HI, MY NAME IS… Nathan Landis and I am the creator of @notquitestoic on social media, a professional poker player, photographer, and an artist.
I’VE LIVED IN SCOTTSDALE FOR TWO YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… we have so much variety close at hand: entertainment, dining, hiking, and so much more!
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… some form of exercise after breakfast, working on @notquitestoic, heading to a local casino for some poker, and unwinding afterwards with a book, show, or spending time with friends. My latest venture, @notquitestoic (found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter), is where I ask AI to generate quotes based on the teachings of stoic philosophy. I share these results, paired with some graphics, on social media daily. They’re sometimes inspiring and sometimes just fun.
MY FAMILY IS… constantly supportive, and I’m very lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. I am an only child, and my parents also live in the Valley.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… as a proponent of Stoic philosophy my answer should be, “There’s almost nothing that I truly couldn’t live without,” but the Scottsdale summer recently reminded me that the answer is air conditioning.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “The Princess Bride” because it has it all: action, comedy, romance, intrigue, and so many quotable moments!
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a scientist or a video game developer. I worked with computers for a bit but ended up taking a slightly different path in life.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… how can I pick just one? My parents. The original Stoic philosophers. My friends. Nearly everyone around me has imparted some form of wisdom that motivates me to keep moving forward and improving.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… watching a friend’s new kitten trying to figure out existence while playing with one of its toys.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… waking up without an alarm, being productive, seeing friends briefly, and relaxing at home. Plus, something in nature when it isn’t 115 degrees outside.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Arizona Helping Hands. They provide help to Arizona’s foster families and children, from beds to clothes to essentials to back-to-school supplies for some of those who need it the most.
MY LIFE IS… a gift. Each day is a new opportunity to improve in some way, to find and share joy or inspiration.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… various travel experiences with my parents when I was younger. Being able to see and experience a variety of cultures, foods, and locations is an incredible opportunity to view the world as more than just our small piece of life.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… Ireland. The countryside seems incredibly beautiful and peaceful, and I look forward to seeing it someday soon.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… from one of the original stoics named Seneca. “We suffer more from imagination than from reality.” The idea being we need to get out of our head and stop the cycle of worry about circumstances beyond our control, and instead focus on the present moment and how we can best move forward from here.
