As a 16-year-old high school student, I found myself constantly juggling between school assignments, exam preparations, and my personal life. The challenge wasn't just the workload but organizing it in a way that was both efficient and motivating. Like many of my peers, I was using a combination of different apps and tools to keep track of my tasks and study times, but none seemed to fit all my needs. This gap sparked an idea - why not build an app that combines all these functionalities into one seamless interface? That's how the concept of "Studious" was born.
Inspiration Behind Studious
The idea was simple yet ambitious: create a productivity app tailored specifically for students, which would not only help manage their academic tasks but also inspire them daily. Inspired by the user-friendly and visually appealing design of Spotify, I envisioned an app with a clean interface, vibrant colors, and intuitive navigation.
Features of Studious:
To-Do List
- Enhanced Task Management: Allows users to add tasks with specific deadlines and priority levels, offering a clearer view of urgent tasks versus those that can wait.
- Categorization: Users can categorize tasks into different types such as school-related, personal, or other activities, helping keep their academic and personal lives organized.
Motivational Quote Generator
- Daily Motivation:Provides a new motivational quote daily to keep spirits high.
- Quote Saving: Users can save their favorite quotes, creating a personal repository of inspiration.
Study Time Tracker
- Timed Sessions: Features a start and stop button to precisely track study sessions, encouraging focused study periods.
- Time Management Insights: Shows accumulated study time, which helps in planning and improving study habits.
Upcoming Deadlines
- Alert System: Highlights upcoming deadlines and prioritizes tasks based on their due date and importance.
- Daily Overview: Integrates a filter to show tasks due on the current day and all high-priority tasks, ensuring no deadline is missed.
Weekly View Calendar
- Seamless Integration: Merges tasks from the To-Do List into a weekly calendar view, making it easier to visualize the week ahead.
- Detailed Event Information: Offers detailed insights into scheduled tasks and events to better plan study and leisure time.
Bringing Studious to Life
The development of Studious involved learning web and mobile app development from scratch, which was a daunting task at first. I dedicated several months to learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and mobile app development tools. The journey was filled with trials and errors, late nights, and a lot of coding. However, the result was incredibly rewarding - a fully functional productivity app that resonated with students' needs.
Launch and Availability
Studious is now available as a web app and can be accessed through this link. The app is designed to be intuitive, so users can start improving their productivity right away, regardless of their tech savvy.
By sharing my journey in creating Studious, I hope to inspire other young developers to take the leap into building their own solutions. Sometimes, the best tools come from a genuine need, and who better to understand those needs than someone who experiences them firsthand? Whether it's managing school work or personal projects, Studious is here to help every student thrive.
The human brain, that enigmatic three-pound universe encased in our skulls, has captivated philosophers and scientists for millennia. Now, in the age of breakneck technological advancement, a new frontier beckons: the potential merger of human and artificial intelligence (AI) through brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Enter Neuralink, a neurotechnology company spearheaded by the ever-audacious Elon Musk, promising to revolutionize our understanding of consciousness and redefine what it means to be human.
Neuralink's vision is bold – to implant a high-bandwidth interface directly into the brain. Imagine a seamless exchange of information, bypassing the limitations of our physical bodies. We could control external devices with mere thought, access a vast ocean of knowledge instantly, or perhaps even enhance our cognitive abilities. For individuals with neurological conditions like paralysis, Neuralink offers the tantalizing prospect of regaining lost function and reconnecting with the world.
The technology itself is nothing short of science fiction made real. Neuralink's brain implant, a tiny device teeming with microscopic electrodes, would be surgically embedded into the cerebral cortex, the brain's command center. These electrodes would then monitor and potentially stimulate neural activity, allowing for a two-way flow of information between the brain and a computer.
The potential applications are as diverse as they are mind-boggling. Imagine a world where:
- Paralyzed individuals regain control: By deciphering neural signals, Neuralink could allow people with paralysis to control prosthetic limbs or external devices with their thoughts, restoring a sense of agency and independence.
- Enhanced Learning: Direct neural stimulation could potentially accelerate learning and memory consolidation, allowing us to absorb information at an unprecedented rate. Imagine mastering a new language in a matter of days!
- Treating Neurological Disorders: Neuralink's technology could offer new avenues for treating neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy by directly modulating neural activity.
However, the ethical and philosophical implications of Neuralink's vision are profound. The very notion of merging human and machine raises a critical question: where does the human end, and where does the machine begin? Would constant connectivity alter our perception of reality? Could our memories and experiences become manipulable? Furthermore, the potential for misuse is a chilling concern. Imagine a dystopian future where Neuralink implants are used for mind control or social surveillance.
