Below the Surface

Dive 121: Why modern apologies feel so hollow

Why modern apologies feel empty and how “sorry” became a hollow ritual substitute for remorse, responsibility, and repair driven by perverse incentives.

Feb 17 • Alvin

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January 2026

Dive 120: The Unspoken Trap of Chasing Algorithms

Chasing algorithms won’t build your brand. That's a fool's errand. This Dive explores why real growth starts with authenticity, purpose, and a solid…

Jan 20 • Alvin

December 2025

Dive 119: What It Really Takes to Bring a Dream to Life

Discover why some dreams stay fantasies while others become reality and how asking better questions helps you achieve yours.

Dec 16, 2025 • Alvin

November 2025

Dive 118: Who do you devote your life to?

An orchid teaches lessons on devotion, curiosity, and the quiet joy of committing deeply to something or someone. Discover the key to a fulfilling…

Nov 18, 2025 • Alvin

October 2025

Dive 117: The Case for Subtlety in a World of Overstimulation

From junk food to media noise, explore how intense flavors & noise dull our senses. Learn how a taste for subtlety improves health, mindfulness, and…

Oct 21, 2025 • Alvin

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Dive 116: How successful people see beyond limiting perspectives

Success starts with perspective. See how the 3 Rs (Reflect, Recognize, Resolve) help you overcome limiting beliefs and see beyond blind spots.

Oct 7, 2025 • Alvin

2

September 2025

Dive 115: What successful people know about “doing the right thing”

3 simple leadership principles that transform teams, relationships, and society itself. Learn why doing the right thing when it's hard sets leaders…

Sep 23, 2025 • Alvin

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Dive 114: Why you need to avoid the AI companionship trap

Are AI chatbots true friends or just persuasive tools? Discover why risk-free companionship weakens us. Learn to use AI without losing yourself.

Sep 9, 2025 • Alvin

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August 2025

Dive 113: Why Critical Thinking takes Courage

Learn how 3 simple critical thinking techniques expose the flaws in “safe” solutions like speed cameras. And why critical thinking takes guts.

Aug 26, 2025 • Alvin

3

Dive 112: What people get wrong about healing

Explore why escapism isn't healing, and how real self-care means building a life you don’t want to escape through meaning, service, and struggle.

Aug 12, 2025 • Alvin

3

July 2025

Dive 111: How Platforms Shape People

How digital platforms like Substack shape our behavior. And what it means for building strong, lasting connections and thriving communities.

Jul 29, 2025 • Alvin

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Dive 110: The key to Gratitude? Restraint.

Discover why practicing restraint can make your emotions, words, and pleasures more powerful and meaningful.

Jul 15, 2025 • Alvin

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