One of the most powerful realizations a man can have in his life is the understanding and acceptance of his insignificance across two different planes of time. This is by far the most powerful, most lethal, and limitless unlock a man can have. You can find this distinctly in men like Warren Buffett, Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, and so on.

Plane 1

Early in life, I would say 25 and under, many men die.

I would say about 80% of men die before they turn 25.

They die and aren't buried until physical death finds them later in life.

These men suffer one magic tragic flaw.

Significance.

Or better known as short-term gratification, "live in the moment syndrome," "enjoy life bro syndrome," "you only live once bro syndrome," "dude I'll worry about that when I'm older syndrome," perpetuating a cycle of immediate pleasure at the expense of long-term well-being and foresight, often leading to unfulfilled potential and a string of missed opportunities that only become apparent with time.

These people believe in the significance of their current state.

Tragic.

Only if they read this newsletter lol.

Now place this man in a vacuum on realized insignificance, let me map out this mental model. And I don't think I've ever heard this concept discussed or presented at all.

This mental model revolves around the idea that embracing one's own insignificance in the grand scheme of things can lead to a profound transformation. When a man realizes that his present state, with its focus on immediate gratification and self-importance, is not the pinnacle of his existence, it opens up a pathway for deeper, more meaningful growth.

By accepting insignificance, a man can begin to see beyond the immediate pleasures and pressures of the present. It allows him to prioritize long-term goals and enduring values over fleeting desires. This realization isn't about diminishing one's self-worth; rather, it's about understanding one's place in a larger context and timeline. It's a recognition that the immediate "I" is less important than the enduring "we" or the future "I".

In the grand scheme of life and history, especially when below 25, our individual actions and achievements might seem minuscule, but this perspective can be liberating. It can free a man from the chains of ego-driven decisions and societal expectations. He can start making choices based on what truly matters in the long term, not just what feels good or important right now.

I credit where I am today to the guts and clarity Cole had when he was younger. I'm so proud of him and I know he's proud of me today.

I wrote this text message to a group of 20 friends when I was 17 right before New Year's - I had just done pretty well in crypto and trading options on my cousin James' Think or Swim account (Shoutout James, he's a subscriber, love you dude if you are reading this). Excuse the messy thoughts, unsophisticated language, and lack of structure. This is raw and unedited - If you'd like, I encourage you to read it here.

I can tell you that 99% did not listen or take the advice or words I wrote seriously. I speak to one percent of the people I sent that to today. Many of them have asked me for advice, help, questions these past 2 years - But the greatest thing I gave them wasn't absorbed, and quite frankly they had already made a mistake that cost them more than they could comprehend.

Their mistake?

They all thought they were significant.

Plane 2

But wait - there is more.

The rabbit hole of transcending into a vehicle of fulfillment and purpose above what any mortal man can think comes down to the next level of insignificance.

The insignificance of your entire life.

The Most Powerful - Most Impactful - Most Long-Lasting - Highest frequency - Most Abundant

Realization.

And here's where the second part of today's subject line comes into play:

"Why you should make a family crest"

I don't know about you, but my last name has never meant anything in its respect to generations of Ryans.

But that will change.

And it changes with one man.

One Buffett, one Munger, one Rothschild, one Dalio, that decides that what matters is the generation and history that will come after him.

The family crest of a powerful dynasty and empire of a family.

The insignificance of one's entire life in the vast continuum of time and history.

This realization, while seemingly daunting, is actually the key to unlocking a life of true fulfillment, purpose, and legacy.

The concept of creating a family crest comes into play.

A family crest represents more than just an individual or a single generation; it symbolizes the heritage, values, and aspirations of an entire lineage.

This is where the idea of insignificance paradoxically turns into a powerful motivator for significance — not in the sense of personal ego or immediate accomplishments, but in the context of leaving a lasting impact that transcends generations.

In families without a notable history or legacy, it's easy to think that your last name doesn't carry weight. Ask yourself this, has "insert xyz" last name ever meant anything? Think in the grand scheme of things. Be honest - How does that make you feel?

But this perspective overlooks the potential every individual has to become the founder of a new legacy.

Just as significant dynasties and families in history started with one visionary individual — a Buffett, a Munger, a Rothschild, a Dalio — so too can the transformation of your family's legacy begin with you.

Creating a family crest is more than just designing a symbol; it's about defining what you stand for and what you wish to pass down. It's a visual and symbolic representation of the values, goals, and ethos that you deem important — qualities like integrity, resilience, wisdom, and generosity.

This crest becomes a beacon, guiding not just your life but the lives of future generations in your family, instilling a sense of purpose, unity, and direction.

The idea here is to shift focus from the short-lived triumphs of the individual to the enduring success of the clan, your clan.

It's about building something that lasts far beyond your own time on earth, creating a legacy that resonates through generations.

This is the most powerful, impactful, and lasting realization a man can have: that his life is a foundation upon which a greater story can be built, a story that will echo through the ages.

It's a commitment to transcending personal insignificance by contributing to a legacy that will outlive you.

It's a commitment to excellence, not just for your sake but for the sake of those who will carry your name long after you're gone. This is the ultimate realization of insignificance transformed into a lasting significance — a true mark of a life well-lived.

It's an interesting paradox. The true essence of significance is often uncovered in the humbling realization of our own insignificance.

This was fun to write - Let me know your thoughts.

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