The road ahead for Neuralink is paved with challenges. The technology is still in its early stages, and the long-term safety and efficacy of brain implants remain unproven. Additionally, ethical frameworks for regulating this technology need to be established before widespread adoption becomes a reality.
Despite the uncertainties, Neuralink represents a pivotal moment in our quest to understand the human brain. This technology has the potential to alleviate suffering, enhance our capabilities, and redefine our relationship with the digital world. However, it's imperative to tread cautiously, ensuring that this powerful tool serves humanity and doesn't become a means of control or exploitation. The rise of Neuralink compels us to engage in open and honest dialogue about the future of our minds, our bodies, and ultimately, what it means to be human in an age of ever-evolving technology. The journey into the Neuralink nexus might be fraught with challenges, but it's a conversation we can't afford to avoid.
Physics Resurrected : The Ever-Evolving Saga of a "Dead" Science
In the vast field of scientific exploration, it is quite rare to see a transformation that was as profound and paradoxical as physics. Once considered the pinnacle of scientific inquiry, the mother of all sciences was declared dead in the early 20th century. The advent of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity shattered classical notions, leaving some to prematurely declare the death of physics. Yet, far from being silent in the death, physics has experienced a resurrection, emerging as a dynamic and ever-evolving science that continues to redefine our understanding of the universe and troubling students by increasing there syllabi.
Physics died in the early 20th century by the hands of great scientific minds like Max Planck, Albert Einstein, and Niels Bohr, and the advent of quantum mechanics which challenged classical physics by introducing the notion of discrete energy levels, wave-particle duality, and the inherent uncertainty of measurement at the quantum scale. These ideas even though revolutionary defied common sense to an average person, prompting Einstein himself to famously quip, "God does not play dice with the universe."
Simultaneously, Einstein's theory of relativity further shook the foundations of classical physics. He took the work of Newton further and made sure that his ideas made sense in different scenarios. Special relativity, published in 1905, unveiled the 4 dimensional space-time, it showed that space time were relative and not absolute, while general relativity, introduced in 1915, described gravity as the warping of spacetime, giving us an idea of how gravity works for the first time.
The disconcerting departure from classical physics led some to proclaim the death of the discipline, asserting that the intricate fabric of the universe was too complex to be comprehended by human intellect. Some believed that we have discovered almost everything in the universe that we could and there will not be major breakthrough in physics for a long time. However, what appeared to be a death knell became a catalyst for the resurrection of physics. Rather than accepting the death of their beloved physics, physicists embraced the challenges posed by quantum mechanics and relativity, setting the stage for a new era of discovery.
One of the reasons of this revival was the development of quantum field theory, which merged quantum mechanics with special relativity. Quantum field theory not only provided a framework for understanding the behavior of subatomic particles but also laid the groundwork for the standard model of particle physics, a theory describing the fundamental particles and forces in the universe.
The 20th century also witnessed the birth of astrophysics and cosmology as distinct branches of physics. Advancements in observational technology like radio telescopes, satellites and space probes, enabled scientists to observe the universe's farthest point. The discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the realization that the universe is expanding set the groundwork for the development of the Big Bang theory, reshaping our understanding of the cosmos' origin and evolution.
Physics' resurrection is not confined to theoretical frameworks and cosmic scales; it extends to practical applications that help us in our daily lives. The development of semiconductor technology, quantum computing, and breakthroughs in materials science are all products of physics-driven innovation. The integration of physics with other disciplines has led to groundbreaking advancements in medicine, communications, and energy production, among other fields.
Yet, the saga of physics continues to evolve. The enigma of dark matter and dark energy, the quest for a unified theory that reconciles quantum mechanics with general relativity, and the exploration of the quantum realm's philosophical implications are current frontiers that captivate physicists and philosophers alike.
As we stand on the precipice of the 21st century, physics remains very much alive, vibrant, and central to our comprehension of the universe. Though, we might be far from a major breakthrough, we still have questions to answer and that should not stop us. The resurrection of physics serves as a testament to the resilience of scientific inquiry, reminding us that the journey of discovery is an ongoing, ever-unfolding narrative.
In conclusion, the story of physics is one of death and rebirth, of paradigms shattered and new ones emerging. Rather than languishing in the shadows of its own obituary, physics has thrived on challenges, reinventing itself to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos. The ever-evolving saga of physics is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human curiosity and the inexhaustible potential of scientific exploration.
Stephen Hawking: A Brief History of a Beautiful Mind
If I was asked who was the person that inspired me to never give up, it would be none other that the Genius who revolutionised astrophysics and explained that physical limitations don't mean a thing. The brilliance of Stephen Hawking's mind increased our understanding of the universe. Let us take a deep dive into the beautiful mind of this brilliant theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author.
