I believe that the fundamental nature of human existence is one of meaninglessness and purposelessness. Life, in and of itself, lacks any inherent significance or value. Embracing this nihilistic perspective can be liberating in that it frees the individual from the constraints of external expectations and societal norms. However, it can also lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness, as the absence of any ultimate meaning can be unsettling. Jean-Paul Sartre’s quote ‘Man is a useless passion. It is meaningless that we live and it is meaningless that we die’ captures the essence of my philosophy. While I do not necessarily seek meaning in my life, I tend to follow my instincts and habits without any strict plans. This approach allows me to live in the moment and enjoy the journey rather than being overly focused on the destination.
Regarding death, I believe that it is a dark and mysterious topic that occurs every day and everywhere. It is the ultimate endpoint of life, and there is no afterlife or continuation of consciousness beyond death. From an emotional perspective, one does not feel anything or know anything after death. However, from a physical standpoint, it is relatively simple - one simply ceases to exist. If this is the ultimate ending of life, what is the point of human history, individual happiness, and the pursuit of meaning and creation? It seems as though all of these pursuits are fleeting moments in the grand scheme of things. However, when one steps back and looks at the world, they can begin to recognize that there is something more there. Despite the inherent meaninglessness of life, there are still advancements in civilization and technology, touching stories of love, death, and freedom, and other elements that can be seen as having some value or significance. This recognition of the power of meaning, even in the face of nihilism, can be a rebellion against the root problems of nihilism itself.
As a result of my tendencies towards nihilism, I often find myself questioning traditional values, beliefs, and societal norms. I believe that individuals must create their own values and meanings in life, rather than adhering to those imposed by society or tradition. This perspective allows me to embrace the freedom of choice and take responsibility for my own life, rather than relying on external sources for meaning and direction. Ultimately, my philosophy is a constant work in progress, as I continue to grapple with the complexities and challenges of nihilism, existentialism, and absurdism. However, I believe that these perspectives offer a unique and valuable way of approaching life, and I am grateful for the freedom and insight they provide.
Leisure Time
Playing games is an efficient way for me to spend my time without noticing that time is passing by. It can feel like an escape from reality, but sometimes it can be beneficial as well. I enjoy playing games on all platforms, and I own all the consoles. However, the game I play the most is League of Legends. While I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of the game, it has been a part of my life since my junior school days. It’s a habit that has stuck with me, and I don’t hate playing it. When I’m alone at home, I usually open the game and play until I get tired of it.
I consider The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Witcher 3 to be my two favorite games, although I hesitate to make such a definitive statement because, just as I do not understand the meaning of life, I do not fully understand myself either. I enjoy the gameplay of Breath of the Wild, although I am not particularly invested in its storyline. On the other hand, the storyline of The Witcher series is exceptional. While the story in the game is not from the original novels and is more like fan fiction, the worldview and background are conveyed well in The Witcher 3. The gameplay, however, is not my favorite. For example, I find it a bit absurd that Geralt would easily die from falling. It seems like we can never escape the absurdity of either the real or virtual world. By the way, I am indifferent to Cyberpunk 2077, but I must admit that the Edgerunner animation was quite touching.
Educational Background
I completed a Bachelor of Finance at ANU and am currently pursuing a Master of Computer Science. While studying CS is more challenging than Finance, I had some prior experience with programming. During my first year of undergraduate study, I programmed in R for statistics and later used Matlab to build mathematical models. So, I had a bit of a head start before diving into the world of coding. I find the CS area quite fascinating and have focused on AI, including Symbolic AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science. I also enjoy writing notes to organize my knowledge in the CS area, something I never did while studying Finance. I believe that writing and organizing notes helps me find a sense of purpose and meaning in my studies.
While many people consider the combination of knowledge from the financial world and the latest technology to be a good approach, it’s important to note that the use of quantitative finance is rapidly becoming the norm. As universities shift their focus to this area, it’s clear that this trend will continue in the future. However, the question remains as to why this is happening. One reason could be the success and achievements of big name companies such as JaneStreet or TwoSigma, who have leveraged the power of quantitative methods in finance. This has led other financial intermediaries to follow suit and hire individuals with advanced degrees in physics or mathematics. While this may seem like everyone is on the same page, it’s important to consider what comes next. What new developments and advancements will we see in this field?