Ashkaan is a

who loves

learn more

Early Life

Born in East Los Angeles

I was born at Santa Marta Hospital and Clinic in East Los Angeles to George and Mina, two brave immigrants who sought a new life in the United States. As a proud Angeleno, my love for this vibrant city runs deep.My parents’ journeys to Los Angeles were as remarkable as they were different. My father stowed away on a ship and eventually earned his U.S. citizenship by serving as an Army interpreter. My mother fled Iran during the revolution in the early 1980s, seeking safety and opportunity.They met, married, and had me in short order but soon realized their incompatibilities and decided to part ways. Despite their separation, both instilled in me resilience and a respect for hard work.

Early Life

Finding Stability Amid Chaos

After my parents’ divorce, my mother and I moved frequently between apartments in Chatsworth, facing financial hardship and instability. There were times we didn’t have enough for food or rent, yet we were never without help.My mother’s unyielding determination led her to work multiple jobs so she could send me to a private elementary school. The teachers and staff there became an extended family, offering unwavering support when we needed it most.In school, I found a refuge in math and science, where I excelled. By sixth grade, I had already completed eighth-grade algebra and began self-studying geometry and computer science. Those early achievements laid the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Early Life

The Gift That Changed Everything

Though my father and I didn’t spend much time together, one of my fondest memories is playing with his Intel 286 PC. Seeing my fascination, he later gifted me my own computer, an Intel 486.That gift sparked a passion for technology that changed my life. I spent hours creating pixel-perfect images in MS Paint, installing drivers, and tweaking settings to make things work. Gaming wasn’t just play, it was a crash course in troubleshooting system requirements, fixing compatibility issues, and learning the ins and outs of DOS commands.That early exploration taught me to see computers not just as tools, but as worlds of endless possibility. It gave me the confidence to tinker, learn, and create. This mindset continues to guide me today.

Early Life

Guiding Lights in My Life

Of all the people who’ve shaped my life, none have had a more profound impact than my two older sisters, Teresa and Kathy.Teresa taught me the value of reliability and empathy. She was a constant source of love, stability, and compassion throughout my childhood, especially when I needed it most. Her care and kindness shaped how I strive to support those I love as an adult. Teresa’s deep empathy taught me the importance of being thoughtful and compassionate to others. She showed me the value of building positive lifelong habits and instilled a strong sense of self, helping me define the kind of person I wanted to become. Our time reading in the park remains one of my most cherished childhood memories.Kathy played a pivotal role in shaping my future. During my most challenging moments, she provided unwavering guidance, helping me navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and determination. Her encouragement and support were instrumental in my journey to law school, teaching me the power of perseverance and self-reliance. Beyond academics, we bonded deeply over cooking and critiquing independent films, creating memories that continue to shape my perspective on life. Her belief in me, even when I doubted myself, left a lasting impact that I carry with me to this day.

Education

The Search for Truth

I began high school at Crespi Carmelite but transferred to Chatsworth High School midway through, driven by philosophical differences with the institution. However, the intellectual debates I experienced there, particularly with a few influential teachers, left a lasting mark. Those conversations sparked a deep love for truth and critical thinking.Seeking certainty in subjects grounded in logic, I immersed myself in AP Calculus and Physics, where I thrived. The clarity and verifiability of those disciplines shaped my analytical mindset and fueled my passion for deeper understanding.

Education

Divergent Paths

Wanting to stay local, I accepted a full-ride to California State University, Northridge, initially majoring in Astrophysics. However, I soon realized my dream of becoming a rocket scientist would make me a small part of a much larger machine, and I wanted to run the machine.This realization led me to switch my focus to Business Law. Still, I felt drawn to deeper intellectual challenges, so I pursued minors in Metaphysics and Psychology. I took every Epistemology and Metaphysics course offered, continuing my search for knowledge at the crossroads of logic, philosophy, and human behavior.

