Brian Johnson delivers a short micro-lesson centered on the idea of being true to oneself, opening with Shakespeare’s line (“to thine own self be true”) and Emerson’s parallel advice (“trust thyself”). He reflects on memorizing the quote at age 15 and poses the question “Are you?” before introducing his Optimize Membership offering: Philosopher’s Notes (20-minute distilled summaries of great books) and hour-long Optimal Living 101 classes covering topics like productivity, purpose, confidence, nutrition, goal setting, and overcoming procrastination. He frames himself as a “personal philosopher” combining ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools, and invites listeners to join the program.
Chapters
Hi, this is Brian. Welcome back to another Optimize plus one. William Shakespeare once told us via Polonius in Hamlet, this above all, to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day thou canst not then be false to any man. For some reason, as a 15 year old in high school, I decided that would be the very first quote I ever wrote down and committed to memory. I can still vaguely see my handwriting on a little index card in my mind's eye and I laugh with joy as I think about that awesome younger version of me thinking that was a quote worthy of my attention. This above all, to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day thou canst not then be false to any man, to thine own self be true. Are you? Emerson echoed this wisdom centuries later when he said, trust thyself. Every heart vibrates to that iron string. Trust thyself do you? Today's +1 let's live the wise words of our dear friends Will and Ralph just a little more today. Isn't it a bit odd that we went from math to science to history but somehow missed the class on how to live? For some wacky reason, optimal living 101 never made the schedule. Of course it's too late to go back and change that and you're too busy to read full time to catch up. But if you're like us, you're all about optimizing your life so you can actualize your potential. So imagine this. Imagine having someone read the best books on how to optimize your life and and pull out the big ideas that can really change your life. You know those sections you underline and asterisks and mark all up? Then imagine that guy me, connecting those awesome ideas to other great books and helping you actually apply the wisdom to your life today. Well, that's what I do with something we call Philosopher's Notes where I've distilled hundreds of great books into 20 minute super practical summaries. Then imagine me taking the absolute best big ideas from those great books and sharing them with you in hour long Optimal Living 101 classes on everything from productivity, purpose and confidence to nutrition, goal setting and conquering procrastination. Helping you optimize every facet of your life so you can actualize your potential. You've got a personal trainer. I'm kind of like your personal philosopher. Ancient wisdom, modern science and practical tools. That's what our Optimize Membership program is all about. If you're feeling it. We'd love to have you join us.