Stephen William Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, to Frank and Isobel Hawking. If the world was not busy worshipping actors and politicians, all of us would together be paying tributes and showing gratitude that inspires us, irrespective you are a nerd or not. From an early age, Hawking exhibited an exceptional aptitude for mathematics and curiosity about the workings of the cosmos. His academic journey led him to the University of Oxford, where he pursued studies in physics, and later to the University of Cambridge, where he embarked on a doctoral program in cosmology.
There is one thing that is common in all the great thinkers and scientists, whether it be Leonardo Da Vinci, Einstein or Hawking, that is curiosity. We all are curious and curiosity can't be killed or suppressed but redirected. Thus instead of being curious about doing something in our lives, success or the mystery of the cosmos, we are curious about the latest movie or the dress which an actor won on the red carpet or what happened in a reality show or the most compelling one, GOSSIP.
At the age of 21, during
his doctoral studies, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), a disease that gradually paralyzes
voluntary muscles while leaving the mind untouched. So, the person would be alive but won't be able to use any muscle that is controlled directly by our conscience. Doctors expected that Hawking had only a
few years to live. Hawking faced an uncertain future. However, his
determination and intellect defied the odds and Hawking stayed with us , inspiring and motivating us till the age of 76 .
Hawking's early work
focused on the nature of black holes, mysterious entities predicted by
Einstein's theory of general relativity. His groundbreaking research proved the notion that nothing could escape a black hole's
gravitational pull wrong. In 1974, he proposed what would later be known as Hawking
radiation, a theoretical prediction that black holes could emit particles and
energy, which would ultimately kill these matter consuming monsters. This revolutionary
idea transformed our understanding of black holes and bridged the
realms of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
The publication of his
best-selling book, "A Brief History of Time," in 1988 catapulted
Hawking into international fame. The book aimed to allow the common masses to understand complex scientific concepts and ponder the mysteries of the cosmos. This book was also my first introduction to astrophysics and still is skin to a bible for me.
Despite his physical
limitations, Hawking continued to make significant contributions to theoretical
physics. He delved into topics ranging from the nature of the universe's origin
to the search for a unified theory (A theory that would bridge Einstein's general relativity and quantum mechanics). His work challenged conventional wisdom and pushed the
boundaries of our understanding, earning him numerous awards, including the
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
Beyond his scientific
contributions, Stephen Hawking became a symbol of inspiration
for individuals facing adversity. We are constantly making excuses about how tough our lives is while this man continued to work even after being confined to a wheelchair and reliant on a
speech synthesizer for communication. He defied the limitations imposed by his physical
condition. Hawking's determination to pursue scientific inquiry despite his
progressive paralysis spoke to the power of the human spirit and the potential
of a human mind.
Throughout his life, Hawking engaged with questions that extended beyond the boundaries of physics. He explored the existence of extraterrestrial life or aliens as we call them and discussed the implications of artificial intelligence. He was among the first people who warned us about AI and said that it will eventually outperform humans. He advocated for the responsible exploration of space even though many people believed it to be a waste of time and resources. He said:
“I think the human race doesn't have a future if it doesn't go into space. I therefore want to encourage public interest in space. A zero-gravity flight is the first step towards space travel.”
Hawking's curiosity and willingness made him a people's favourite.
Stephen Hawking passed
away on March 14, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries
of scientific achievement. It is a coincidence that he was born on the day Galileo Galilei passed away and his death anniversary coincides with the day the great Albert Einstein was born. His life serves as a beacon of inspiration for
aspiring scientists, people with disabilities, and anyone facing adversity. The
beauty of Hawking's mind extended beyond the equations and theorems; it
radiated from his ability to find joy in the pursuit of knowledge, to
communicate complex ideas with clarity, and to confront the mysteries of the
universe with unwavering determination.
As we gaze at the stars
and ponder the mysteries of the cosmos, we can find inspiration in the life and
work of Stephen Hawking. His legacy lives on in the pages of scientific
journals, the classrooms of aspiring physicists, and the hearts of those who continue
to marvel at the beauty of the universe he helped us understand. Let this article be my tribute to him.
Compounding – The Eighth Wonder Of The World
"Compounding Is The Eighth Wonder Of The World."-Albert
Einstein
C
The magic of Compounding is one of the most
beautiful thing one can ever see. It shows that in the long run one- or two-day
struggles are insignificant what actually matters is small steps compounded
over a long period of time. For a person who has never witnessed the beauty of
compounding, this line may seem stupid but once you realize that how compounding
governs your life everything starts making sense. So, to show you the power of
compounding let me give you an example:
What would you choose 10
crore rupees or 1 rupee that doubles itself every day for 31 days?