Education

Becoming a Leader 101

Understanding that leadership required both training and experience, I actively sought opportunities to grow in those areas.Elected as Treasurer of my Sigma Chi chapter, I led the fraternity to financial stability while earning access to exclusive leadership retreats.I later joined CSUN’s Orientation program as an ambassador, working closely with the program director who mentored me and entrusted me with key initiatives to lead for the university.

Education

Corporate Law Training

I pursued my Juris Doctor at the University of San Diego School of Law, not just to become an attorney but to understand the structure of power within industries.Serving as the student liaison for the Iranian American Bar Association, I built connections with corporate attorneys and was honored with a scholarship for my efforts.Seeking a global perspective, I studied international law in Spain and France for several months each. Upon returning, I took on a leadership role in small claims court to gain hands-on experience in negotiation and conflict resolution.

Education

Continuing Education

Earning my law degree was just the beginning of my educational journey. Since receiving my law license, I've expanded my expertise with a real estate broker's license, a mortgage loan originator’s license, and multiple cybersecurity certifications.I continue to deepen my cybersecurity knowledge by leading my own security firm and regularly attending DEF CON, the world’s largest hacker convention. My leadership development also continues through active participation in organizations like MITT and Entrepreneurs’ Organization.To stay engaged with the sciences and philosophy, I regularly explore works by leading thinkers such as Dr. Steven Novella and Sam Harris, and stay current with educational content from platforms like Kurzgesagt and Crash Course.

Experiences

A Transformative Study Abroad Experience

During law school, I spent two months each living in Barcelona and Paris as part of a study abroad program. This experience combined academic exploration of European law with an unforgettable cultural immersion. Through lectures and workshops on topics such as the European Union’s framework and international arbitration, I gained valuable insights into European legal systems.Living in Barcelona, I was inspired by the dynamic culture, exploring Antoni Gaudí’s architectural wonders and observing regional governance at the Catalan Parliament. In Paris, attending a session at the French Court of Cassation deepened my appreciation for one of the world’s oldest judicial systems, while visits to landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame highlighted the connection between history, culture, and legal traditions.This four-month journey expanded my perspective on international law and cultural diversity, leaving a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.

Experiences

Ragnarok in Oz

When Marvel hired my firm to manage IT operations on the set of Thor 2: Ragnarok in Australia’s Gold Coast, I faced several challenges supporting the high-stakes blockbuster production. I overhauled their outdated networking and storage systems, dramatically reducing downtime during critical takes and enabling seamless data transfers and file access. These changes saved time and ensured smooth operations throughout the shoot.I also upgraded their motion capture system, improving its speed and functionality to deliver faster feedback. This enhancement allowed directors and actors make real-time adjustments, streamlining the creative process and enhancing production efficiency.The success of these efforts led Marvel to rehire us for several more productions, each benefiting from the robust systems we implemented. Eventually, my solutions were adopted as the gold standard for Marvel’s IT infrastructure for future productions.

Experiences

My Love Story

I met Jess while she was working as an animal technician in Santa Monica, and I was immediately struck by her warmth, intelligence, and genuine personality. To her embarrassment, I asked her out—right in front of her coworkers—and thankfully, she said yes.Jess planned our first date. We met at a comedy show, where the comedians picked on us, making the night unexpectedly hilarious. Afterward, we went to karaoke, where we sang a duet that broke the ice and had us both laughing. We ended the evening with a long walk, talking for hours, and it was during that walk I was sure how special she was.Over time, our lives intertwined. We moved into our first apartment, then bought our first home, taking each step together. On May the Fourth (Be With You), 2024, we got married, surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.Jess is my constant, steadying me when life gets overwhelming and encouraging me to do better. She holds me high so I can be my best self. Her family—her three brothers, mother, and father—have also been incredibly warm and inviting. They lovingly welcomed me into their lives, and it’s been a privilege to be part of such a wonderful family. Our journey, from meeting in Santa Monica to building a life together, has been one of shared growth, understanding, and finding joy in the everyday moments.

