Norman Schultz

So at this point in my life I’ve very much learned that I’m adaptable. Over and over again I keep placing myself in learning/growth environments. I might complain a bit along the way but deep down I love it. Laura and I are now living in France. I don't have a traditional job - I do investing remotely. Life is pretty different when you don't have to go to a 9-5. And if it's a challenge I wanted, well learning French is certainly that (!).

I'm drawn to challenges as a matter of personal growth/character. I was an adjunct professor for 10 years and it was always challenging, but not in the doing-a-puzzle-at-home way - it mattered. I felt like I was making a difference. I *tried* to make a difference as a programmmer, but doing that at a company (large or small) is a tall order since there is money to be made and shareholders to entertain.

It's safe to say that my penchant for learning and growing started with my leaving the religion of my youth (Jehovah's Witnesses) in my mid 20s. Realizing that the core beliefs that makeup your worldview might not actually be true leaves a lasting impression on one's character and values. I've seen first-hand the power of questioning, using logical reasoning, having an open mind, and being willing to jetison cherished ideas and habits. It lead to my studying and teaching philosophy and science in the first place.

I've built computers for years and have had numerous computer-related jobs. But even when my job wasn't specifically computer-based I would find ways to help others with their computers and software and try to streamline our flow of data and files. I'm simply drawn to computers and everything about them. I'm extremely excited that software development gave me a chance to get to the root of how programs operate and utilize logic to get things done. I still do a little programming, mostly to gather data. But understanding how programs work is helpful in other ways (such as doing Google searches and writing AI prompts)



Note about site images: I'm using images from the Hubble telescope because, well, they are fantastic! It sounds cliche' but the facts about the size of the universe and where we are in it give me intellectual brain-freeze. They also gave me food for thought in my progess away from formal religion. The shear enormity of the universe just doesn't fit with the idea of a creator with a special interest in us (what, are all those stars, galaxies, planets, and objects just there for decoration?). The larger/more diverse the universe is the chance of a rare events (such as the formation of life) become greater and greater.

Images from top to bottom: Star Field Nebula HD; IRAS 14568-6304 a newly-formed star; Deep Field II