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    <channel>
        <title><![CDATA[Stories by Arman Shaikh on Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Stories by Arman Shaikh on Medium]]></description>
        <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
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            <title>Stories by Arman Shaikh on Medium</title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
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            <title><![CDATA[“I Know the Logic… But I Still Can’t Code.” – A Beginner’s Tale]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/i-know-the-logic-but-i-still-cant-code-a-beginner-s-tale-152ee016d78e?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/152ee016d78e</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[programming]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[coding]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 05:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-04-21T05:15:00.070Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>“I Know the Logic… But I Still Can’t Code.” – A Beginner’s Tale</strong></p><blockquote>Spoiler: You’re not dumb. You’re just trying to speak English to a toaster.</blockquote><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*caNEe9coUnx5lmI39YAY6Q.png" /><figcaption>Credit: OpenAI</figcaption></figure><p>Let’s be honest.</p><p>We’ve all been there—staring at VS Code like it’s a dark portal to Narnia. You get the logic. You can explain recursion like a TED talker. But when it’s time to code?</p><p>Brain: Let’s do this!<br>Fingers: Nah, bro. We’re on strike.</p><p>And suddenly, you&#39;re Googling “How to print in Python” for the 47th time.</p><p><strong>“Why the hell can’t I code even though I understand it?”</strong></p><p>Let me tell you a story that changed how I looked at coding forever.</p><p><strong>The Sandwich Incident</strong></p><p>A wise dev once told me:</p><blockquote>“Imagine explaining how to make a sandwich… to a robot… that knows absolutely nothing.”</blockquote><p>Sounds easy? It’s not.</p><p>Try this:</p><p>“Pick up the bread.”</p><p>Robot: What is bread?</p><p>“Scoop peanut butter.”</p><p>Robot: How? With what? Where is it?</p><p>You suddenly realize… you need to explain every. tiny. step.<br>That’s what coding is.</p><p><strong>Coding Isn’t About Remembering Code</strong></p><p>It’s about breaking things down so much that even a dumb (but fast) robot gets it.</p><p>Instead of writing:</p><blockquote>“Write a program to count 5s in a list”</blockquote><p>You say:</p><p>1. Make a list.<br>2. Make a counter.<br>3. Check each number.<br>4. If number is 5, add 1.<br>5. Print result.</p><p>Boom. That’s coding.</p><p>Now turn it into this:</p><pre>nums = [1, 5, 2, 5, 9, 5]<br>count = 0<br><br>for n in nums:<br>    if n == 5:<br>        count += 1<br><br>print(&quot;Fives:&quot;, count)</pre><p>You didn’t Google. You didn’t panic. You just told the machine what to do.</p><p><strong>The Real Problem?</strong></p><p>We want to go from idea to perfect code like some Marvel superhero.</p><p>But coding isn’t magic. It’s just explaining stuff very, very slowly to a robot.</p><p>And robots are dumb. Super fast, but dumb.</p><p><strong>So What Do You Do?</strong></p><p>Here’s your beginner-friendly survival guide:</p><p>1. Write the steps before the code.<br>(Yes, like a grocery list for your brain.)</p><p>2. Think like you&#39;re teaching a child.<br>(Or a particularly confused dog.)</p><p>3. Start ugly. Refine later.<br>(Your first 100 codes will suck. That’s the point.)</p><p><strong>Final Words From Me to You</strong></p><p>You’re not broken. You’re not “bad at coding.”<br>You’re just expecting your fingers to do what your brain hasn’t taught them yet.</p><p>Coding is like dancing. You’ll trip. You’ll hit stuff. But one day, you’ll vibe.</p><p>Until then, keep making sandwiches for your imaginary robot chef.</p><p>If you related to this, share it with your fellow logic-but-no-code comrades. We’re in this together.</p><p>#TeamConceptButNoCode</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=152ee016d78e" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Life Is Not Short. You’re Just in a Hurry.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/life-is-not-short-youre-just-in-a-hurry-2839b65377c4?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/2839b65377c4</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[happiness]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:03:15 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-02-09T09:03:48.982Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Life Is Not Short. You’re Just in a Hurry….</strong></p><p>I used to think life was short. I mean, that’s what everyone says, right? “Life is too short, bro.” “Blink and it’s gone.” “We’re all running out of time.”</p><p>Well, I’m 25 now, and let me tell you—life is not short. You just spend most of it rushing, overthinking, and standing in long, existentially frustrating lines at coffee shops.