Experiences

Isle of Dogs

Our two dogs, Samantha and Chino, have been an incredible part of our lives, and their stories reflect Jess’s compassion and determination to give them a better life.Jess first found Samantha in the streets of East Los Angeles. She had seen Samantha scurrying around the neighborhood as a homeless pup. One day, Samantha darted out in front of Jess’s car, freezing in fear. That pause gave Jess the chance to bring her home, clean her of fleas, and nurse her back to health.A few months later, during the Fourth of July, Jess's neighborhood was alive with fireworks. Chino, abandoned by his previous owners, escaped his vacated home in a panic and ran to Jess for shelter. She took him in, ensuring he was safe and cared for.We got them chipped and set up with health insurance. They’ve been our steadfast companions on countless neighborhood walks, cozy movie nights, and peaceful evenings asleep by our sides.These two incredible dogs remind us daily of the power of kindness and second chances. Samantha and Chino aren’t just pets—they’re family, bringing joy, loyalty, and unconditional love to our lives.

Experiences

Flying High

One of the most exhilarating experiences of my life started with a Groupon Jess gifted me: the chance to fly a plane. It had always been a dream of mine, and suddenly, it was within reach.The process was surprisingly straightforward. The pilot-instructor simply glanced at my driver’s license before we headed to the cockpit. I was shocked that no background checks or additional security measures were required—just a quick ID check, and we were ready to go.We took off and soared over Los Angeles, flying from the South Bay to Downtown and all the way to Santa Monica. Seeing the city from that perspective was nothing short of breathtaking. The grid of streets, the ocean shimmering in the sunlight, and the iconic landmarks all felt surreal as I controlled the plane under the guidance of the instructor.It was thrilling, empowering, and incredibly fun. The experience is surprisingly similar to driving a car. I’ll never forget the feeling of taking the controls and navigating the skies over a city I love.

Experiences

Accelerating Business

In 2022, after finalizing a deal with my partner to facilitate his exit and pursue his next venture, I achieved a significant milestone by growing my company enough to graduate from the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Accelerator program into full EO membership. This transition wasn’t just about meeting revenue goals; it marked a profound personal achievement—finally reaching financial freedom.For years, I worked tirelessly to build and refine the business, navigating challenges and uncertainty along the way. Joining the EO Accelerator program was a turning point, providing me with the tools, accountability, and structure to scale effectively. But ultimately, the journey was about taking ownership of my vision and seeing it through.Graduating into EO proper was a moment of pride and reflection. It symbolized the culmination of years of effort, resilience, and growth. More importantly, it provided me with the space to appreciate what financial freedom truly means: the ability to focus on what matters most, both professionally and personally. The journey wasn’t just about hitting numbers—it was about creating a foundation for a sustainable, fulfilling future. I am extraordinarily grateful to now be a part of this amazing community.

Companies

Chief Executive Officer

We Solve Problems is built on the principles of transparency, fairness, and responsibility. With a combined 40 years of IT and consulting expertise, our team brings together specialists from diverse areas of tech support under one roof. We're dedicated to solving complex challenges—and if we’re not the right fit for a project, we’ll find someone who is.

Chief Compliance Officer

Radius Agent is a technology platform designed to empower real estate professionals by helping them run their businesses more effectively and increase their earnings. Our services include a referral marketplace with over 70,000 agents, Radius Assist—a lead qualification concierge—and Radius Agent Realty, a virtual brokerage offering enhanced tools and support for modern agents.

Principal Attorney

Nu|Legal is a Beverly Hills-based boutique law practice dedicated to prioritizing clients over billable hours. Our firm provides sophisticated, personalized legal solutions for business owners, corporate entities, and individuals throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, focusing on long-term success and strategic results.

