Yanwen’s blog

There’s something I’ve been thinking about since June 30. On that day, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a landmark report titled "From Loneliness to Social Connection: Charting a Path to Healthier Societies."

Many people have probably never heard of the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Social Connection (TAG-SC). Its mission is simple yet urgent: to help people—and governments—recognize that staying socially connected is not just a lifestyle choice, but a critical public health issue.

TAG-SC was formed to support the broader work of the Commission on Social Connection, created by the WHO to position loneliness and isolation as legitimate global health priorities. These issues, long overlooked, were magnified during the COVID‑19 pandemic and are now understood to increase the risk of early death by 25–33%—on par with smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

This multidisciplinary team of global experts advises the WHO on how to bring social connection to the center of health policies. From guiding intervention design to creating a Global Index on Social Connection, TAG-SC is leading a movement to redefine human connection as a public good, not just a private concern.

This year’s report paints a sobering picture. Loneliness is no longer a fringe experience—it’s a global epidemic.

Key findings include:

• Roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness, with even higher rates among adolescents and those in low-income regions.

• Between 2014 and 2019, loneliness contributed to an estimated 871,000 deaths annually—about 100 deaths every hour.

• The health impacts of loneliness rival those of well-known risks, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, anxiety, depression, and early mortality.

• The effects ripple beyond individual health, harming academic performance, job stability, community bonds, and national productivity.

What startled me most was how this report shattered my own assumptions. I used to think of loneliness as a cultural problem, one most vividly embodied by the Japanese phenomenon of 孤独死 (kodokushi)—a term that literally means “lonely death.” These are cases where people, often elderly but increasingly middle-aged, die alone in their homes and go unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months. I saw kodokushi as uniquely Japanese, rooted in that society’s aging population and urban alienation.

But I now realize that loneliness is not confined by culture, geography, or age. It’s a rising global tide. And the WHO’s effort to tackle it shows just how serious—and universal—this crisis has become.

Conclusion
We tend to think of loneliness as a private emotion, something we deal with quietly or grow out of. But what if it's not just a personal struggle, but a silent epidemic—chipping away at our health, our communities, and our futures? The WHO’s Commission on Social Connection offers more than a report—it offers a call to action: to rebuild connection not just in our lives, but in the way we think about public health itself.

Yesterday morning, I was preoccupied by five traffic tickets. Annoyed and frustrated, I couldn't stop thinking about them—until a friend told me that someone we know has a child suffering from a rare autoimmune disease. That news snapped me back to reality and reminded me how small some problems are in the grand scheme of life.

China’s Motuo Hydropower Project: A Giant Awakens

There’s been growing coverage of a monumental endeavor unfolding deep in the Tibetan Plateau: China’s Motuo Hydropower Project—a feat poised to become the largest hydropower plant on Earth.

Overview:

• Planned Capacity: ~60,000 MW — nearly three times that of the Three Gorges Dam

• Annual Energy Generation: ~300 billion kWh — enough to power 400 million people

• Start Date: Approved in December 2024, construction began July 2025

• Completion Target: Around 2033

• Purpose: Support China’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal and supply power to both Tibet and the national grid

Strategic and Technical Context

Labelled as the "Project of the Century", it’s part of China’s broader $900 billion push into renewable energy. It is expected to reshape both the economy of Tibet and China’s national energy landscape. But like all mega-projects, especially in China, it draws both admiration and criticism—from environmentalists, neighboring countries, and geopolitical analysts.

Engineering in One of the World’s Most Hostile Landscapes

Location:
The dam will rise in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, one of the world’s deepest and most geologically active ravines. Over a 50 km stretch, the river plummets nearly 2,000 meters between towering Himalayan peaks like Namcha Barwa and Gyalha Peri.

Core Engineering Strategy:

1. 截弯取直 (Jié wān qǔ zhí) — Straightening the river by cutting through winding sections to optimize flow

2. 隧洞引水 (Suì dòng yǐn shuǐ) — Diverting water via tunnels, bypassing difficult terrain

3. 梯级电站 (Tī jí diàn zhàn) — Cascade stations, built at intervals to maximize vertical drop and energy use

Key Engineering Challenges:

1. Extreme Terrain & Topography

• Working in an area with elevations above 3,300 meters, steep canyons, and unstable rock.

• Construction access is limited; roads like the Mêdog Highway were only completed in the past decade.

2. Ultra-Long Tunnels

• Four tunnels, each ~20 km, are being bored through the Namcha Barwa massif to divert up to 2,000 m³/s of water.

• These are among the most geometrically complex tunnels ever attempted.

3. Seismic & Geological Hazards

• The region sits on active fault lines and has experienced major earthquakes.

• Risks include landslides, rockfalls, and seismic shocks—further complicated by reservoir-induced stress on the ground.

4. Sediment Management

• The river is sediment-rich, and trapping this sediment could disrupt downstream ecosystems and agriculture, as seen in the Mekong Delta.

