Codex

Inspired by Buster Benson’s Codex, Greg Clarke, Elliott Cost’s Opinions and others I’m using this page to grow¹ a record of things I believe.

Terms of use

If you’re Zinzy

No human experience can ever be summed up in a list of bullet points. Nevertheless, the things below you have written in earnest. Look at them whenever you need a reminder of what’s important to you.

If you’re someone else

Feel free to read, learn, wonder, and remember:

Statements below apply to me, and to me only, even though their phrasing is often general
This is an unapologetic codex, in which I may say things that offend your sensibilities, simply because of the person I am. You are not me, you may disagree with me. That’s okay. Make your own codex!
These things may be subject to change.

The codex

Chapter 0: Meta beliefs

Opinions, beliefs, and values may change over time and that’s okay
I am ignorant and see only a very small fraction of reality from my own standpoint

Chapter 1: Self

I am an optimist
I make mistakes
My intuition will always be able to lead the way
My emotions are my responsibility (Gregology)
My questions are relevant
I’m great at finding connections with others
At heart I’m a cultural relativist
I’m privileged because:
- I have no serious, untreatable physical disabilities
- I live in a North-West European country with solid infrastructure, excellent health care, and good education opportunities, where I mostly feel safe and free presenting as queer with my partner
- My partner and I are invested in our relationship, share the same values, and have succeeded at cohabitating so far
- I have close friendships with White people who are fiercely antiracist
I lack privilege because:
- I’m a first-generation university graduate, and I was not at all prepared for what academic life would bring
- I cannot safely travel to certain countries with my partner
- There are church communities that I cannot join because of the color of my skin, my gender identity, or my sexual orientation.

Chapter 2: Spirituality and philosophy

The Bible is too complex to be taken literally.
God is easiest to find in nature.
Orthopraxy trumps orthodoxy.
Christian culture is too much about what we should believe and too little about what we should do
Christian culture is concerned too much with what’s to come and not enough with what is
Jesus is my teacher, not my savior
Jesus’ physical resurrection, ascension into heaven, his virgin birth or position as the son of God are irrelevant to my faith
Studying the Bible in its historical, literary, and liturgical context is an important tool to better understand the cultures in which it has become or has been dominant

Chapter 3: People & relationships

People try to do what they think will make the world a better place, even if that means its destruction
Strangers don’t often expect kindness. It can be a spark for a great friendship.
Everybody’s lives are infinitely complex, vulnerable, precious, and potential, just like mine.
White isn’t a color unless it’s a skin color
Seeing yourself in other people is crucial to developing a healthy sense of self
No adult person should be forced to carry on a relationship with family members.
Some people shouldn’t have children.
Sometimes, going no contact with a parent is the least damaging option.
Everyone has their own way of saying “I love you”

Chapter 4: Culture, society, and media

I know for a fact it’s pronounced “Timothy Charmander”
Seeing your experiences and standpoint reflected in media is crucial to developing a healthy sense of self
It’s good to have one website as your central point of communication with the Internet
To learn about a group of people, look at the stories they tell themselves and others
History is told by the winner, and sometimes by the loudest

Chapter 5: Politics and policies

No political system is flawless, some are worse than others
Both revolution and evolution are required for change
Ones politics cannot be seen separatedly from ones character and conduct. Sometimes, it’s not possible to “engage with someone despite your different views”, because of the implications those views have

Chapter 6: Health & Wellbeing

Diet culture is dangerous
Eating disorders are not about food

Chapter 7: Learning

Discomfort is where growth happens
Top-down learning works best

Chapter 8: Work

Praise in public, criticize in private
Don’t work overtime unless required
The product designer should conduct user research
The product designer should be a PO’s sidekick

Chapter 9: Habits

I am intrinsically motivated, and will struggle with anything that I must do based on extrinsic motivation
Practice yin yoga to train your quietude muscle, and tolerance of discomfort
Wash your face every day, and moisturize properly.
Buy simple black t-shirts and wear one every day
Dress in calm tones, have one splash of style (glasses, weird socks)

Chapter 10: Personal Productivity

One notebook for everything is enough

Chapter 11: Nitty Gritty

Treat or split the tab. Don’t try to remember who owes who what.
Carnations are the best flowers
Growing plants is more fun when the plants are small
People in their early- to mid-thirties should have access to Pokémon Red on a floppy disk, as well as a device on which to play it
Ironing is a calming activity
Neon candles are usually the most beautiful candles

Chapter 12: Influences and Recommendations

Food
Books
Movies
- Halloween is the best horror movie franchise, in the very first place because of the blatant disregard the films have for one another.
Documentaries
People Bridget Everett

Quotes

I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.

Chapter 13: A Timeline of My Life

~~Annual Gratitude Lists~~
~~Named Years~~