Co-Founder

NoLag Hosting offers reliable web hosting services for startups, businesses, and residential clients worldwide. Our top priority is delivering dependable on-call customer support, robust security, and premium features—all at competitive prices. Our friendly Web Hosting Gurus specialize in solving even the toughest hosting challenges with exceptional care.

Co-Founder

Bulletproof WiFi is committed to eliminating connectivity issues for businesses. We design and deliver customized, high-performance WiFi networks built to be, quite literally, bulletproof. Engineered for speed, reliability, and security, our solutions ensure your business stays online—without compromise.

Principal Real Estate Broker

Ashkaan Realty is a discreet, Beverly Hills-based brokerage serving high-net-worth clients who expect absolute privacy and security. Specializing in large-scale developments and commercial properties across California, we provide exclusive representation with an uncompromising standard of confidentiality and service.

Co-Founder

Ctrl+Invest is an investment fund specializing in peer-lending platforms with a focus on automating loan trading. Our proprietary trading algorithms and filter sets have consistently generated over 20% net annualized returns for more than two years. Peer-lending offers a non-speculative, stable alternative to traditional investment markets, including stocks, commodities, and real estate.

Boards and Volunteer Work

Board of Directors, Chair

After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles provides comprehensive after-school programs for students with the greatest needs and fewest resources. Founded in 2002 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, it serves schools throughout Los Angeles County and the Lucerne Valley, offering free, high-quality programs in partnership with national and local organizations.

Advisory Council & Games Review Board

Games for Love is a nonprofit gaming charity dedicated to easing suffering, saving lives, and creating sustainable futures for children. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has empowered everyday heroes in gaming and tech to support millions of children worldwide through their skills and creativity.

Board, Accelerator, Finance, and Forum Chairs

Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a global network where successful entrepreneurs connect, learn, and grow together. Designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, EO offers world-class resources, shared experiences, and mentorship opportunities to help business owners elevate their leadership and scale their companies. As a member, I've had the privilege of contributing to this dynamic community, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial success worldwide.

Board, Operations & Learning Chair

Entrepreneurs' Organization Accelerator helps first-stage entrepreneurs scale their businesses beyond $1 million in revenue. The program equips business owners with essential skills through structured educational content and mentorship from globally influential entrepreneurs, empowering both personal growth and business success.

Board, Economic Development Committee

Mid City West Neighborhood Council is one of 99 neighborhood councils in Los Angeles, representing iconic neighborhoods like Miracle Mile, La Brea, Fairfax, and Melrose. The council serves the needs of local stakeholders and works to enhance the greater Los Angeles community through civic engagement and advocacy.

Small Claims Mediator

National Conflict Resolution Center provides resources and expertise to help people, organizations, and communities resolve conflicts with civility. Committed to the principle that every dispute has a solution, the organization works across public and private sectors both nationally and internationally to promote equitable conflict resolution.

Executive Board, Treasurer

Sigma Chi (ΣX), founded as a literary society, is dedicated to developing values-based leaders committed to friendship, justice, and learning. As Treasurer, I supported the fraternity’s mission to strengthen character, campus involvement, and community service, aligning with its vision of becoming the preeminent collegiate leadership development organization.

Skills and Certifications

Attorney-at-Law

I am a licensed and practicing California attorney, certified to represent clients in both state and federal courts. I take on cases that genuinely interest me or when a client’s situation deeply resonates with me.

Certified Mediator

I trained as a mediator at the National Conflict Resolution Center and later found mentorship at JAMS, a leading mediation and arbitration firm. I mediate cases selectively, focusing on those involving exceptional dysfunction where guided resolution can make a lasting impact.

CSX Cybersecurity Expert

I completed rigorous training covering threat detection, incident response, network defense, and security operations, culminating in the CSX-P certification. This real-world, performance-based program taught me how to identify and mitigate complex cyber threats for my clients.

Certified Kubernetes Administrator

I hold the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) credential, reflecting my expertise in container orchestration, deployment, and management in modern cloud environments.