• Controlling erosion and maintaining hydrological balance will require cutting-edge monitoring and engineering.

5. Infrastructure & Grid Integration

• No existing transmission lines currently run from southeastern Tibet to China’s main grid.

• Building them across such rugged terrain will be a massive logistical undertaking.

6. Environmental Impact

• The canyon lies in a biodiversity hotspot.

• Construction could disrupt fragile alpine and subtropical ecosystems, threatening endangered species and natural habitats.

A Triumph of Technology and Resolve

Despite its challenges, the Motuo project showcases some world-first breakthroughs:

• Use of China’s self-developed shield tunneling machines to carve through Himalayan rock

• Harnessing a 2,200-meter natural drop for high-efficiency energy generation

• A design that combines hydropower innovation, structural resilience, and climate adaptation

Final Thoughts

But beyond the engineering marvel and economic promise, the project raises serious environmental concerns. The Yarlung Zangbo River is home to one of the world’s most ecologically diverse canyons, and rerouting its waters—through straightened channels and tunnel systems—could potentially threaten fragile ecosystems and displace unique forms of life found nowhere else on Earth. Critics have questioned the environmental impact, the seismic risks in this earthquake-prone region, and the geopolitical tensions that may arise downstream. For all the ambition behind the project, its long-term consequences—for nature, people, and neighboring nations—remain unanswered.

This project is more than just an energy play—it’s a test of human endurance, innovation, and willpower. It's a stark reminder of how we push boundaries, often in unforgiving environments, to meet growing demands and redefine what’s possible.

If successful, Motuo will be an engineering marvel—a structure born in a place where nature was never meant to be tamed. But in chasing such scale, we must constantly ask: At what cost?

Because in engineering—as in life—every move counts.

This is the seventh and also the last piece in my series on The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. Today, I’m reflecting on the final type: Financial Wealth.

The big question at the heart of this chapter is: “What is your definition of enough?”

This question challenges us to confront the ideas of sufficiency, contentment, and clarity of desire. It cuts through the noise and asks:

• How much money is enough?

• How much success is enough?

It’s a simple question, but one with profound implications. It’s not just about setting limits—it’s about liberation. When you clearly define what “enough” looks like for you, you free yourself from endless striving, status games, and the pull of comparison. You reclaim control from external forces like marketing, social media, and cultural expectations.

Your answer to this question reveals your core values. Since we all define needs and wants differently, everyone’s “enough” will look different.

As Bloom points out, you will never achieve financial wealth if your expectations grow faster than your assets. That’s why defining “enough” matters so much—it allows you to prioritize the other forms of wealth: time, relationships, purpose, personal growth, and health.

In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of pursuing more: a bigger house, a flashier car, a higher salary. We measure success by income, not personal fulfillment. But after covering the first four types of wealth, it should become clear: your life’s worth should not be measured by your bank account. True happiness comes from having time to spend meaningfully, people to share life with, a purpose to pursue, and the great health to enjoy it all.

That said, money still matters. Without a certain level of financial stability, it’s hard to access time, care, or growth. Bloom outlines three pillars of financial wealth:

1. Income generation – Develop high-value skills and create income streams using those skills.

2. Expense management – Live below your means.

3. Long-term investment – Grow your assets steadily over time.

He also shares advice he wishes he knew at 22. Much of it aligns with the wisdom in books like Poor Charlie’s Almanack and Money: Master the Game. For most people without the time or knowledge to actively manage investments, the best strategy is simple:
Buy bonds or low-fee index funds and invest regularly and religiously. If you want more diversification, consider global index funds. In the long run, over 99% of people don’t beat the market, so don’t try to outguess it.

But beyond the strategies and numbers lies Bloom's message:

Money is a means, not an end. People are the end.

Bloom made millions by age 30—but instead of happiness, he felt fear. That’s what happens when you treat money as the goal. You end up trapped in a race with no finish line. “There will always be a bigger boat.” There is never enough.

But when you see money as a tool, everything shifts.

Use money to:

• Gain time freedom – the ability to choose how you spend your days

• Build relationships – supporting the people who matter to you

• Pursue growth and purpose – giving yourself space to explore

• Support your health – the foundation of all other wealth

Remember: of all the types of wealth, financial wealth is only one-fifth. If you focus solely on it—even if you master it—you’re still missing four-fifths of the picture. The true winners in life are those who let money serve, not rule, the other forms of wealth.

Ending

This marks the final piece in my series on The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. Over the course of these reflections, I’ve explored time, social connection, physical vitality, and mental richness. Now, with financial wealth, we complete the 5 of them.

If there’s one message I hope you’ll take away, it’s this: true wealth is never one-dimensional. Money matters—but only when it serves the other forms of wealth that give life its depth and meaning. Define your “enough,” and let that clarity guide your choices.

Thank you for reading along. May you grow rich in all five kinds of wealth—and know when you already are.

