Academic and Secular

I am an academic and a secular mortal, not a politician or a theologian. Thus, we can discuss the universe and beyond, including the Big Bang, quarks, and atoms; bacteria, sponges, and LUCA; stardust, cells, and the dinosaurs; Homo erectus, Denisovans, and Neanderthals; lakes, rivers, and landscapes; Achilles, Alexander, and Caesar; hiking, marathons, and ultramarathons; introverts, extroverts, and neurodiversity; the research problem, its gaps, and the process; concepts, theories, and perspectives; politics, economics, and society; entrepreneurship, commerce, and business; problems, collectives, and development; governance, culture, and civilization; sex, fitness, and mental health; gadgets, artificial intelligence, and robotics; and, of course, us—the Homo sapiens.

Brillo 2026 [message/lecture]

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Development Core Concepts

Development Studies centers on five interconnected, intrinsic concepts.

• Problem-Oriented: Focuses on practical interventions, settlements, and sustainable solutions.
• Development: Signifies "good change," continuous improvement, and advancement.
• Crossdisciplinary: Encompasses diverse disciplines and perspectives, bridging multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary strategies across the social sciences while embracing the natural sciences.
• State-Market Interface: Engages the dynamic relationship between the Government (politics and power) and the Economy (inclusiveness and sustainability).
• Collective People: Concerns the aggregate assembly of people, with a primary emphasis on the impoverished and vulnerable.

Brillo 2017, 2023, 2026 [message/lecture]

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Realism World

Trump’s Realism and Transactional Leadership

Broadly, Trump operates primarily as a realist, aligning with the tradition of Thucydides, Sun Tzu, and Machiavelli. 

Russia and China are, by and large, realist actors—as is the United States today.

Brillo 2026 [message/lecture]

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Development Concept

Development for one may not be development for another.

A normative stance emphasizes context-dependent understanding and subjective interpretation. 

Brillo 2026

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Development

There are usually three dominant perspectives:

1. Economy-Society Transformation (emphasized by governments and capitalist institutions).

2. Poverty-Marginalization Alleviation (heavily reflected in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals).

3. Ideas-Concepts in Power Relationships (treats development as a neutral concept that captures and explains power structures and dynamics).

Brillo 2026 [message/lecture]

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The Political Economy of Public Affairs

Politics (Government) engaging the Economy & People, and vice versa

Brillo 2014 [message/lecture]

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Focus, Imagine, and Create

Focus, focus, focus.

Imagine, imagine, imagine.

You will create.

Brillo 2026 [message/lecture]

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Distinctiveness and Brilliance: The Crux

Highly efficient—outstanding in core execution.

Extremely long memory—explicitly for ideas and concepts.

Exceptional pattern recognition—particularly across diverse subjects.

Intense passion—immensely focused, driven, and purposeful.

(Brillo 2026 [message/lecture])

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Introverted and Fiercely Individualistic

As a writer, I thrive in solitude—dedicating my energy to creating, polishing, and publishing my work independently.

Brillo 2025

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Run Long! Run Strong!

Running, ultramarathons, and hiking/trekking.

Run Long! Run Strong! 

Brillo 2011 — Battle Cry

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Creative and Visionary Minds

Creative and visionary minds are often misunderstood. Yet they are right more often than not.

Brillo 2026

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Envy

Envy spoils—intentionally or unintentionally.

Worse, it kills.

Brillo 2026

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Prejudgment

One is quick to judge—yet the culprit stands by, waiting.

Brillo 2026

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Persistence

Hindi niya kaya. Kaya ko.

Brillo 2026

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