Google Workspace Administrator

As a Google Workspace Administrator, I am proficient in managing cloud collaboration tools, ensuring secure, efficient productivity for businesses leveraging Google’s ecosystem.

Jamf Ambassador

As a Jamf Ambassador, I specialize in Apple device management solutions, helping businesses streamline their Apple ecosystems with secure, scalable configurations.

Real Estate Broker

As a licensed California real estate broker, I primarily work with developers and holding firms to enhance, reposition, and sell commercial properties. My focus is on strategic improvements that maximize property value and long-term growth.

Mortgage Loan Originator

I obtained my mortgage loan originator license to gain a deeper understanding of real estate finance. Studying the mechanics of debt issuance and leverage has given me unique insights into structuring optimized financial strategies in real estate transactions.

Google Search Certificate

I'm proud to share that I earned a limited-availability certification from Google’s prestigious search program, which deepened my understanding of advanced search methodologies and data discovery strategies.

Interests

"justified true belief"
-Plato

e·pis·te·mol·o·gy

nounEpistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge.It seeks to answer fundamental questions such as: What is knowledge? How do we acquire it? Can we truly know anything with certainty? At its core, epistemology explores the distinction between belief and justified knowledge.

A Brief History

The roots of epistemology can be traced back to ancient Greece. Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the groundwork for the discipline by exploring how humans understand truth and reality.Plato’s theory of knowledge as justified true belief became a cornerstone for epistemological discussions. In the modern era, figures such as René Descartes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant expanded the field by addressing skepticism, empiricism, and the relationship between the mind and external reality.The 20th century saw further development with philosophers like Karl Popper and Edmund Gettier, who introduced challenges to traditional definitions of knowledge.

Why You Should Care

Critical Thinking: It encourages us to question assumptions, analyze evidence, and evaluate arguments, fostering a mindset that is essential in problem-solving and decision-making.Navigating Misinformation: In an era of information overload and widespread misinformation, epistemology provides tools to assess the credibility of sources and distinguish between fact, opinion, and falsehoods.Scientific Progress: The principles of epistemology underpin the scientific method, guiding researchers in forming hypotheses, testing them, and interpreting results.Ethical Decision-Making: By understanding how we justify beliefs, epistemology aids in making moral judgments based on sound reasoning rather than bias or emotion.Philosophical Foundations: It connects to other branches of philosophy, such as ethics, metaphysics, and logic, offering a framework to explore fundamental questions about reality and human existence.Educational Development: Teaching epistemological concepts enhances the ability to learn effectively, fostering curiosity and a lifelong love of inquiry.Practical Applications: From law to artificial intelligence, epistemology informs fields that rely on defining and verifying truth, ensuring integrity in these disciplines.

Interests

"there will be truths to be known about right and wrong and good and evil"
-Sam Harris

mo·ral nat·u·ral·ism

nounMoral naturalism is the philosophical theory that moral truths exist and are part of the natural world, discoverable through empirical observation and reasoning.It asserts that moral facts are objective and can be studied in a manner similar to scientific facts, rooted in human nature, biology, or societal interactions.Primer: Morality is the study of principles and values that determine the quality of life and guide actions toward what is considered good or right. It encompasses questions of how individuals should behave, what they owe to one another, and how societies can flourish.

A Brief History

The roots of moral naturalism can be traced back to ancient philosophers such as Aristotle, who emphasized the role of human flourishing (eudaimonia) as the basis for ethical life. He linked morality to the natural purpose of humans to achieve well-being through virtue.In the Enlightenment era, thinkers like David Hume challenged the strict separation between facts and values, suggesting that moral sentiments arise from human nature. More recently, moral naturalism has been explored through the lens of evolutionary biology and neuroscience, with figures like Peter Railton and Richard Boyd advocating for a naturalistic understanding of ethics.

