Some May 2025 Ramblings

I’m going to do something different today, since it’s Sunday, and just ramble ¹.

Missed Boats

I’ve been thinking a lot about missed boats. It’s hard not to feel like I’ve missed a lot of big opportunities given where NeuroTech is today.

In the early 2010s I was talking about dynamical systems in neuroscience. Far from the first person, but definitely the first one to push for it amongst the leaders of deep brain stimulation.

I suppose if I had been more productivity focused in the early 2010s then I would be a bigger name in the field. My thought was that being a bigger name in the field would come with its own fetters - things that would force me to be less vocal about what I know is right and what I know is wrong.

In Delhi

I’m currently in New Delhi, India. It’s May 10th, 2025 - so this was quite a week to be here… A lot of things to think about, both new from this week and a continuation of more contextual thoughts.

First - I came out here as a part of my advisory role at thinkhpy.com. I’m enjoying my work there, largely because the philosophical focus of the team is anchored in wellness and an exploration of Eastern perspectives therein. This week was amazing, a sort of reset of the roadmap, and filled with business-flavored learning.

Second - I’ve been thinking more and more about roots. I grew up reading much about India and Hindusim - definitely receiving more of a nationalist slant to my understanding. Luckily, over the course of my adolescence, that slant went away and my focus became more solidly on a sort of egalitarian aspiration: How do we move Bharat to the next-level?

Third - New Delhi is fine, but there is so much here that just does not resonate. I can’t imagine calling this place home. Maybe Bengaluru, less-maybe Chennai, but overall it’s clear that America has had its mark ². So, whatever role India will play in my life moving forward, it likely won’t be a primary anchor in any way.

Fetters

Fetters in America are always multi-step. Consider the mortage - a monthly payment for one of the main marks of success: owning your own home. Of course, this means you have to choose one, and only one, spot to live. That brings with it a tight constraint on so many others things, like factors for family and education of the children-you-must-have. Consider also the family itself - a sign of stability and, indeed, a means by which stability can be inspired.

So be it

So, here we are. Luckily, delulu or not, I feel at the cusp of something big. Something that feels a lot more like my life’s work ³. I’ll be moving to Boston in the next 30 days - filled with both excitement and dread - and that comes with a massive set of changes that I’ll tell you about in the next ramble.