</p><p>Think about it. If life were really that short, why does waiting five minutes for food feel like an eternity, but five years of school feel like a bad dream you barely remember?</p><p>The problem isn’t that we don’t have enough time. The problem is we act like we don’t.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/465/1*aOy7_kPw3z5xRjug1xMixA.jpeg" /></figure><p><strong>Time Only Feels Short Because We’re in a Constant Panic Mode</strong></p><p>I wake up every day and somehow, before I even brush my teeth, my brain is already running: What do I need to do today? Am I productive enough? Is that email urgent? Will my future kids have good WiFi?</p><p>We don’t live life anymore—we schedule it.</p><p>Somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that every second must be filled with something useful. If you’re not learning a new skill, making money, or optimizing your morning routine to “maximize efficiency,” you’re wasting time.</p><p>And that’s where we got it wrong.</p><p><strong>Existence Is Not a To-Do List</strong></p><p>The universe has been around for 13.8 billion years. Your life, by comparison, is a tiny, irrelevant blip. But here’s the plot twist: That’s a good thing. Because it means nothing is that serious.</p><p>Forgot to reply to a text? The universe doesn’t care. Took a long nap instead of being productive? Good—your ancestors spent centuries fighting for survival so you could have the privilege of sleeping without fear of a bear attack.</p><p>There’s a certain beauty in realizing that not every moment has to be accounted for. Some moments are just meant to be lived.</p><p><strong>Slowing Down Is Not the Same as Falling Behind</strong></p><p>Somewhere between school and adulthood, we picked up this fear that if we slow down, life will leave us behind.</p><p>But slow down for what, exactly? To get where faster? And then what? Retire early just to realize you never actually lived?</p><p>I’ve seen people in their 60s who still think they “ran out of time” to be happy. And I’ve seen people in their 20s who act like they’re late to some imaginary finish line.</p><p>The truth is, nobody knows what they’re doing. We’re all just figuring it out as we go. So stop sprinting like you’re being chased by an invisible deadline. You have time. You always did.</p><p><strong>The Real Trick to Making Life Feel Longer? Be Present.</strong></p><p>Ever noticed how childhood summers felt endless? It’s because you were fully there. Every moment was experienced, not just passed through.</p><p>But now? We live like we’re buffering. Scrolling mindlessly, checking emails while eating, planning the next thing while doing the current thing. No wonder life feels like it’s slipping by. We’re barely in it.</p><p>The solution isn’t to add more to your life. It’s to be there for the parts you already have.</p><p>So take the long walk. Stare at the sunset. Waste time with friends. Eat that snack slowly. Breathe. Exist. And don’t feel guilty about it.</p><p>Because life is not short.</p><p>We just keep running past it.</p><p><strong>P.S : </strong>You just spent a few minutes not rushing—see? Life isn’t short.</p><p>Now, take a breath. Look around. This moment is life. Don’t sprint past it.</p><p>And next time someone says, “Life is short, bro,” just smile ☺️ and say—“Nah, you’re just in a hurry.”</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=2839b65377c4" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Climbing Regrets, Finding Truth]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/climbing-regrets-finding-truth-2eb44737ace5?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/2eb44737ace5</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jan 2025 09:12:51 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-01-19T09:12:51.988Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>Climbing Regrets, Finding Truth</em></strong></p><p>While wandering through the labyrinth of words, I stumbled upon a short yet profound poem that resonated deeply with me. Its imagery of a &quot;<em>tower of regrets</em>&quot; and the realization at its peak left me contemplating the true purpose of our reflections on the past. I wanted to share this piece here, as its simplicity carries a depth that lingers long after reading</p><p>It goes like this:</p><blockquote>I built a tower of all my regrets,<br>thinking I could climb it<br>and see the horizon.<br>But at the top, <br>I only found the wind,<br>whispering:<br>“It was never about the view.”</blockquote><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=2eb44737ace5" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA["Pongal-o-Pongal: A Comical, Nostalgic Farm Fiesta"]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/pongal-o-pongal-a-comical-nostalgic-farm-fiesta-2c1b1fdb52c1?