Why You Should Care

Objective Basis for Morality: It provides a framework for understanding moral truths as objective and grounded in the natural world, avoiding reliance on supernatural or purely subjective sources.Integration with Science: By linking morality to empirical evidence, moral naturalism allows for interdisciplinary insights from biology, psychology, and sociology to inform ethical discussions.Practical Applications: It offers a foundation for addressing real-world moral issues, such as justice, human rights, and environmental ethics, through evidence-based reasoning.Challenging Moral Relativism: Moral naturalism counters the idea that all moral perspectives are equally valid by positing that some moral truths can be objectively demonstrated.Philosophical Foundations: It connects to other branches of philosophy, such as ethics, metaphysics, and logic, offering a framework to explore fundamental questions about reality and human existence.Understanding Human Behavior: Studying morality as a natural phenomenon deepens our comprehension of why people act the way they do and how societies develop norms.Enhancing Moral Progress: By rooting ethics in natural facts, moral naturalism supports the idea that human morality can evolve and improve alongside our understanding of the world.

Interests

"The cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be"
-Carl Sagan

met·a·phys·i·cal nat·u·ral·ism

nounMetaphysical naturalism is the philosophical worldview that everything that exists is part of the natural world and can be studied, understood, and explained through natural sciences.It denies the existence of supernatural entities or phenomena, asserting that reality is governed solely by natural laws and processes.

A Brief History

The roots of metaphysical naturalism trace back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus, who posited that the universe is composed of atoms and void, operating without divine intervention. Aristotle further developed naturalistic ideas by emphasizing empirical observation and the study of nature.During the Enlightenment, thinkers like Baruch Spinoza and David Hume advanced naturalism by challenging the dominance of religious explanations and advocating for reason and science as the primary means of understanding reality. In the modern era, figures such as Bertrand Russell and Carl Sagan reinforced metaphysical naturalism by linking it to advancements in physics, biology, and cosmology.

Why You Should Care

Scientific Inquiry: It provides a framework that aligns with the scientific method, promoting exploration of the universe based on evidence and observation.Rational Understanding: By rejecting supernatural explanations, metaphysical naturalism encourages critical thinking and reliance on reason to uncover truths about reality.Unified Worldview: It offers a coherent perspective, integrating human existence with the natural world and rejecting dualistic separations between body and soul or nature and the divine.Ethical Foundations: Grounding ethics in natural processes and human well-being, metaphysical naturalism fosters approaches to morality that are practical and evidence-based.
Practical Applications: It informs advancements in medicine, technology, and environmental science by focusing on natural causes and solutions.
Challenging Dogma: By advocating for natural explanations, metaphysical naturalism opposes dogmatic thinking and emphasizes intellectual freedom.Existential Clarity: It encourages individuals to find meaning and purpose in the natural world rather than relying on metaphysical or supernatural beliefs.

Interests

"If intelligence is the ability to predict the future, then intelligence requires a model of the world"
-Yann LeCun

mach·ine learn·ing

nounMachine learning (ML) is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables systems to learn and improve from experience without explicit programming.By analyzing large datasets, machine learning algorithms identify patterns and make predictions or decisions, automating processes and solving complex problems

A Brief History

The origins of machine learning trace back to the mid-20th century. In 1950, Alan Turing proposed the idea of machines simulating human intelligence. By 1959, Arthur Samuel had developed the first machine learning program capable of improving its performance in playing checkers.The field gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of statistical models and computational power. Breakthroughs in neural networks and deep learning in the 2010s, led by researchers like Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun, and Yoshua Bengio, propelled machine learning into mainstream applications, including image recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous systems.

