18 Comments

A reflection on seeing versus being seen is much needed for writers today. Thank you for this post.

Expand full comment
Sep 23Liked by Amit Varma

> The other one is cutting back on carbs and exercising every day ā€” but Iā€™m Bengali.

After nearly two decades of following you I discover this fact only now! (Of course, like eyesight, memory too goes with advancing years)

Expand full comment
author

Yes indeed. Who knows, I might forget one day that I am Bengali and start working out, compensating for my fading mind with a healthy body.

Expand full comment

Congratulations on 400, Amit...what a feat! Any tips on hiding a double chin on Zoom are always welcomešŸ˜

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, and haha, if only I knew!

Expand full comment
Sep 23Liked by Amit Varma

Always happy to see you in my inbox , Amit. It is always a delightful surprise. I hope this a signal that the newsletter is back.

Wish you success with your LLC .

Expand full comment
author

Thank you! And yes, will try to be regular with the newsletter. :)

Expand full comment

Enjoyed reading this perspective immensely! And, the poem is stunning. Thank you for writing and sharing :)

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, and yes, that poem!

Expand full comment

I loved how you drew the parallel between human anxiety and the lens of a Zoom call. In essence, our anxiety about perception impacts our relationships and prioritizing understanding over ego can lead to richer, more fulfilling interactions. In some cases, itā€™s best to keep your chin down and keep moving forward.

Expand full comment

I am from eye care industry and your post made me chuckle with delight. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Thank you Sir, for this wonderful podcast. I have learnt so much from it and hope to learn a great deal more in the following years. Thank You!!!

Expand full comment

Some practical tips too, because I see you doing YT spots. Position your camera a few inches above your head. This is the perspective fashion photographers use. Light your face well, i.e. sit in front of a window / a bright light source. If you have two monitors, you could use your lower monitor as a powerful light source. Remember, the only person in the world worried about how you look is you. The rest are tuning in for the sauce.

Expand full comment

this is funny (the first part at least)!

IMHO people are more forgiving of other people's looks on Zoom than they are in real life. so don't worry

that said - have you considered investing in a webcam? that way, where you look and where the camera looks at you get decoupled. problem solved.

Expand full comment

I think you should patent the inverted progressive lens.

Expand full comment

Congratulations on 400*, Amit.

For many of us, you are our progressive lens. Letting us see in the distance and nearby. We blend it all together and try to make sense of this world! Thanks and best of luck to many more posts and podcasts!

Expand full comment

Thank god!! You are back. Missed your newsletter. Hope you are more regular now but no worries even a few once a while is good. Keep rocking with the other stuff though. Btw I wanted to support The Seen and Unseen podcast but no luck because I couldn't find any Indian payment gateways like UPI or cards. What am I doing wrong?

Expand full comment

So lovely to find your writing here. Perfect 10 min break from work :)

Expand full comment