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/2c1b1fdb52c1</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[tamil]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[lif]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[pongal]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:39:50 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-01-17T16:46:31.043Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&quot;<strong>Pongal-o-Pongal: A Comical, Nostalgic Farm Fiesta</strong>&quot;</p><p>Pongal isn’t just a festival—it’s a Tamizhian’s excuse to eat like there’s no tomorrow. It’s when cows get flower garlands (while bulls sulk in the corner), sugarcane becomes a jaw workout, and spilling milk is suddenly a sign of prosperity. Try telling that to your mom on a regular day—good luck!</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/450/1*d87PzbYDQItXLQbAdq5hlA.jpeg" /></figure><p>In Madurai, <strong>Jallikattu</strong> is the main event. Bulls charge, men hold on for dear life, and aunties scream, “<strong>Enna da, ivlo risku?</strong>” (Why so much risk?). For the rest of us, it’s free entertainment—Tamizh <strong>Wipeout</strong> with more drama.</p><p>Then there’s the feast. <strong>Ven pongal</strong>, <strong>sakkarai pongal</strong>, <strong>vadai</strong>, <strong>payasam</strong>—just when you’re about to burst, your grandma shows up with a second helping, saying, “<strong>Saaptu da</strong>” (Eat, child). Resistance is futile.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/626/1*EFouKRTQ2Z8L8AdfEYLG_g.jpeg" /></figure><p>Family gatherings? Chaos. Relatives you didn’t know existed show up, and there’s always that one uncle who tells the same story every year, that one aunty who pinches your cheeks, and that one cousin who’s too successful for your sanity.</p><p>Here’s to Pongal—a festival of food, chaos, and love. <strong>Pongalo Pongal</strong>!</p><p><strong>P.S</strong>. Still reading? Go eat some<strong> sakkarai pongal</strong>. You’ve earned it. 😉</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=2c1b1fdb52c1" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA["The Eternal Dance of Life and Death: Contrasts, Ironies, and Meaning”]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/the-eternal-dance-of-life-and-death-contrasts-ironies-and-meaning-d9716a503a9f?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/d9716a503a9f</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[psychology]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jan 2025 03:10:38 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-01-11T03:10:40.365Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&quot;<strong>The Eternal Dance of Life and Death: Contrasts, Ironies, and Meaning</strong>”</p><p><strong>Life: A Journey of Meaning</strong></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*ngInYYodJ5gALQfiineBjg.jpeg" /></figure><p>Life is about finding meaning, and everyone does it differently. Some people find purpose in their work, relationships, or passions. For others, life is about just enjoying the small things—good food, laughter, and sunsets. But the irony is, while we’re busy living, we’re also aware that it’s all temporary. The clock is always ticking, which makes us want to hold on to moments even tighter.</p><p>Some live for pleasure, chasing happiness like it’s a race, but the more we chase, the more fleeting it feels. Others, like the Stoics, believe life is about accepting its ups and downs, finding peace no matter what happens. Funny enough, when we let go of the need for control, life feels fuller.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*JpDklbBJSfoFJF0_D3a7Hg.jpeg" /></figure><p><strong>Death: The Great Equalizer</strong></p><p>No matter who you are—rich, poor, famous, unknown—death comes for everyone. It’s the one thing that makes us all equal. For some, that’s terrifying; for others, it’s comforting. Philosophers like Epicurus said there’s no reason to fear death because when it comes, we won’t even be around to feel it.</p><p>But here’s the irony: even though death is a natural part of life, it’s also the thing we avoid thinking about the most. Religions and spiritual beliefs try to soften its blow with ideas of an afterlife or reincarnation. Whether or not those are true, they give people hope. Yet, isn’t it strange? We spend so much time worrying about what happens after life that we sometimes forget to live fully in the now.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/850/1*pMl-qV4sh3CWsWsxR2iueg.jpeg" /></figure><p><strong>The Contrast Between Life and Death</strong></p><p>Life and death are complete opposites, yet they depend on each other. Life is chaotic, full of choices, emotions, and surprises, while death is quiet, still, and absolute. But here’s the catch: life only feels meaningful because it ends. Imagine if we lived forever—would we still treasure the little things? Probably not.</p><p>It’s funny how the one thing we’re sure of (death) is the thing we spend the most time avoiding. And the thing we’re least sure of (life’s meaning) is what we spend our whole lives chasing. Life is unpredictable, and death is inevitable—two truths that are constantly shaping each other.