Why You Should Care

Automation of Tasks: Machine learning automates repetitive or complex tasks, freeing up human resources for creative and strategic roles.Enhanced Decision-Making: By analyzing vast amounts of data, machine learning models provide insights that help organizations make data-driven decisions.Personalization: From online shopping recommendations to tailored content on social media, machine learning enhances user experiences through personalization.Advancing Healthcare: Machine learning enables advancements in medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans, improving patient outcomes.Boosting Productivity: Industries like finance, agriculture, and logistics leverage machine learning to optimize processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.Facilitating Innovation: By uncovering hidden patterns and insights, machine learning drives research and innovation in fields ranging from climate science to quantum computing.Addressing Global Challenges: Machine learning is being used to combat climate change, predict natural disasters, and address resource scarcity through smarter solutions.

Interests

"a way of thinking about the future that is based on the premise that we can and should improve the human condition"
-Max More

trans·hu·man·ism

nounTranshumanism is a philosophical and intellectual movement advocating for the use of advanced technology to enhance human physical, mental, and emotional capabilities.It seeks to overcome the limitations of the human body and mind, potentially eliminating aging, disease, and even death, while exploring the integration of humanity with artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

A Brief History

The roots of transhumanism can be traced to early thinkers like Francis Bacon, who envisioned science as a means to improve human life, and Julian Huxley, who coined the term transhumanism in 1957. Huxley described it as man remaining man, but transcending himself by realizing new possibilities of and for his human nature.In the late 20th century, transhumanism gained momentum with the development of computer technology and bioengineering. Figures like Ray Kurzweil popularized the idea of the singularity, a future point where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence. Organizations such as Humanity+ have further advanced the movement by promoting research in fields like biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI.

Why You Should Care

Extending Lifespan: Advances in biotechnology and medicine aim to significantly extend human life, potentially eradicating diseases and slowing aging.Enhancing Abilities: Technologies like neural implants and gene editing promise to enhance physical and cognitive capabilities, redefining what it means to be human.Solving Global Challenges: By leveraging AI and advanced robotics, transhumanism seeks to address pressing issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and global health crises.Redefining Identity: The integration of technology with the human body and mind challenges traditional notions of identity, ethics, and the nature of consciousness.Fostering Equality: Transhumanism advocates for the democratization of technology, ensuring enhancements are accessible to all and reducing disparities.Exploring New Frontiers: Space exploration and colonization are key transhumanist goals, as they seek to secure humanity’s long-term survival beyond Earth.Raising Ethical Questions: The movement forces us to confront deep ethical dilemmas about what changes are acceptable, who controls these technologies, and how to balance innovation with humanity’s well-being.

Interests

"a violation of rights in one part of the world is felt everywhere"
-Immanuel Kant

cos·mo·pol·i·tan·ism

nounCosmopolitanism is the philosophical idea that all humans belong to a single global community, regardless of national, cultural, or political affiliations.It emphasizes shared moral obligations, mutual respect, and the belief that everyone has equal moral worth. Cosmopolitanism promotes the idea that our ethical responsibilities extend beyond borders and prioritize humanity as a whole.

A Brief History

The origins of cosmopolitanism can be traced back to the ancient Stoics, such as Zeno of Citium and Marcus Aurelius, who introduced the idea of being a citizen of the world (kosmou politēs). This concept highlighted the unity of humanity and the importance of universal ethics. Early Christian thought also embraced cosmopolitan ideals, emphasizing love and compassion for all people.During the Enlightenment, philosophers like Immanuel Kant advanced cosmopolitanism by advocating for universal principles of justice and peace. Kant’s vision of a perpetual peace proposed the creation of global institutions to protect human rights and foster international cooperation. In the modern era, thinkers such as Martha Nussbaum and Kwame Anthony Appiah have explored how cosmopolitanism can address contemporary challenges like cultural diversity, global inequality, and moral relativism.

