Lecture Notes: David Lang's 10,000th Day

Introduction

• David Lang's Age: 10,865 days (29 years and 9 months)
• Average Lifespan:
  • Americans: ~28,000 days (78 years)
  • Canadians: ~29,000 days
• Conceptual Difference: Counting days vs. years feels more finite and personal.

Importance of the 10,000th Day

• Personal Significance: Day chosen for reflection on life choices.
• Promise to Self: To take the day off regardless of circumstances.

Key Days Leading Up to the 10,000th Day

1. 9,424th Day - Meeting Eric Stackpole

• Location: San Francisco
• Introduction to Underwater Cave: Rumored treasure from the gold rush.
• Eric's Project: Building an underwater robot (ROV) for exploration.
  • Initial prototype shown to David.
  • David's excitement about the adventure and involvement.

2. 9,635th Day - Job Loss

• Event: Laid off from office job.
• Emotional Impact: Loss of identity and skills felt deeply.
• Decision: Reskill through a "zero-to-maker journey."
  • Took classes in welding, woodworking, digital fabrication, and electronics.
  • Continued work on the underwater robot project.

Exploration Journey

• Expedition: Successful exploration of the underwater cave with the robot.
• Outcome: No gold found, but valuable learning experience and fun.

Reflections on the 10,000th Day

• Current Situation: Homelessness due to financial struggles after job loss.
• Key Takeaway: Calmly reflect on life choices and plan future goals.
• Focus for Next 10,000 Days: Building things with people I care about.

Lessons Learned from the 10,000th Day

1. Success is Nothing Personal

• Achievements: Started a company, wrote a book, gave a TED talk.
• Perspective on Success: Recognizing contributions of others over personal accomplishments.
• Community Impact: Many using OpenROV technology for exploration and education.

2. Exploration is Ongoing

• Misconception: Belief that all Earth has been explored.
• Reality: Many undiscovered places and opportunities for exploration still exist.
  • Examples of locations explored with robots: reefs, cenotes, Antarctica, shipwrecks.

3. Importance of Collaboration and Sharing

• Initial Vision: Inviting others to join in the dream of widespread underwater exploration.
• Shared Dreams: Quote: "A dream you dream alone is only a dream, but a dream you dream together becomes reality."

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Emphasize the importance of shared experiences and dreams.