While You Sleep

In a world where everyone seems to be in a constant race to achieve more, work harder, and climb the ladder of success, it is refreshing to hear a counterintuitive idea, such as the one proposed by Larry Page: "Find the leverage in the world so you can be truly lazy." In this essay, I will explore the concept of permissionless leverage, particularly in the realms of code and media, as a means to achieve the desirable state of laziness while reaping the benefits of success. This idea, championed by entrepreneur and thinker Naval Ravikant, has the potential to reshape our understanding of what it means to be productive in the 21st century.

The Allure of Permissionless Leverage

First, let us explore the meaning of permissionless leverage. In its simplest form, permissionless leverage is the ability to create value without requiring permission from gatekeepers or authorities. In the realm of code and media, this means that anyone with a computer and an internet connection can create and distribute content, applications, or services that have the potential to generate wealth and influence, all while they sleep.

The concept of permissionless leverage is built on the backbone of the internet. The democratization of information and the ease of access to resources have allowed individuals to bypass traditional gatekeepers, such as publishers and record labels, and reach audiences directly. Today, anyone can create a blog, a podcast, or a YouTube channel without needing permission from an authority figure. In this new digital landscape, the quality of the content, rather than the approval of gatekeepers, determines success.

Snooze Mode

As Naval Ravikant suggests, if one cannot code, they can still participate in the permissionless leverage game by creating books, blogs, videos, and podcasts. These media formats have the potential to work tirelessly on the creator's behalf, generating income, influence, and opportunities as they sleep. This passive income allows the creator to enjoy the fruits of their labor without constantly toiling away, embracing the true essence of laziness.

Moreover, the concept of permissionless leverage and the pursuit of laziness have implications beyond individual success. In a world where traditional employment structures are increasingly unstable, and the gig economy is on the rise, embracing permissionless leverage provides an alternative path to financial and professional freedom. As more people discover the potential of code and media to generate income, we may see a shift in societal values, placing greater emphasis on creativity, innovation, and self-sufficiency.

While the idea of achieving ultimate laziness may seem counterproductive at first glance, the underlying message is profound. By embracing permissionless leverage and harnessing the power of code and media, individuals can break free from traditional expectations and create a life that allows them to enjoy the fruits of their labor without constant exertion. This philosophy is not about encouraging idleness, but rather about recognizing the potential of the tools and resources available in our digital age to create value and success on our own terms.

Wu Wei: When Ancient Funk Meets Modern Chill

In the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, there is a concept called Wu Wei, which can be loosely translated as "effortless action" or "action without action." This idea of doing without doing, or achieving through non-action, bears a striking resemblance to the pursuit of permissionless leverage and ultimate laziness as discussed above. Wu Wei is not about inaction or passivity but rather about aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe, allowing things to unfold organically and harnessing the power of these natural processes. Similarly, permissionless leverage in code and media allows creators to tap into the innate power of the digital world, aligning their efforts with the organic flow of information and influence that permeates our modern society. By embracing Wu Wei and permissionless leverage, individuals can achieve success through a natural, effortless approach, making their mark on the world while simultaneously enjoying the fruits of their labor with minimal exertion. This harmony between ancient wisdom and modern innovation highlights the timeless value of aligning oneself with the forces that shape the world, transcending the traditional paradigms of success and productivity.

In conclusion, the wisdom of Larry Page and Naval Ravikant invites us to reimagine what it means to be successful and productive in the modern era. By finding the leverage in the world and harnessing the power of permissionless code and media, we can achieve the ultimate goal of being truly lazy, all while our creations work tirelessly on our behalf. As we embrace this new paradigm, we may find ourselves not only redefining success but also paving the way for a more innovative, self-sufficient, and creative society.