few.. yeah!..
I thought I was the only one who had noticed the disappearance of please and thank you.. it takes you so far in life, especially when travelling, that it’s a bloody life skill! My grandmother would also be mystified, God rest her.
This was a fascinating read. As a physician, I agree with you about plant-based diets, there are numerous studies that support its benefits over alternatives. Loved the point about “Read more than you watch. Write more than you talk.” I’ve never felt comfortable with bitcoin, just seems too volatile and made up for me but I understand it’s hype. I will reread this one Tim!
I agree with all of these. I would add the ability to speak in front of a group should added to the list. If a person can read, write, speak, and hold their focus for more than 30 seconds, will be considered a star. If they are healthy, not obese, no meds, and no mahor diseases on top of reading and writing, you may be thought of as an alien. I am with you, my doctors are all amazed that in my early 60's with no health issues and I can get up off the floor with no hands.
Ahhh I forgot public speaking. Yes, agree.
What sort of diet do you eat Butch?
Public speaking is a great one and feeds into the "real life" leaning direction that he's going in.
Tim, I could see many of these ideas presented here coming to fruition.
I want to share a story that tells me why I think you're spot on about the future of work.
You often write about the opportunities that arise from writing online. I've long wondered if and how they would ever pop up in my life.
A few weeks ago, I watched a panel of agricultural speakers at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, conference.
One of the speakers was a farm management instructor from my hometown. I felt a bit of envy watching her share her ideas, both on the stage and in the farm magazines I often find her writing.
I told myself I needed to find a way to do what she does, but I had no idea how.
Later at lunch, my partner and I found the last empty table and took a seat before three gentlemen sat next to us. One was Brad, a farmer I'd met in the lobby bar the evening before. The second was Carl, a rookie field inspector. The third guy I did not recognize.
Before long, the conversation began when Brad mentioned something about an idea for a magazine article to the third guy.
Huh, magazine, I wonder as I glanced at the third guy's name tag. Kevin. Editor at The Farmer magazine.
How will I get this guy's attention without holding up a "Hey, I'm a writer" sign?
Think Kuznia, think.
Then it hit me...Brad mentioned he was from Thief River Falls, right next to the lineup of Versatile tractors I wrote about last summer in a Substack newsletter. So I turned to him and asked how far his farm was from the lineup of old iron.
After a chuckle, Brad told me about his neighbor with a yard full of junk and old tractors and how he hadn't thrown anything away since Moby Dick was a minnow. We all laughed while I casually mentioned my Substack and how my lady and I snagged a bunch of pics of the junkyard for the newsletter. Nothing more.
The conversation continued while we wrapped up lunch and prepared to head back into the conference room when Kevin turned to me and said, hey, did you say you write articles?
Yes, I write a weekly stack about farming and mental health and share my life experiences from the farm. After informing him what Substack is (it still surprises me how many people are still unaware of Substack, which tells me there is still a ton of room for growth), he asked me if I've considered doing any freelance writing because he's struggled to keep up with covering the entire state and could use some help.
Would I?
Unable to conceal my excitement, I blurted, I'd love to!
We exchanged business cards, shook hands, and returned to our seats.
A few weeks passed until yesterday when Kevin emailed me asking if I wanted to write a story for The Farmer about sugarbeet production in the Red River Valley.
My first freelance writing gig presented itself because I put myself out there long enough to get noticed. Pretty fucking awesome.
Stories like this make me think of the knock-on effects of writing online and following successful writers like you. It makes me excited for the future and not having to waste away in a nine-to-five.
If it weren't for your writing giving me the motivation to keep cracking when I was frustrated and wanted to quit, this opportunity would've remained a dream.
Thanks for all you do, Tim Denning.
Wow what a story Adam!!! You had me hanging on to every word. Congrats on the first gig. Is it paid?
It is! Truth be told, I probably would’ve done it for free since it’s a dream come true. I’m still a bit blown away by how it came together!
Even sweeter then Adam. Use it for the connects.
Great story! I’ve been thinking about starting out on a writing journey so reading your story is super inspiring. I’ve only just recently become aware of Substack but I’m not in love with it yet, it’s probably lack of use to get familiar with how it works.
