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The Intrinsic Path


We are all born with intrinsic paths.

The intrinsic path is made only of things you love. Publicly, privately, proudly, shamefully. The intrinsic path is your passion, your wheelhouse, your jam. Yours. You lose track of time on the path, or you find what I hear is called flow-state.

It doesn’t matter what that activity is. Even if it’s stupid as hell. Especially if it’s stupid as hell. The important thing is to know what it is, and that it is there. To identify it and say aloud to the back of your mind: ‘I love this, goddamnit. And I will gravitate toward it.’

Only rule is intrinsic paths do not interfere with other intrinsic paths.

What does your path look like?

Mine is littered with silly, simple things: dogs and magic tricks and writing and gadgets and jawbreakers. Perhaps in that order.

Maybe it’s a health thing. When I caught diabetes in 1979, I made a few “When I’m grown up” promises to myself on the gurney bed:

  • I will never go hungry again.
  • I will buy every toy I ever wanted.
  • I will eat jelly beans for dinner.

So, for a bit, that was my road. The great thing about intrinsic paths is that you decide what goes on it, what comes off it, what was never there to begin with. The intrinsic path is as malleable as you are, because it is you.

What promises did you make to yourself as a kid? That’s the cement of your intrinsic path.

Now please pass that tub of Jelly Bellies. I know they’re just gelatin and compost, but I’m a sucker for the Buttered Popcorns. Tastes just like it!

So Spidey Kicks Supe’s Ass?

Spider silk is stronger than steel.

Despite being thinner than human hair and lighter than cotton, spider silk is stronger than steel — and it isn’t even close. According to Science magazine, the insect-trapping, egg-protecting material is a full five times stronger than steel of the same diameter. It’s also highly elastic and can hold its strength at extreme temperatures, making it one of the most versatile substances in the world.

Only about half of all spiders spin webs, but all of them produce silk — which is as lucky for us as it is for them, considering how many uses it has. Ancient Greek soldiers used cobwebs to reduce bleeding, and it’s even been used in body armor developed for the U.S. military. So the next time you get scared after seeing a spider, just think: Its silk may one day save a life.