

My friend Habib Poor Mohammad Shiraz 2004
From Conservative Youth to Liberal Future It's a common saying that people tend to become more conservative as they age. But my story is a bit different. Growing up in Iran post-revolution and during the Iraq War, my early years were shaped by a conservative environment. The strict rules and limitations imposed by the religious regime had a profound impact on my worldview. However, as I entered my teenage years and college, I began to question the status quo. I yearned for freedom, creativity, and the ability to think for myself. It was during this time that I made a conscious decision to break free from the conservative mindset that had been ingrained in me. I'm grateful for the experiences that shaped me, both positive and negative. They have made me who I am today: a person who values individuality, diversity, and progress.
Imagine a world where money didn't dictate our choices, where resources were abundant, and our actions were driven by passion rather than profit. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could eliminate money from life's equation? A world without money could foster a sense of true community and cooperation. We'd focus on helping each other, sharing knowledge, and creating a more equitable society. Imagine a world where everyone has access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare, regardless of their financial status. Of course, this is a utopian vision, and there are practical challenges to consider. But it's worth dreaming about a future where human connection and collective well-being take precedence over material wealth. What do you think? Could a world without money truly be a better place?
Sick Day Blues: A Programmer's Tale Feeling under the weather today! š¤ Turns out, spending countless hours hunched over a screen, fueled by sugary treats and caffeinated beverages, isn't the healthiest lifestyle choice. Who knew, right? Apparently, software developers are a high-risk group for neglecting their physical and mental well-being. It's a dangerous job, I tell you! So, here's a friendly reminder to all my fellow coders: Remember to take breaks, eat proper meals, and prioritize self-care. Your future self will thank you (or at least your liver will).
Lost Opportunities, Found Self
As I sit here, reflecting on the twists and turns of my life, I can't help but acknowledge the numerous opportunities I've missed. Opportunities that, had I chosen a different path, could have led to fame, fortune, or perhaps even a different life altogether.
Initially, the thought of these lost chances would fill me with regret. Why hadn't I seized the moment? Why hadn't I compromised a little, bent the rules slightly? The answer, however, lies in the very core of my being.
You see, each time I was faced with a decision that challenged my values, I chose integrity over expediency. I refused to sacrifice my principles for short-term gains. At first glance, it might seem like a foolish choice, a missed chance at success. But as I delved deeper, I realized something profound: I would rather be true to myself than a shadow of someone else.
Every time I stood firm on my beliefs, I was not just preserving my integrity but also nurturing my soul. I was choosing authenticity over conformity, substance over superficiality. While the path I took may not have been the easiest or the most glamorous, it has led me to a place of peace and contentment that I wouldn't trade for the world.
So, yes, I may have missed out on a few opportunities. But in doing so, I gained something far more valuable: myself.
Why Failure is Part of the Journey: Lessons from Google Plus
Have you ever felt frustrated when things didn't go as planned, despite your best efforts? Maybe you launched a project, put in countless hours, only to see it flop. It's easy to feel discouraged and question your abilities in moments like this. But here's a perspective that might help: even giants like Google donāt succeed at everything they try. In fact, one of Google's most ambitious projects, Google Plus, was meant to rival Facebook and reshape social media. And it failed spectacularly.
In 2011, Google saw the rising dominance of Facebook and decided to launch Google Plus, a social network designed to give people a different, more structured way to connect. With Googleās resources and reputation, youād think it would have been a surefire hit. Yet, despite the initial buzz and millions of users joining early on, Google Plus never really took off. It struggled with user engagement, faced privacy issues, and ultimately, Google shut it down in 2019.
The lesson? If one of the world's biggest tech companies can try, fail, and move on, so can we. Googleās failure with Google Plus didnāt stop them from pushing forward and succeeding with other projects. For every Google Plus, thereās a YouTube, Gmail, and Chrome. Success isn't about avoiding failure; itās about learning, adapting, and being willing to try again.
So, if youāre not satisfied with where you are, donāt be too hard on yourself. Every step, even the missteps, can lead to growth. Failure isnāt the end of the journeyāitās a valuable part of it. Keep learning, keep adjusting, and remember that sometimes failure is the stepping stone to future success.
It all began in 2000 when I took my first steps into the world of open source by installing Red Hat 7 on my humble PC. Little did I know that this simple act would ignite a lifelong passion for freedom, transparency, and community-driven innovation.
Over the years, my commitment to Linux and open-source software has only grown stronger. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, particularly with the rise of AI, the importance of open source becomes even more apparent.
As we embrace the future of AI, let's continue to champion open-source principles. By working together, we can build a more equitable, secure, and innovative digital world.
Remember: software is not just another product, it is a living thing that lives alongside us.