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June 3, 2025 • 32 mins

In the second episode, I invite Shelly Shen to a slow, deliberate conversation on means, ends, and the purpose of life.

Episode 2 in a 🌰:

Is getting good grades the goal—or just a step along the way? From college apps and parental pressure to Pixar's Soul, astrophysics, and creative writing, this episode explores what it means to live with purpose—or without one. Expect an honest, sometimes funny, sometimes deep exchange on what really matters in high school and beyond.


TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction: Chasing Grades or Meaning?

00:32 Understanding Means and Ends

00:54 The Pressure of Grades and Future Anxiety

02:51 Parental Perspectives on Success

05:30 Defining Personal and Family Goals

10:14 The Meaning of Life and Personal Fulfillment

12:16 Pixar's 'Soul' and Life's Purpose

15:38 Talent, Purpose, and Fear of Missing Out

17:11 Reflecting on Musical Journeys

18:49 The Spiritual Value of Art

20:01 Memories Beyond Grades

24:09 The Joy in Philosophical Discussions

26:05 Creative Writing and World Building

27:30 Finding Meaning in the Means

30:49 The Importance of Reflection

32:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


🥜Hypothetical Nut of the Day:

What would you do if you had no responsibilities and time?

Hope you liked the ep!

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