Principles & Thoughts
Human Behavior
Clarity beats persuasion.
— Inspired by Charlie Munger
Never confuse talking well with thinking well.
The absurd is the most powerful weapon, because it gives hope without demanding anything in return.
Nathan Modrikamen
Most of humanity fears the absurd because it exposes the fragility of their existence.
NM
I read Spinoza through accessible interpreters. One key thread in his thought, which undoubly influenced Camus, is this: humans cannot accept what they cannot explain. They impose meaning where none exists. This creates the absurd, and the absurd multiplies the need for answers.
What matters is being consistent, the continuous determination to reach durable outcomes through failure and sometimes success.
NM
Company
A system is stronger than a leader.
Build institutions that outlast personalities.
What is innovation?
Innovation = (Creativity + Value creation + Customer satisfaction).
Value creation = (Problem solving × Scalability).
Nathan Modrikamen
I was asked to provide a lecture on innovation. I asked myself, what would be the formula that defines it?
You should structure each role in a transformation as a nodal point of influence, not as a mere function.
NM
In company transformations, it is key to make everyone involved as a key influencer for the change; otherwise, resistance spikes and delays beneficial results for such endeavors.
I believe in extreme transparency. From what I’ve seen of opaque political and corporate systems, they delay innovation, creation, and the company's capacity to execute in a rapidly changing world.
NM
Relationship
Trust is earned in drops, lost in buckets.
Psychology
I don't want to live a life I can explain to others. I want a life that only my silence can carry.
NM
I've always felt the need to explain myself. I thought it was part of my character, but discovered that it was the system as a whole, educational, family, accouterments, that shaped me to justify myself. I've dropped that belief and feel freer.