Why You Should Care

Universal Moral Obligations: It challenges us to consider the well-being of all people, not just those within our own communities or nations.Promotes Global Justice: Cosmopolitanism provides a framework for addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring fair treatment for marginalized groups worldwide.Encourages Cultural Exchange: By valuing diversity, cosmopolitanism fosters mutual understanding, empathy, and respect among different cultures.Supports Peaceful Cooperation: It advocates for global collaboration to solve shared challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and human rights violations.Broadens Perspective: Cosmopolitanism inspires individuals to see themselves as part of a larger global community, encouraging a sense of unity and shared responsibility.Advances Ethical Thinking: It pushes us to evaluate our actions in terms of their impact on the global population, cultivating a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to morality.Strengthens International Institutions: Cosmopolitanism supports the creation and strengthening of organizations like the United Nations, aimed at fostering international cooperation and protecting global interests.

Interests

"Government should be competitive, dynamic, and responsive to public needs"
-Ashkaan

pol·i·tics

nounPolitics refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in government or influence the governance of a society. It encompasses the processes by which groups make collective decisions, often involving negotiation, debate, and compromise.Politics determine how resources are allocated, conflicts are resolved, and rights are protected, directly influencing the well-being of individuals and societies. By addressing challenges such as climate change, inequality, and public health, politics remains central to improving quality of life and ensuring a sustainable future.

A Brief Rant

Governmental systems across the globe have proven woefully inadequate at tackling critical problems like hunger, homelessness, and systemic inequality. Despite living in an era of unprecedented wealth and technological capability, over 800 million people still face hunger every day, while millions more lack stable housing. Nations routinely spend billions on bureaucracy and political theater, yet basic human needs remain unmet.Street encampments are common in major cities worldwide—even in wealthy countries—revealing the stark chasm between political rhetoric and tangible action. Meanwhile, labyrinthine regulations and partisan bickering often stall or dilute efforts meant to provide real solutions. This chronic inaction drives hopelessness among those left behind, and perpetuates an unacceptable status quo in which entire families go hungry or sleep in cars.

Unified Social Market (USM)

Driven by a profound frustration with the incessant suffering caused by entrenched systemic failures, I conceived the Unified Social Market (USM) as a new way to address humanity’s most urgent needs.The USM proposes a clear, centralized authority to streamline funding, ensure universal access to essential services, and hold service providers accountable through robust oversight. By flattening tax structures and replacing unwieldy bureaucracies with competitive, performance-driven contracts, USM aims to prevent resources from dissipating into political dead ends. Instead of funneling money into top-heavy administrative bodies, it focuses on delivering results—feeding people, offering affordable shelter, and championing innovation where it’s needed most.The world is already equipped with the means and technology to eradicate hunger and homelessness; what’s lacking is political will and an efficient system. USM seeks to fill that void, empowering governments to confront the root causes of suffering and effectively deploy modern solutions where they matter most.

Features of USM

Single, Unified Government: A central authority sets overarching policies and standards for essential services—everything from healthcare and education to public safety and environmental stewardship. By centralizing authority, it eliminates bureaucratic overlap and ensures equitable access across all regions.Flat Income Tax: A single, uniform tax rate on all income funds the entire system, removing complexity and loopholes from traditional tax codes. Lower-income earners receive credits or exemptions so they aren’t disproportionately burdened.Private Delivery of Services: Services like healthcare (including mental health and elder care), education, housing, legal protection, public safety, utilities, and internet are provided by private vendors under government contracts. This competition-driven model rewards innovation and cost-effectiveness while guaranteeing essential coverage.Universal Basic Services: Individuals who cannot afford these services—covering everything from food and shelter to electricity and environmental protections—receive them at no cost. Everyone else may opt for upgraded private alternatives, maintaining consumer freedom.Rigorous Oversight: Contracts are awarded through transparent bidding, with performance benchmarks and data-driven evaluations ensuring high standards. Vendors must regularly re-bid, preventing monopolies and incentivizing continual improvement.Free-Market Emphasis Beyond Essentials: Outside these guaranteed basics, the economy remains largely unregulated, fostering entrepreneurship and consumer choice. This balance preserves individual freedoms while safeguarding core human needs and societal well-being.