Whatmatters

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Whatmatters

A personal blog and newsletter that talks about many things. Less grind, more wine.

14/07/2025

Manus is now available, finally. I have been waiting for a while for this. Manus is a next-generation AI agent. Unlike basic chatbots, Manus does stuff, like building websites, creating slides, analysing data, writing reports, generating images and videos, and handling complex multi-step projects from start to end. Pretty cool.

I have a link here that, if you register your account, will give us both 500 credits each (1900 credits costs about $19 if you top up).

https://manus.im/invitation/TXMOJUN0PYDDZO

Check it out! Have fun!

Manus es un agente de IA general que convierte tus ideas en acciones. Destaca en diversas tareas de trabajo y vida, haciendo todo mientras descansas.

13/07/2025

AI is already changing how we work, create, and live. But what does that mean for us? Is AI a threat, a tool, or something in between?

In this piece, I discuss what AI is. A powerful pattern prediction machine, and how learning to work with it will shape your future for the better.

And if you want to take it further, I’m sharing strategies and insights in my book PromptCraft that will help you master AI as your creative partner.

Grab your copy now with a 50% discount by using the code WHATMATTERS. If you do not think it is helpful, get a full refund within 30 days.

Check it out!

Why everyone should be learning how to use AI before it's too late

03/06/2025

I used to wonder why did the Chinese spent so much resource to build and rebuild the great wall. What can a 7-m wall along thousand-meter mountain ranges really do? Apparently, quite a lot.

Understanding China and the Chinese Mindset

26/04/2025

Slowly slowly, tame the monkey.

Meditation Lessons from a Jesuit Novice Turned Zen Student

19/04/2025

I write because I have no choice. Do you sometimes feel that way too?

The story of my journey.

10/04/2025

There will be dark days ahead.

Why Is Trump Imposing Punishing Tariffs on Everyone Now?

03/04/2025

“I won’t tolerate a position where taxpayers are working harder than ever to pay the bills and housing public servants in Canberra refusing to go to work.” Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton. Australian Liberal Party

Working from home is NOT “refusing to go to work”.

Trust, Productivity, and the Case for Working From Home

28/03/2025

Comfort, without purpose, becomes a cage.
My experience with young people in Singapore.

A reflection on the struggle of the next generation

21/03/2025

In a world that constantly tells us to "work harder" and "push through," the idea of achieving success without struggle seems absurd. Yet, this is precisely what the Daoist concept of Wu Wei teaches.

Often misunderstood as passivity or laziness, Wu Wei is in fact a dynamic state of effortless action—a way of aligning with the natural flow of life rather than resisting it at every turn.

A Reflection on the Daoist principle of Wu Wei

17/03/2025

This article is for my dear friend, Michael O'Connell.

It was written from the memories of many wonderful dinner conversations, usually involving Shakespeare, history, and wine. It also carries a few lessons I learned from a wise guru.

A Tale of Small Things and BIG Consequences

12/03/2025

I used ChatGPT to write a Shakespearean sonnet on the love of laksa. I also had Emily teach me conversational Chinese on my phone and planned for an epic holiday with my son in China. There are countless more ways to use AI for work and fun.

Subscribe for free to What Matters if you would like to receive more AI-related content in the future.

Why We Should Approach AI with Curiosity instead of Fear

07/03/2025

What Matters is now free

As many of you know, I’ve been writing this blog since we closed Lot 8 just over a year ago. It’s been an enriching chapter—one filled with reflection, growth, and meaningful conversations.

Now, I want to reach even more people, which is why I’ve removed all paywalls for all articles.

What Matters is now free to read, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

This is part of a subscription drive to build readership. If you’ve been curious but haven’t subscribed yet, now’s the time!

🔗 https://tanfrancis.substack.com/

If you enjoy What Matters, please help me spread the word. Tag a friend who may like this, share it with someone who might find it meaningful, or leave a comment or suggestions on how I might improve it.

Thank you for being here—I couldn’t do this without you! 🙌

What Matters is a personal journey into the ideas, reflections, and inspirations that shows up now and then. It's a (sometimes) silly and honest exploration of issues that shape the next chapter of my life. Click to read What Matters, by Francis Tan, a Substack publication. Launched 9 months ago.

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https://tanfrancis.substack.com/

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