Author Archives: NCS

I wanted to share a summary of a series of book written by the greatest living philosopher Nassim Nicholas Taleb. He created the Incerto series, which is 5 separately published books. Fooled by randomness, The black swan, the bed of procrustes and Anti Fragile. Anyway firstly I urge you to read fooled by randomness, inContinue reading “Incerto Series; Fooled by randomness”

Today I want to write about pity and specifically self pity. We all have experienced what Hamlet described as “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” Whether it be an accident or some unfortunate set of circumstances most of us can say we have suffered in some way. Some worse that others but we rarely getContinue reading “Why me? why not me?”

Am I positive labelling by writing that most that read this blog want to be better?. Be that better at their jobs, better parents or just better people. I think this is a safe space for us to confront the darker sides of our nature. In all of us there lives an urge, for hearingContinue reading “Resist the urge”

I have not slept that well this week. So I thought I would write as I burned the midnight oil. I was watching the news and seeing the terrible situation in Ukraine and they interviewed a guy who said he would stand til the end and never cower to the oppressor. That act of defianceContinue reading “Ukraine, the lion in winter”

It was Aristotle who wrote “Knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom” and I have for 47 years now been on that journey. So when I noticed something it was interesting to reflect on. I have been angrier of late, less patient, more prone to react, prone to get caught up in other people’s dramas.Continue reading “When the universe speaks, you listen”

I have not written for over a month. Well not written on here anyway, ironically I have wrote more in the last 30 days then in a long time which might be somewhat of an excuse for my absence. I am a great proponent of the pithy maxim from Benjamin Disraeli which said “never complain’Continue reading “Wisdom on the road to recovery”

I am writing this blog post after I was asked a question by a parent who was envious of how much my children read as children and how they are both committed to reading loads in the their early adulthood. I will first though explain a little background if you will bear with me. OK,Continue reading “How did you do it?”

Over the Christmas break many of us would have watched movies we treasure and have watched many times. Our family movie is ‘The Princess Bride’ it is a wonderful movie for all the family and full of so many wonderful quotes. Who can forget: “Life Is Pain, Highness. Anyone Who Says Differently Is Selling Something.”Continue reading “As you wish”

Just a brief post today about something we all can do to make people’s day better and make a change with very little effort. I am talking about encouraging others, being interested in others, seeing others point of view. The encouragement of attention and focus with another. This time with people will become a flameContinue reading “Encouragement is all we need”

In the Holiday Break I enjoyed reading in coffee shops. Now I am back to work I get my fix using this youtube channel to get the same vibes, noises and sounds. I find some noise, maybe a little jazz or easy listening and the sounds of people talking is a great calming energy forContinue reading “Reading in coffee shops”

How is everyone’s break going? I have had a wonderful time so far. I have spent quality time with my family, with my Dad spending Christmas Day at our place. My boy and I have watched the new Spider-Man movie twice so far. I am a bit of a nerd, OK a whole lot ofContinue reading “Peter Parker lessons”

Merry Christmas to you all. I was blown away this year by how many people took the time to tell me they are reading these little posts. I really appreciate the words of support and encouragement. You and I have almost rounded the sun once more, and so it’s time to think over the HolidayContinue reading “Hills to climb”

I came down to lock up my beach hut for the winter. The Hut is full of books. I love to read when I am next to the sea but it’s far too cold for them now. So we drove down Friday night to stay and then I can walk to the beach hut inContinue reading “Orange coloured sky”

Everyone loves… no wait, not everyone but most people enjoy talking about new ideas. There are thousands of books and websites all dedicated to ‘Ideation’ and the art of coming up with a new idea. I understand the appeal of ‘new things’ but it is knocking on a door already open to most. I guessContinue reading “New ideas and old darlings”

Most people consider hope a good thing. Most people consider fear a bad thing. It took me 47 years to realise that they are both two sides of the same ‘very bad’ coin. It took me too long in life to realise that when I hope for something to happen OR I fear something thatContinue reading “Want and worry”

I look out on this oak tree to write most of my posts when I am not at the beach. This is my dressing room view. I have a small simple desk to write at and look out at its majesty. I sit here sometimes just watching the tree for ages in awe of thisContinue reading “Are you good timber?”

Thank you for the messages wishing me a speedy recovery. I am feeling a lot better than I did on Sunday. As a consequence of being ill I lost my voice so a perfect recipe to read and rest. Rested and ready to return to work, I want to write about the importance of listening.Continue reading “Listen, learn, grow”

Street food, I believe is the saviour of the human race Anthony Bourdain Anthony Bourdain wrote this many years ago. Mr Bourdain is sadly no longer with us, and thanks to his advice I might be soon catching up with him! Let’s go back 24 hours to Saturday night. I went with some friends toContinue reading “Best Health Tip ever!”