</p><p><strong>Irony at the Core</strong></p><p>There’s so much irony in how we approach life and death. We know life is fragile, yet we live as if we’ll be here forever. We know death is certain, but we act like we can outrun it. Some people spend their lives building legacies, hoping to be remembered long after they’re gone, but even legacies fade with time.</p><p>The biggest irony is this: the very thing we fear (death) is what makes life so special. Knowing it all ends one day makes us appreciate what we have now—our relationships, our experiences, even the small, quiet moments. Maybe that’s the real lesson. Life and death are two parts of the same story, and the beauty lies in how we write the pages in between.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=d9716a503a9f" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Reflecting on the past, dreaming of the future—every ending is a new beginning. ]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/reflecting-on-the-past-dreaming-of-the-future-every-ending-is-a-new-beginning-be92187a2674?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/be92187a2674</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:59:40 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-12-31T05:59:40.632Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Whispers of Yesterday, Promises of Tomorrow !!!</strong></p><p>Each new year marks a delicate balance between cherishing the past and stepping boldly into the future. As I reflect on the year that has passed, I am inspired by the stories it has given me and the adventures that await on the horizon. Poetry, for me, is the perfect way to capture these emotions—a blend of gratitude for yesterday and hope for tomorrow.</p><p>This poem is a celebration of transitions, a tribute to growth, and a reminder of the beauty in new beginnings. I hope it resonates with the spirit of the season and inspires you to embrace the journey ahead.</p><blockquote>With gratitude, we bid farewell to the year that shaped us,<br>A tapestry of memories, both tender and bold.<br>Now, we step into the unknown with hearts aglow,<br>Eager for the adventures and stories yet to unfold.</blockquote><blockquote>Here’s to embracing the beauty of what’s ahead,<br>To hope, to courage, to dreams we’ve yet to chase.<br>A new chapter awaits, rich with promise and wonder,<br>A gentle whisper of the future’s embrace.</blockquote><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=be92187a2674" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[In a World of Uncertainty: Holding On to Your Why]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/in-a-world-of-uncertainty-holding-on-to-your-why-3799801daf95?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/3799801daf95</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[psychology]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 12:33:01 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-12-15T12:33:01.482Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>In a World of Uncertainty: Holding On to Your Why</strong></p><p>There are moments when life feels like it’s slipping through our fingers, when everything seems pointless, and we wonder if we can bear the weight of another day. In those times, it’s easy to believe that meaning is something distant or unattainable.</p><p>But <strong><em>Friedrich Nietzsche</em></strong> reminds us: <strong>“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”</strong></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/609/1*6qyqdij96Lf0Q9TZWr-Ovw.png" /></figure><p>A &quot;why&quot; is what holds us together when everything else falls apart. It doesn’t have to be grand—it can be love, a dream, a passion, or even just the will to keep going. When we have a purpose, the pain becomes bearable. It’s not the absence of struggle that makes life worth living; it’s the reason we keep fighting, even when the path is unclear.</p><p>In your darkest moments, ask yourself: What is your &quot;why&quot;? It’s not about avoiding pain—it’s about finding the strength to endure it because something, or someone, makes it worth it. Hold on to that &quot;why,&quot; and you’ll find the strength to face anything.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=3799801daf95" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Tax Circus: Why the Middle Class Is the Real Clown ?]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/tax-circus-why-the-middle-class-is-the-real-clown-56f319e84ccf?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/56f319e84ccf</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[índia]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[taxation-services]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 30 Nov 2024 16:10:58 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-11-30T16:17:36.200Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Tax Circus: Why the Middle Class Is the Real Clown ?</p><p>Taxes. The one thing we all dread, yet can’t escape. Well, unless you’re rich. Then you just hire someone to &quot;legally&quot; escape them for you.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/696/1*UNZbf90TF8K8Mmp8_rmSpQ.jpeg" /></figure><p>Here’s the deal:</p><p>The middle class works hard, gets taxed harder. Their salaries? Taxed at the source. Their expenses? GST everywhere. Their savings? Taxed again.