Rules & Wondering

Off-roading

The magic of a safari in Africa overshadows the finer, nuanced details of what a trip actually consists of. One of those overlooked details - distance.

When you enter the world renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, you drive along dirt roads throughout the landscape. This is the case with any government operated park, regardless of country.

What if you come upon the lion you’ve dreamed about, but he’s 200 meters from the road? Surely you can ask your guide to drive the LandCruiser over to him for a better view?

Fifty or more years ago that would’ve been true. Today, about three-hundred thousand people visit the Maasai Mara every year - what would it look like if everyone drove off-road to get a better view? A dirt parking lot comes to mind.

The real clash here is between the new and experienced safari goer.

If it’s your first time on safari, let alone if you’ve spent thousands of dollars on it as many do, you may be less inclined to care about the preservation of the ecosystem at the expense of your post-trip Instagram photo carousel.

If you’re me, and have been on safari via car, boat, hot air balloon, and foot, in half a dozen countries, you’re far more likely to prefer to miss the pristine view in favor of the preservation of these fragile ecosystems.

I remember what it’s like to be on my first safari and so badly want to be right next to that lion or elephant - but consider this:

Make it more about you than the lion. If you want that experience, safari again. Come back. Better yet - pay more for a private run property that allows off-roading while maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.

Why live a life where this is your one chance to do something you’re enthralled by? We are capable of more than those self-imposed limits.

Don’t sacrifice the wild for your desires, level up and meet them on just ground.

Other lives

It’s been seven years since my journey on a purpose driven life path began.

In that time, I’ve pivoted on several occasions. Each one was a further refinement toward the ultimate direction being as true to me as I grew into who I am.

As I write this in a mini-van on my way to a safari in Amboseli National Park, Kenya (don’t safari in a van, topic for another day), I have never felt more aligned with the path I am on.

But…

I wonder.

I wonder if I should’ve adjusted my degree toward zoology and worked directly in elephant conservation out here in Africa.

I wonder if I should’ve become an independent journalist documenting fascinating stories from around the world via the written word.

I wonder if I should’ve taken my ability to communicate into a podcast where I discussed my varied interests - history, politics, biology, etc.

I wonder if I should’ve become a pilot.

I wonder if I should’ve enlisted in the Navy.

I wonder if I should’ve focussed on long-form Youtube content.

I even wonder if there might be a type of law that I would enjoy practicing.

This quote speaks to my wonderings:

“Certain abilities and desires” … plural, not singular. Joe Rogan often remarks on how he wishes he could live fifty lives so that he could dedicate himself to all his interests.

This isn’t one of those newsletters where I’m entirely confident in my thoughts. I’m not sure how we know whether one direction was right over another.

Here’s how I know my path is one of the right ones:

When this all works out to create the life I am after - it’s a life I can derive incredible meaning and fulfillment from.

That is enough. For this life, at least.

Sincerely,

Jacob

P.S. I might’ve caused myself brain damage with the amount of US election content I indulged in… still recovering.