What’s up everyone!
I’ve decided to release a weekly newsletter highlighting interesting thoughts, theories, articles, tweets, and everything in between that i’ve discovered over the last week. These nuggets of info don’t always mirror my sentiment about the particular subject referenced, but rather have spurred a moment of thought in my little brain.
I figured that even if one person finds any of this interesting then it is worth sharing. I also, selfishly, want to hone my writing skills. Writing forces lucidity of thought and with the overabundance of information out there, developing mental frameworks and structuring thoughts through writing is a powerful blade for me to sharpen. I also want to keep an archive of things i’ve thought about so I can reference my own development and progress over time.
The structure of the weekly email may change, but I am making a promise to myself to hit publish once a week for at least the next year. Subscribe to the newsletter below so you automatically get this email each week!
Without further ado, here are the five things that have rattled around in my brain from October 1-7.
Interview with Brunello Cucinelli
Fascinating interview with the creator and owner of one of the most luxurious clothing companies in the world. What struck me were his thoughts around “affordable luxury”, stopping work at 5:30 PM every day, and his frequent citation of ancient philosophers. Does anyone under the age of 40 ever reference these thinkers that epitomize the Lindy Effect?
Starface is a new e-Commerce company that is designing all of its branding and marketing around TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other short-form social media driven content. Everything about their product and business is meant to be shared online. Brands are and will continue to shift in this direction. This is the most extreme example i’ve seen thus far but I think many will follow.
Zappos ex-CEO buying a ton of property in Park City, UT
The wealthy are moving out of SF and NYC in droves. Most likely to states where they can reap the benefits of tax relief. These smaller, yet desirable cities (e.g. Park City) will see a surge in wealthy residents and thus “culture” aka restaurants, galleries, etc will also inflow. Will be interesting to monitor how locals feel about their little cities gentrifying.
Truffle Pig Theory
This is a Ben Jacobs Trademarked theory on professional/life success that i’ve been cultivating in my head. So much of financial and life success revolves around finding information while it is hidden in a forest and covered in shit. Like a truffle pig, those who are able to uncover gems before they are uprooted and shaved on linguini benefit from a significantly better Sharpe ratio where the potential return significantly outweighs the risk.
Getting involved in Cryptocurrency when it was covered in shit and used for drug purchasing is a Truffle Pig situation (still very early and a good buy FYI). Finding a local artist and buying their work before they are known is a Truffle Pig situation. In my mind, it is better to place bets on many ideas when they are covered in shit. The information and analysis around this idea might not be crystal clear but the potential upside merits involvement. Those who are out sniffing and oinking for truffles have higher upside and will benefit greatly for having faith very, very early. And, most importantly, the amount of capital to get sizable equity is far lower than if you wait until the concept is baked out to a level where you feel comfortable.
Paul Graham, founder of Y Combinator and a Silicon Valley legend, has been preaching about this company. They are building a business-class focused plane that is supersonic. It can cut transoceanic flights in half without sacrificing on other elements (noise, comfortability, etc). Check it out. I think this company might normalize high-speed air travel which hasn’t evolved much when compared to other industries.
That’s it for the first edition of Benny For My Thoughts (open to a better name lol). Text or message me your thoughts on ways in which I can improve this!
Oink,
Ben
Well, I would have expected no less than this from my son. Without a hint from him, he is now surprising me and the world with a weekly thought-provoking newsletter. Go Ben!!!
Ben! I love this. Especially the opening piece about how writing forces lucidity of thoughts. Inspires me to journal more and sketch out my problems with a pen in my hand. I know the truffle pig section was inspired by Mo. He’s a proud son. I expect some nuggets on how djing is correlated with cash flow next.
Keep it simmerin’
-V