</p><p>The rich? They play Monopoly with the tax code. Private jets become &quot;business expenses.&quot; Profits disappear into offshore accounts. Losses magically pop up on paper. They donate to their own charities and call it &quot;giving back.&quot;</p><p>Example:</p><p>You: Earn ₹10 lakh. Pay ₹2 lakh in taxes. Goodbye dreams.</p><p>Billionaire: Earn ₹100 crore. Show ₹0 profit. Pay ₹0 tax. Laugh.</p><p>The real circus isn’t the system—it’s us. The middle class, funding the show while the rich pull the strings. Maybe it’s time to stop juggling and demand a fair cut.</p><p>Until then, keep your red nose on. You’re paying for the popcorn.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=56f319e84ccf" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Can AI Write the Next Great Philosophical Novel?]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/can-ai-write-the-next-great-philosophical-novel-65d1a9014f7e?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/65d1a9014f7e</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[artificial-intelligence]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 24 Nov 2024 18:31:09 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-11-24T18:31:09.034Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Can AI Write the Next Great Philosophical Novel</strong>?</p><p>The idea of AI writing a profound philosophical novel feels both fascinating and unsettling. Could a machine, built entirely from algorithms and data, ever truly capture the raw complexity of human experience? Or would it always fall short—merely imitating without truly understanding?</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/512/1*tbOzOKIr1Ab_ReCwB817XQ.jpeg" /></figure><p><strong>The Soul of a Philosophical Novel</strong></p><p>Great philosophical novels aren’t just stories; they’re deeply personal reflections of life, morality, and existence. Think of Dostoevsky wrestling with guilt and redemption in <em>Crime and Punishment</em> or Camus exploring the absurdity of life in <em>The Stranger</em>. These authors lived the ideas they wrote about. They felt the weight of moral dilemmas and questioned their own beliefs.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/512/1*1t3E09FGJUGSHry8A3Sxbw.jpeg" /></figure><p>AI can’t do that. It doesn’t live. It doesn’t feel confusion, despair, joy, or wonder. Without those experiences, how can it write something that resonates deeply with us?</p><p><strong>What AI Can Actually Do</strong></p><p>Still, there’s no denying that AI has its strengths. It can analyze countless books, recognize patterns in storytelling, and even mimic the style of great authors. In some ways, it’s like a hyper-intelligent assistant—able to churn out dialogue or plotlines based on existing works.</p><p>But a philosophical novel is more than just clever sentences. It’s about asking questions that linger long after you’ve finished the last page. It’s about connecting with the reader on a deeply human level. That’s something AI, for all its technical brilliance, simply cannot achieve.</p><p><strong>Humans and Machines: A New Kind of Collaboration</strong></p><p>Instead of asking if AI can replace writers, maybe the better question is: how can it help? A writer could use AI as a brainstorming tool or to explore different narrative possibilities. For instance, an AI might suggest an unexpected way to frame a moral dilemma or introduce an idea from a long-forgotten philosopher.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/512/1*bOuS210jRfbYBXd9Ljfnnw.jpeg" /></figure><p>But the heart of the story—the emotion, the questions that cut to the core of our humanity—will always need to come from the writer.</p><p><strong>The Future of Storytelling</strong></p><p>Philosophical novels challenge us to think about what it means to be alive. They force us to confront our beliefs and reflect on our place in the world. Machines can’t do that because they’re not alive.</p><p>But perhaps their role isn’t to replace us. Instead, they can push us to think differently, to ask new questions, and to see creativity from a fresh angle. The next great philosophical novel won’t come from an algorithm. It will come from a person—possibly one who used AI as a tool but kept the soul of the story entirely human.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=65d1a9014f7e" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Normalising Nonsenses!!!]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@arschywrites/normalising-nonsenses-d774ed68b020?source=rss-1715f4c1ada3------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/d774ed68b020</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[happiness]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Arman Shaikh]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 02:46:13 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-11-07T02:46:13.307Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Normalising Nonsenses!!!