Between mid-May and mid-June, I embarked on a crazy sojourn, primarily staying in Shanghai while trying to understand why the city is so highly regarded by students returning from abroad. Indeed, Shanghai is a city of vast opportunities and high living standards. The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures gives the city an exotic charm.

Additionally, I visited Zhoushan in Zhejiang to explore Putuo Mountain and traveled to Suzhou to see its gardens and streets, embracing Buddhist traditions and glimpsing the charm of the Qing and Ming Dynasties.

I recently wrapped up a week-long journey in Nanjing, a city that has played a pivotal role in my formative years. Nanjing, with its storied past and vibrant culture, has always held a special place in my heart. It was here that I navigated the challenges of international high school exams, embarked on solo international travel at 17, and delved into the intricacies of IELTS and Japanese.

Nanjing’s rich tapestry of history and culture is palpable at every turn. I visited several landmarks, such as Fuzimiao, Jiming Temple, Xuanwu Lake, and Mochou Lake, each narrating its own story of the past. These sites are not just scenic; they are profound testimonies to the historical and cultural evolution that has shaped humanity and the region, especially during the tumultuous years of 1912-1945.

As the calendar flips to 2024, I find myself grappling with a surreal feeling. Turning 24 this year marks a significant personal milestone, yet I can’t shake off the sensation of being unprepared. In my younger years, 24 seemed an age where significant achievements in academia or career would be a given. However, reality presents a starkly different picture, one that’s humbling yet enlightening.

Reflecting on the past year, I realize that perhaps my journey has been more rewarding than I acknowledged. Completing my Master’s in Computer Science in 2023 was no small feat, especially considering my background in Finance. The path wasn’t straightforward; I often felt out of my depth in the CS field. Yet, the effort I poured into my studies was immense, and the knowledge I gained has been profoundly satisfying.

My wishes for the new year are simple: to continue learning and growing. This isn’t about following the mantra of “stay hungry, stay foolish.” It’s about nurturing a natural curiosity, an instinct to understand and explore. As 2024 unfolds, I hope to embrace this journey of discovery, acknowledging the challenges and celebrating the milestones along the way.

It’s been four years since I last returned to China. Time flies, and so much has changed. Initially, the thought of coming back was somewhat terrifying, but it turned out to be a positive experience. I’m on the cusp of starting a new chapter of my life here, and so far, it’s been wonderful. I’m hopeful that, four years from now, I’ll still feel confident about my decision to move back.

My journey thus far has been a tapestry of unexpected twists and enriching lessons. One striking aspect is the ease of daily life here. Whether it’s dining out, traveling, or booking hotels, everything is remarkably streamlined. There’s a lot of discussion about surveillance, yet it surprisingly contributes to a sense of security. The worry of losing anything seems to vanish here.

At times, I marvel at the quality of life, despite the inevitable crowds. Interestingly, these crowds are reminiscent of those in Sydney or Melbourne, yet they have their unique rhythm and energy. This realization brings a sense of familiarity in an otherwise new environment.

To anyone reading this, I wish you a journey filled with growth and happiness, just as I hope for myself. Here’s to embracing life’s changes with optimism!

The genesis of epistemological nihilism is linked closely with the seminal contributions of two philosophers, Friedrich Jacobi and Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi, who were prominent figures during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Friedrich Jacobi’s contributions, most notably his critique of Immanuel Kant’s transcendental idealism, disrupted the widely accepted premise of knowledge acquisition about the noumenal realm. In Jacobi’s viewpoint, human knowledge remained confined to individual subjective experiences, barring any access to an objective reality that surpassed our perception.

Friedrich Nietzsche, a towering figure in the history of philosophy, embarked on a relentless quest to challenge conventional wisdom and dismantle the foundations of traditional thought. His ideas continue to ignite intellectual discourse and provoke introspection. Nietzsche’s philosophy, characterized by his famous proclamation of the “death of God,” reflects his profound critique of morality, the pursuit of truth, and the human condition. In this article, we delve into the key aspects of Nietzsche’s philosophy, exploring his concepts of the will to power, the eternal recurrence, and the Übermensch, and their implications for our understanding of existence and personal growth.

Nietzsche’s critique of traditional morality was a central theme in his philosophy. He rejected the prevailing Christian framework and questioned the validity of moral absolutes. Nietzsche argued that morality, rooted in the dichotomy of good and evil, limited human potential and stifled individual expression. Instead, he called for the reevaluation of values based on personal will and self-creation. Nietzsche proclaimed the death of God as a metaphorical concept, signifying the collapse of the traditional metaphysical and moral foundations. The death of God meant that traditional sources of morality and meaning had lost their authority and no longer held sway over humanity. Nietzsche’s proclamation aimed to create space for the emergence of new values and the pursuit of individual flourishing and authenticity.

The happiest and most relaxing thing of my entire year is buying ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ on the day of its release and it is today.