Now most of us will choose 10 crore rupees at once and it makes sense that what difference would 1 rupee make until you do the math.
Day 1: 1
Day 10: 512
rupees (very small amount)
Day 15: 16,384
rupees (looks like an ant in front of elephant)
Day
20:
5,24,488 rupees (now you may feel that
only an idiot will make such a choice)
Day
25:
1,67,77,216 (well still small in front of 10 crores)
Day 31: 1,07,37,41,824
rupees (Now you wish that you made this choice)
An amount as small as 1 rupee after being compounded
becomes 10 times more than 10 crores. This is the power of compounding. In life
we take decisions or are into habits that we think are small and won’t affect
our life but they actually do. And the best thing about compounding is also the
worst thing about it, it applies to all aspect. Which means that one more episode
of a web series each day is affecting you. One more ice cream also has a worse
effect on your health. Your conception that one day no reading or junk food for 2 days will not affect your life
is wrong because if that one rupee is
not compounded for four meaningless days, it remains only 6 crores.
We all take a new year resolution every year and must
have worked hard for at most a week but that week is not enough, what you need
is a habit. 1 day of reading books won’t make you Einstein, one day at the gym
will not make you Arnold, one day in the stock market will not make you Warren Buffet.
The equation of success is very simple and this misunderstood, So, I want you
to always remember this equation.
Small & Smart
Choices + Consistency + Time = Radical Differences.
Now all the stuff that I told you explains the phenomenal
power compounding holds but does not tell us how to implement this power in
real life. So, Let’s take a look on that through an example: Suppose, You and
your friend are of the exact same shape and size. You are at the same position
and have the same salary. You decide that from now on you will read 10 pages of
a new book everyday and walk 1000 steps more each day while your friend decides
he can enjoy 1 hour more TV and maybe a can of soft drink each day. He or she
just wants to enjoy life a bit. If someone compares both of you after 10 months
you will be exact same. Yes, no difference but you don’t stop and continue
those habits. After 18 months you notice changes. You are trim while your
friend is fat. You got a promotion because of the knowledge from those books
you read while your friend is where he was though he is a bit jealous. This is
what compounding looks in real life. The path to success is too simple that we
ignore or miss it and the main reason behind this is our perception that only
complicated things are true while everything else is meaningless. But if you have read till here, you are
probably thinking “Man! How did I miss this?” Well now you know and it is
crucial to start as possible so that you can reap the benefits. Remember TIME
is one of the most important part of the equation.
Kunal Shah - Complete Success Story
Once upon a time, he left his studies and did the work of selling CDs, today the founder of CRED, Mr. Kunal Shah has created a company worth crores.
When their is a will, their is a way. You must have heard about many such people who have made a special identity after completing their studies, but can you imagine that a person can leave his studies in the middle and one day create a company of crores?
A direct example of this is Mr. Kunal Shah, the founder of 'CRED' who has set an example in front of the world with the help of his different idea. Kunal had once left his studies in the middle. After which Kunal and his friend Sandeep Tandon launched Freecharge in the market in the year 2010. After which he went on touching the heights of success. Today, he is writing new success stories through the credit card payment company 'CRED' (CRED). But it was not so easy for Kunal Shah to reach the heights of success. Let us know the inspirational journey of his life.
He wanted to make a special identity of himself apart from the family
Born on 20 May 1983 in a business family in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Mr. Kunal Shah wanted to do something different from the beginning. He received his Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) degree from Wilson College, Mumbai. After this he studied MBA from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS Mumbai) for some time, but then he felt that he was wasting money by doing MBA. So he left his studies in the middle and set out on the path of doing something different.
Started working from the age of 16
Mr. Kunal Shah started earning only at the age of 16 as the financial responsibility of the family fell on him early. To earn money, he started several industries along with setting up cyber cafes. After leaving his studies, he decided to start his own startup. For this he started his career in 2000 as a junior programmer at a business process outsourcing start-up (BPO) named TIS International Inc. After working as a programmer in a BPO, he started selling CDs and with this he started his new innings. He opened a company called Paisaback and after that he received funds from many groups.
Freecharge company started like this
After receiving funds from many places, Mr. Kunal Shah founded the Freecharge company in August 2010 along with his friend Sandeep Tandon. After the successful launch of FreeCharge, Snapdeal took over the company in April 2015. After the acquisition, FreeCharge continued to be run as an independent entity under Shah's leadership. He finally left FreeCharge in October 2016. Subsequently, in July 2017, Axis Bank acquired FreeCharge.
