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Note: This may be most cynical piece ever — perhaps my first — but I want you to read this and think. Who knows? Maybe you’ll actually find this to be my most inspiring piece. I want you to question what it means to be educated, moralistic, or “better” than anyone else.

This article focuses on cultures outside of the U.S., capturing details of poverty, differences in conventional wisdom of what’s considered “normal,” and showing you how to make a difference in the world.

Ah, yes… Ernest Hemingway. Beloved author of classics such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and “The Sun Also Rises,” who also lived an amazing, adventure filled life that would be hard to describe in just a few sentences.

For example, on a fishing trip in 1931 he fired a submachine gun to ward off sharks that wanted nothing more than his catch of the day. During the entire ordeal he also shot both of his own legs, proving the man had his priorities in order.

Still not convinced that Hemingway was just the ultimate man’s man? He used to hunt for German U-boats, equipped with a submachine gun (again) and hand grenades. It’s never mentioned whether or not he found any, but let’s assume he did for the sake of his reputation.

The FBI also may have caught on to his crazy misadventures. It’s been reported that the bureau had an open file on Hemingway after World War II. They suspected Hemingway of having close ties with Cuba and there were rumors afloat that he shared friendship with Fidel Castro. Tragically, the FBI’s surveillance of him may have driven him to suicide.

Regardless of rumors and his crazy antics, he is indisputably one of the greatest writers ever. Hemingway is the paradigm of what a man strives to be. He was fearless, passionate, and just the right amount of insane (arguable.) His words were profound not only in literature, but through his core beliefs. Here are 10 wonderful life lessons from the great writer.

There are always going to be experiences that change the way we look at things. Here are five things the Philippines changed my mind about.

Gratitude is always fleeting and it’s difficult to maintain the feeling. How do you hold on?

Scared? We all are. The difference between you and others are the fact that you’re going to learn how to tackle your fears.