Stick at Substack and you'll learn to love it...and the freedom of speech it brings.
Thanks Tim! Oh that’s a big plus right there..! I’ll keep playing with it :-)
Make sure to use social media to direct people to your Substack.
"Reading is how we learn about the world. Writing is how we dissect what we’ve learned to reveal the truths, paradoxes, and lies.
Read more than you watch. Write more than you talk."
This is a must if you want to get ahead in the world. I hope readers heed your advice.
Do you still read books Isabel?
Yes, I do. Right now, I'm re-reading The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, and finishing The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday.
Great read as always Tim!
I believe that the SIZE of your garden/food source will be the ultimate status symbol flex.
(“Flex” is the nicest possible manner!)
We have 36 layer hens and an 80’ hoophouse with a big garden.
This provides more than enough food for our family and friends, which we in turn sell the remaining roadside.
Every year we get more efficient which makes things easier as we go!
Getting good at providing for ourselves is going to be a skill we pass along simply by osmosis to our now 5 year old.
Keep fighting the good fight Brother!!
Cheers Chris. Do you live on a farm?
Call it a “micro farm”
One acre in the country.
Our slice of heaven lol
Ahhh I thought it might be. It's hard to grow vegetables in suburbia isn't it?
Thank you Tim, great article. I’ve been driving my friends crazy to make sure that they start teaching their kids about investing and finance. I’m on a learning path too.. and wish I’d started earlier but I’m doing it now.
I think people are becoming a bit superficial due to the information overload. Some good old fashioned deep thinking and a solid value system should help most in the 30 seconds realm :-)
What books do you advise they get their kids to read?
When I am maintinaing my weight, I eat 65% plant-based, 30% meat, and 5% saimple carbs. When losing weight, I shift to 75% plant-based, 20% meat, and 5% simple carbs. The most important thing I do is eat my vegetables first, followed by meat or protein, and finish with simple carbs. This allows the vegetables to cover my gut with fiber to filter out high absorption of glucose. I lost 105lbs doing this and kept it off since 1998.
Hey Butch, have you read the book "The China Study?"
I knew there was such a thing, as in the actual China Study, and had watched some long form videos, and I think, a documentary on it, but had no idea there was a book. I’ll have to add that to the reading list.
Read the book Kevin. It changed my wife's life forever. And saved several family members from illness.
I will, Tim. Thanks .
No probs
Thank you, Tim, for this enjoyably thought-provoking and informative article.
No probs. Any sentence stand out for you?
Yes, Tim, several points stood out. One of the main ones is this one:
"Those who hold onto these valuable reading and writing skills will make all the money in the future.
Reading is how we learn about the world. Writing is how we dissect what we’ve learned to reveal the truths, paradoxes, and lies.
Read more than you watch. Write more than you talk."
It stood out because it validates my love of reading and writing. 😊 And, l'm not a grammar expert, but l do pay attention to punctuation, syntax, and other things, when l'm writing. Whether it's a message to an acquaintance, or a client.
I don't do that to show off, but as an attempt to share my thoughts with others, as clearly and correctly as possible. It comes from a desire to really get through to others, and be understood. I think communication works best when people understand each other. 😊
So, the point on the value of reading and writing skills also validates the way l fuss over punctuation and similar things. 😄
I'm clearly not a grammar nerd either haha
I hear you. 😊
Tim, I'm not sure that owning Bitcoin will be a status symbol but my opinion is also subjective. One thing I know for sure, though, is that financial markets will play a more important role in 10 years. Investing is becoming a necessity now. It'll be a must a decade later (low wages, non-existent state-sponsored pensions, etc.). Those not growing their wealth in the financial markets are missing out on a huge opportunity even beyond Bitcoin.
Yep, investing is now mandatory. Especially with central bank money printing.
Denis, you must go down the Bitcoin rabbit hole. It's cost you so much money already. Why would Fidelity, Blackrock, and all of Wall Street embrace it? Read the book "The Bitcoin Standard." Will you read it?
It appears to be an interesting book worth reading. Thanks for the suggestion, Tim. That the Buy Side embraces it is a strong positive signal.
You've got nothing to lose by reading it, and possibly something to gain.