This is how I got the inspiration to start CRED
After leaving Freecharge in 2015, Mr. Kunal has traveled to many countries and spent time getting to know them. After which he came to know that in developed countries, there were no people to facilitate petrol pumps, only technology was being used there. Due to which Kunal realized that the people there are making good progress. Seeing this inspired him to do something in India too. After which Kunal Shah founded CRED in the year 2018, which targets the top 1% of the Indian population with high disposable income to spend. CRED is an online application available on Android and iOS that rewards users in the form of coupons for making credit card bill payments through their platform.
Today he is earning crores
Mr. Kunal Shah, who once sold CDs, is earning crores every year today. The start-up CRED started by him has been established as a successful company today. CRED is a means of paying credit card bills. It gives new rewards for paying bills online. Cred has recently launched two new features, Rent Pay and Credit Line. Cred currently has partnerships with companies like Book My Show, Fresh Menu, Urban Ladder, Body Craft.
Kunal Shah, who once started his own from a small startup, has made a special identity for himself today. He has written a new success story on the basis of his hard work and dedication. Kunal Shah is an inspiration for millions of people today. I would like to sincerely appreciate Kunal Shah's hard work and his innovative thinking.
Social Proof- Don’t be the part of the herd
“The
one who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd.”
You are going to your office. At an intersection, you
encounter a group of people, all staring at the sky. Without even thinking
about it, you peer upward too, to check what is happening. Why? Because of
Social proof.
In the middle of a play, when the actor enacts a great
scene, someone begins to clap and suddenly the whole theatre joins in. You do,
too.
Why? Social proof.
After the play, you walk out and ask the valet to get
your car. You watch how the people in front of you give a tip to the valet, even though, officially, the service is
included in the ticket price, What do you do? You probably leave a tip as well.
Social proof, sometimes roughly termed the “Herd
Instinct,” dictates that individuals feel they are behaving correctly when they
act the same as other people. In other words, the more people who follow a
certain idea, the better or truer we deem the idea to be. And the more people
who display a certain behavior, the more appropriate this behavior is judged
by others.
This is, of course, absurd.
This behavior exists and is seen in fashion,
investment. management techniques, stock markets, hobbies, religion, and diets.
It can paralyze whole cultures, and in extreme behavior, it is seen when sects
commit collective suicide.
A simple experiment, carried out in the 1950s by
legendary psychologist Solomon Asch, shows how peer pressure can warp common
sense.
A subject was shown a line drawn on paper, and next to
it three lines— numbered 1, 2, and 3—one shorter, one longer, and one the same
length as the original one. He or she must indicate which of the three lines
corresponds to the original one.
If the person is alone in the room, he gives correct
answers because the task is really quite simple. Now five other people enter
the room; they are all actors, which the subject does not know. One after
another, they give wrong answers, saying “number 1,” although it’s very clear
that number 3 is the correct answer.
Then it is the subject’s turn again. In one-third of
cases, he will answer incorrectly to match the other people’s responses.
Why do we act like this?
Well, in the past, following others was a good
survival strategy. Suppose that thousands of years ago you were with your
hunter-gatherer friends, and suddenly they all bolted. What would you have
done?
Would you have stayed put, scratching your head, and
weighing up whether what you were looking at was a lion or something that just
looked like a lion but was in fact a harmless animal that could serve as good
meat?
No, you would have sprinted after your friends. Later
on, when you were safe, you could have reflected on what had actually happened.
Those who acted differently —and I am sure there were
some—became meat for the animals.
We are the direct heirs of those who copied the
others’ behavior. This pattern is so deeply rooted in us that we still use it
today, even when it offers no survival advantage.
Comedy and talk shows make use of social proof by
inserting canned laughter at strategic spots, inciting the audience to laugh
along.
We are no longer in the jungle where our first
reaction has to be survival. I am reminded of English novelist W. Somerset
Maugham’s wise words: “If fifty million people say something foolish, it is still
foolish.”
Don’t follow the herd blindly. We tend to follow the herd because we think our
different opinion might lead to embarrassment but what we never understand is
that people love as well as admire the courage, when one gives his or her true
opinion or walks on their own path.
Chanakya once said, “it is better to go alone than
being on the same path as a foolish crowd.”
Don’t follow the herd blindly, don’t look for social proof and stay blessed forever.
ABOUT ME
Arjun Pandit is a blogger and a motivational speaker. He is the founder of 'Achieve Success With Arjun' a self help blog which focuses on making people's life better. He is determind to help those who are not able to achieve success.
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