Hi darling,
I’ve just arrived in Jaipur from Kolkata. Work has been going great—I’ve met new people and had insightful discussions, particularly about innovations to improve efficiency. One of my new acquaintances believes in using 100% robotics for construction. While advanced technology can save costs and time, I still value human labor. I strive to balance automation with human workers because I don’t want to replace them. They have families to support and have shown loyalty to my company. After all, “A machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men, but it cannot replace one extraordinary man.”
The world is evolving rapidly. China recently used drones and robots to resurface a 158 km highway without human construction workers. DeepSeek is emerging as a competitor to OpenAI. Alibaba has launched Qwen. Nvidia lost $589 billion in a single day. Adam Grant once said, “The hallmark of success is no longer how much you know. It’s how much you synthesize. The future belongs to those who connect dots.” Every billionaire is in a relentless race to create and innovate. Their minds never stop working. Elon Musk works up to 100 hours a week and splits his time between multiple companies.
People absorb vast amounts of information, but knowledge alone holds little value unless put into practice. True success requires a multidisciplinary approach and mastery of essential skills, including:
1. Interpersonal Skills & Human Relations – Building meaningful connections with others.
2. Persuasive Communication – Influencing and inspiring people effectively.
3. Conflict Resolution – Navigating disagreements to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
4. Emotional Intelligence – Understanding and managing emotions wisely.
Effective communication is vital in every situation to ensure a win-win outcome. Invest in yourself—enroll in courses, read quality books, and prioritize your physical well-being.
In between my busy schedule, I took the opportunity to visit the Jaipur Literature Festival. Before that, when I arrived in Kolkata, I explored the Kolkata International Book Fair. As always, I bought plenty of books for you and the kids. I wish you were here to wander through the halls with me, just like we did at the Cairo International Book Fair. This year, CIBF added a special hall dedicated to children’s books. My favorite section remains the one with second-hand and rare books. CIBF is one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East and it never fails to impress with its vast collection of literary treasures.
Today marks the last day of Rejab, and Alhamdulillah, I have completed my 30 days of fasting. Syabaan begins tomorrow, and I plan to fast for 15 days. However, I still carry the burden of guilt for missing two Fajr prayers last year—once in Hong Kong when the kids were sick, and I intentionally skipped it due to stress, and another time in Japan when I felt lost and disheartened. I used to be steadfast in performing jamaah prayers, especially Fajr, and I deeply regret falling short. Our Prophet (PBUH) said that its reward is more than the world and everything in it. May Allah forgive me and help me stay steadfast in my prayers.
Take care, darling. I miss you.
사랑은 오래된 꽃처럼
피고 지고 또 피어나는
가슴 깊이 뿌리내린 것
Translation:
Love is like an old flower,
Blooming, fading, and blooming again,
It is something that takes root deep in the heart.
(Go Eun)
Jaipur, Rajasthan
January 30, 2025