“Having good manners is going to be a huge flex in 10 years. Start mastering the subtle art right now.”
Amazing what a cheat code it is to just be polite to people.
I was unemployed for a bit recently and my former employer wanted to dispute my eligibility for unemployment insurance. I got an email saying I would get a phone call from an arbitrator and a snail mail with the details.
I only saw the email a few hours before the call and never got the letter, but when the arbitrator called and asked if I was ready I said “no problem let’s just get this taken care of, I’m sure you have a busy day already” and I made sure to be polite the whole time and she went out of her way to find reasons to take my side and even got upset over the fact they were making trouble for me in the first place. Then she called me back 5 minutes later and told me her plan to make all this go away. Which it did.
Wow what a story. Love this. People will always back you if you're kind.
I haven't read it.
Check it out
Insightful and thoughtful article. I have two quibbles though- nobody really understands cryptocurrencies- it started out as an unregulated currency, and is now basically a scarce asset.My prediction is that the more it is mainstream regulated, the more it will default to its currency usage, and the more its value (then no longer a scarce asset) will diminish. Therefore, rather buy old- fashioned gold for long-term investment returns. Second quibble- I am not sure if your garden food- source is an argument for veganism, but I suspect non- animal- based nutrition will be a first- world luxury for a long time to come.
Robin, just look at the price graphs of gold and Bitcoin (there's no comparison). Second, when you measure the value of gold you're doing so in a currency like USD that is being devalued through money printing and inflation. So often the returns look bigger than they are.
Yes, as Bitcoin becomes more mainstream the explosive price growth will reduce. But it's still early. It's one of those topics where unless you go below the surface it will never make sense. The point is America has now embraced it and so has Wall Street. Every pension fund and financial advisor can now sell it.
I don't tell people to go vegan. We can all do with more fruits and vegetables in our diet though. Agree?
'the normal thing to say is “But it doesn’t affect me.” '
Apathy amongst the common people really is one of the worst things that can happen to society.
How do we fix it Raveen?
It's definitely challenging and requires effort, but I'd say the most effective way would be to convince people that their apathy will only make things worse than they currently are.
For this, we need to give relevant, practical examples, and also practical suggestions on how the average person can do his/her part towards making a difference or bringing about change.
In terms of approaching such apathetic people, it's better to do this as a group or coalition by working together with other like-minded groups or associations.
Seeing a movement with a significant number of people is more convincing and instills confidence in the average person, who otherwise can easily feel that it's pointless and not worthwhile.
Very helpful Raveen. Thank you.
I can relate, especially with the “not on medication” part. People are encouraged to take pills when there is a slight discomfort (headache, stomachache) while waiting it out for some time will get it to normal.
Yep, I try to wait it out. How do we stop people taking so many pills?
There is no shortcut to this as mainstream media and modern society have inundated this pills culture for almost a century.
What we can do:
1. Embrace and promote holistic healing approach.
2. Educate our closest circle the long-term danger of overreliant to medications.
3. Show by example that a little bit of pain is okay, and why its not okay to rely on medications. I have my mom to thank for this; she didn't always drink the prescribed medicine as she understands her body well and how even the medicine might consists food colorings especially the colored capsules.
Love these solutions. Thanks for sharing.
If people want to commit less, surely temporary tattoos are the things people want.
Perhaps. Are they any good though?
Thanks for the insights, Tim. Well written with a nice bit of humour thrown in.. I like the Nobel prize idea.. just for finishing a book.. I’m in the running and I’ve got ten years to finish a few.. yeah!..
I thought I was the only one who had noticed the disappearance of please and thank you.. it takes you so far in life, especially when travelling, that it’s a bloody life skill! My grandmother would also be mystified, God rest her.
Great stack! ✍️👏
Cheers Kevin. Let's say please and thank you more.
This was a fascinating read. As a physician, I agree with you about plant-based diets, there are numerous studies that support its benefits over alternatives. Loved the point about “Read more than you watch. Write more than you talk.” I’ve never felt comfortable with bitcoin, just seems too volatile and made up for me but I understand it’s hype. I will reread this one Tim!
Istiaq, isn't there an option to just have like 1% or 2% exposure to Bitcoin? That way you limit the downside.