</strong></p><p>I&#39;m not going to lie when it goes by a saying that a lot of nonsense is getting normalised by today&#39;s generation. Back then, people of the past generation and even a few of the current ones who romanticise the 80s and 90s were very cautious and often questionable about values, behaviours, and priorities.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/686/1*_S76UQx28m2m4eClGpQPEA.jpeg" /></figure><p>I&#39;m not saying that all of those are inherently negative, but the concern for shift changes in many aspects for today&#39;s generation. As a person myself who is a retro enthusiast or, as per the socialist&#39;s term, &quot;early-onset nostalgia&quot; lover, I myself believe that this is mainly due to people&#39;s way of socialising through the Internet and social media.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/236/1*sqNyhj3A2J4I1ESqPrmYLA.jpeg" /></figure><p>Interesting research from Stanford University highlights that humans have a natural inclination to conform to social norms, which often shapes behaviours.</p><p>I have listed a few, which are based on my opinions of some things that feel weird and doesn’t makes sense in today&#39;s generation.</p><p><strong>The “Food is Life” Syndrome: </strong>Once upon a time, food was just fuel. Now? If you didn’t snap a picture of your avocado toast or biryani, did you even eat? You have to make sure it’s Instagram-worthy first. Who knew that your breakfast is now a performance?</p><p><strong>The Self-Proclaimed Gurus: </strong>Back in the day, life advice came from your elders or maybe the wise old neighbor. Now? You get unsolicited wisdom from someone who has a “passion for self-development” and posts quotes on LinkedIn at 4 AM. “Just trust the process, man!”</p><p><strong>Risking It All for a Good Shot: </strong>Climbing trees used to be rebellious and maybe a little dangerous, but now? People are hanging off rooftops, balancing on moving cars, and jumping into rivers, all for that one perfect photo. It’s like everyone’s auditioning for an action movie.</p><p><strong>Over-sharing: A New Era: </strong>Remember when your personal life was... well, personal? Now, it’s all about broadcasting every moment. Bad day? Tweet about it. Ate lunch? Story it. Honestly, we share more than some people knew about their old friends in high school. “I’m bored—let me share my playlist for validation.”</p><p><strong>No Sleep, All Grind: </strong>We used to treasure sleep like it was a luxury. Now? Sleep is for the lazy. If you’re not working till midnight and hustling at 6 AM, are you even doing anything? “I don’t have time to nap. My side hustle is calling.”</p><p><strong>Dr. Google Knows Best: </strong>Why go to a doctor when you can just Google your symptoms and diagnose yourself with something rare? “I’ve had a cough for 2 hours—yep, I probably have a rare tropical disease. Better post about it for sympathy.”</p><p><strong>Look Busy, Be Busy: </strong>Work used to mean actual productivity. Now? It’s all about looking productive. Share your to-do list, take a picture of your “busy desk,” and make sure your boss sees you’re always in a meeting. Meanwhile, you’re just planning your weekend trip.</p><p><strong>Filters Are Now Reality: </strong>It wasn’t always like this, but now? A selfie is basically an art form. It’s not good enough until you’ve added 10 filters, adjusted the lighting, and turned your face into a smooth, glowing version of yourself. It’s like we’re all Photoshop artists now.</p><p><strong>Fame in 15 Seconds: </strong>It used to be you had to work hard to get noticed. Now? You can make a viral video by tripping in the grocery store or dancing to a catchy tune. Talent? Optional. Viral status? Guaranteed.</p><p><strong>Attention Span? What’s That? : </strong>You used to be able to watch a full movie or read a book without checking your phone. Now? If the YouTube video is longer than a few minutes, it’s already “too long.” “Get to the point! I’m scrolling.”</p><p><strong>Self-care is Now a Performance :</strong>Taking care of yourself used to mean a quiet evening, maybe reading a book or enjoying a cup of tea. Now? It’s about candles, baths, face masks, and making sure your followers see you pampering yourself. Self-care isn’t real unless it’s hashtagged and documented.</p><p>Look, this is just my take—feel free to disagree. Every generation has its quirks, and I get it, we all adapt in our own way. But sometimes, I think we forget to just live, you know? Post your selfies, share your stories, but don’t let the screen steal your moments.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*vSrBe7bVd2DITQxEHwACTA.jpeg" /></figure><p>Life’s too short to be obsessed with likes and filters. So, laugh a little louder, be kind a lot more, and remember that the best memories are the ones you don’t need to post about. Keep it real, and keep it fun because <strong>You Only Live Once</strong></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=d774ed68b020" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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