On Sunday morning, my children came over. After breakfast, we headed to Tangram Mall in Flushing. On the way back, I mentioned that today was International Chess Day. The 2025 theme—Every Move Counts—reminds us that, on the board and in life, every decision shapes our journey.

Since July 15, I’ve been writing about The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. This is my sixth piece in the series, and today I want to reflect on the fourth type: Physical Wealth—the foundation that supports all the others.

Bloom opens this section with a deceptively simple question: “Will you be dancing at your eightieth birthday party?”

It’s not just about mobility. It’s about whether your body, mind, and spirit will still be in sync with the rhythm of life—will you still have the energy to move with joy, grace at 80?

There’s a common metaphor that captures this well: health is the “1” before all the zeros. Without that one, the rest—money, relationships, purpose—loses meaning.

The three pillars of physical wealth are:

1. Movement

• Cardio: Brisk walking or jogging—30 minutes a day, at least 150 minutes a week. If you can only do one thing for your health, do this.

• Strength training: To slow muscle loss that comes with age. Add 1–2 sessions a week: bodyweight exercises, dumbbells, or weightlifting.

• Flexibility: To stay coordinated and prevent injury. Yoga and Pilates, 2–3 times a week, can help.

2. Nutrition

Focus on whole, natural foods. Avoid highly processed options.

3. Recovery

Sleep 7–8 hours in a dark, quiet, cool room. Morning sunlight helps, too. As The Stress-Proof Brain notes, this not only resets your body clock—it boosts your mood by activating your serotonergic system.

Finally, physical wealth is not about extreme routines or perfect discipline. It’s about consistency. Just like in chess, every move counts. And each walk, stretch, or early night is a move toward a future where, at 80, you’re still not just alive—but dancing with a proud smile on your face.

Since July 15, I’ve been writing about The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. This is my fifth piece in the series, and today I want to reflect on the third type of wealth: Mental Wealth—the spiritual foundation of your life, the part that keeps you grounded and resilient, especially when the going gets tough.

Again, Bloom opens this chapter with a question:
“What would your ten-year-old self say to you today?”

This question points us to one essential quality that many of us lose as we grow older: curiosity.

Curiosity is one of the key pillars of mental wealth. It keeps our minds open, flexible, and alive. When we’re curious, we’re more likely to explore new paths, forge deeper relationships, and rediscover wonder in our everyday lives. But as we age, routines settle in, fears pile up, and we begin to trade exploration for predictability.

The ten-year-old version of you, by contrast, is still wide-eyed—brimming with questions, imagination, and possibilities. Would that younger self recognize you today? Would they feel proud, puzzled, or disappointed? That question invites reflection. Are we still in touch with what once made us feel alive?

Growing up doesn’t mean growing dull and uninteresting. That childlike energy—openness, creativity, awe—can be reintegrated into adult life. That’s the message at the heart of mental wealth.

Drawing from Buddhism, ancient Greek philosophy, and Japanese aesthetics, Bloom reminds us of a universal longing: the desire to live authentically and meaningfully. Yet this longing often clashes with external pressures. Society rewards efficiency, conformity, and distraction. To live with mental wealth is to resist the gravitational pull of the ordinary.

And from that resistance comes inner strength, your mental wealth. It makes you antifragile—able to weather hardship without being broken by it, and to handle success without losing yourself in it. You keep moving forward with purpose, grounded in a deep sense of meaning.

The Three Pillars of Mental Wealth

1. Purpose – your personal mission or long-term vision that gives meaning to your daily experience.

2. Growth – your commitment to curiosity, learning, and change.

3. Space – time for stillness, solitude, and self-reflection.

Of these, purpose is the core. A strong purpose aligns your daily actions with your values. It doesn’t need to be grand or world-changing—it just needs to be yours.

Bloom says his personal mission is “to create positive ripple effects in the world through writing, entrepreneurship, and human connection.” That mission guides his decisions and simplifies his life.

This is what he calls a “life razor”—a principle that helps you cut away distractions and focus on what truly matters. With purpose, even the smallest step has direction. A blogger pledging to write one news story a day for 10 years may sound extreme, but such “big missions” act like lighthouses: they don’t move, but they help you navigate.

Your mission doesn’t need to match your day job. It just needs to tie you to something larger than yourself. So you’re not merely coasting from day to day—you’re moving with intent, toward a future only you can define.

Furthermore, having a mission benefits also your health. A US study of over 7,000 people found that after age 50, those with strong purpose and goals had significantly lower mortality risks. Another study showed elderly people with a clear mission lived an average of seven years longer, with better quality of life. As a famous saying goes: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

A Better Ending:

Mental wealth enables you to live with clarity, curiosity, and conviction. It’s about carrying your ten-year-old self forward—not to remain a child, but to stay alive to wonder, to remain open to change, and to keep asking the questions that matter.

Because when you’re grounded in purpose, fueled by curiosity, and protected by inner strength, you gain something rarer than wealth: a mind at peace, and a great life well-lived.

To be continued...