Reflecting over these past few days, I’ve realized that I would be so thrilled to devote this next chapter of my life to creating “popup playgrounds for brilliant minds.”
Why is that?
I realize it's all about fostering a sense of existential hope. This is not just a project or an event series for me; it's a mission, a deep-seated need to inspire and support those capable of ushering in a new Golden Age for humanity.
I want to create the opposite of whatever is demoralizing humanity at scale.
Let me give you some context to explain why:
Back in May of 2023, I experienced a personal transformation that opened my eyes. In Montenegro for the first Zuzalu popup village, surrounded by like-minded individuals in our popup village, I was alive with optimism and energy.
I was in an environment where hope for the future wasn't just accepted but was the air we breathed. People who FaceTimed me while I was at Zuzalu were like “What are you on, Gary? And how can I get on that same medicine?!”
The difference was stark when I returned to my regular life and found myself plunging into a deep depression. It was a stark reminder of the power of environment and community on our mental states.
I realized then that so many of us, especially those prone to deep contemplation and sensitivity to the world's troubles, need these oases of optimism and creativity.
We need spaces where our aspirations for a better world aren't just daydreams but tangible, achievable goals. This was further reinforced in Istanbul at ZuConnect, where I witnessed transformative experiences. People like KC, Bharat, and Mike Johnson found new life, purpose, and a revived hope in their abilities to contribute positively to the world.
This is what popup villages—popup playgrounds—are all about. They're not just events; they're cradles of existential hope. They are places where the brightest minds can come together, not just to escape the world's darkness but to collectively light a path forward. It's about creating a space where hope is rational, where the desire to do good is nurtured, and where we remind each other that a brighter future is not just a possibility but a responsibility.
The stakes are high. We're not just battling individual despair but a collective descent into a techno-dystopia. If we don't actively work to gather these minds, to keep them from losing faith in the future, who will? It's not about having a competitive edge; it's about recognizing and fulfilling a crucial need. We're in a unique position to understand this need and to meet it.
Creating these playgrounds for beautiful minds is more than organizing events; it's about catalyzing a movement of hope and action. It's about ensuring that the people who can truly make a difference don't give up but instead find a community where their gifts are recognized, appreciated, and channeled for the greater good.
This is why I am so passionate about Zuzalu and whatever spins out from it. Zuzalu is not just a project; it's a lifeline for a brighter future.