“We are an impossibility in an impossible universe.”
– Ray Bradbury
Intro:
I’m living an ordinary yet distinctly unordinary life. Just a few kilometers away from farmland, I reside in a decades-old condominium where most of the residents are from an older generation. They have no idea what I do in my room, nor can they fathom the concept of working from home as a programmer—a job that allows me to collaborate with teams remotely. Such an idea doesn’t exist in their reality.
What’s even further removed from their understanding is the fact that I occasionally connect with people from the other side of the planet. I have close friends in France, the Czech Republic, Australia, and beyond. From this modest condominium in a quiet town in Japan, I’m connected to the world.
Their narrow view of reality doesn’t permit them to grasp the magnitude of this connection or how profoundly it has enriched my life. They remain unaware of the immense value I’ve gained from engaging with people beyond the borders of this country. Yet, for me, this global network has always been my reality.
Returned from hell, and honestly, I’m grateful to have made it back:
This world is far too fascinating to be dismissed as ordinary. I firmly believe that the ultimate purpose of life is to uncover something so profound it has yet to be named. Our history, after all, is a collection of such discoveries—each one shaping the modern world as we know it.
When I first shared the original Dear Facebook Friends, I received an overwhelming number of reactions from friends I had connected with on Facebook and other social media platforms. A year later, I rewrote it, reflecting on how much had changed. And now, here I am again. As my life has continued to evolve in many ways, I feel it’s time to chronicle the major events and milestones that have shaped my journey since then.
My late father often told me that our world is full of wonder and that every part carries meaning. Reflecting on my own life, I once thought it would end three years ago. The unimaginable tragedy my family endured consumed me, filling me with revenge and resentment. Darkness became my only response to darkness.
I lost sight of the things I had taken for granted, failing to appreciate the simple fact that I had survived. Yet here I stand. I ventured into the abyss, and I found my way back. This year, a whole new chapter of my life has begun.
A Malaysian Muslim with a passion for science, my new Android career, the unforgettable Singaporean trip, and diversifying my income—each has become a strand woven into the fabric of this new chapter of my life. Together, they continue to add profound layers of meaning to what it truly means to live.
Overcoming Islamophobia – how friendship helped me let go of hate:
Three years ago, I made the difficult decision to cut ties with someone I once called my best friend. He was Indonesian, a Muslim, and someone who had been a significant part of my life. Before COVID, I prided myself on being open-minded, welcoming people into my life regardless of their religion or nationality. But a devastating family tragedy changed everything—my perspective, my relationships, and, ultimately, me.
We met at a mutual friend’s house party, a casual encounter that blossomed into a five-year friendship. We bonded over our shared curiosity about the world, diving into discussions on politics, science, religion, and more. He became an avid reader of my blog, offering encouragement that fueled my writing and photography. For years, our connection felt unshakable. But as the world descended into chaos during the pandemic, so did our friendship.
When COVID struck, he lost his job. As his world unraveled, his faith became his refuge, a lifeline in the storm. Then, when tragedy shattered my family, his response crossed a line I could not forgive. He urged me, in my darkest hour, to convert to Islam, believing it could be my salvation. For me, it was a betrayal—a wound I couldn’t reconcile.
Our friendship ended that day, and in the aftermath, I spiraled. My grief and anger festered, twisting into something unrecognizable. I developed a deep resentment toward Islam, channeling my pain into hateful posts on Twitter—now X—and other platforms. My words were sharp, my bitterness unrelenting. It wasn’t long before my actions led to warnings of potential bans on some social media.
Looking back, that chapter of my life feels like a storm I barely survived. It wasn’t just the loss of a friendship—it was the loss of who I thought I was.
Last year, however, things changed. At a Meetup event, I met a Malaysian friend who, despite his Islamic beliefs, had a keen interest in science and technology. We quickly became friends, bonding over our shared passion for tech, as he was also working in the field.
What stood out most was his introduction to profound books like Life 3.0, Homo Deus, and The Code Breaker. These books, focusing on technology, science, and biology, offered me a fresh perspective and breathed new life into my way of thinking. Previously, I relied heavily on YouTube for information, but after reading these works, I became convinced that books truly have the power to transform one’s outlook on life.
Since meeting him and diving into the books he recommended, my life has started to feel a little different—more enriched and inspired.
My dream came true – my undeniable passion for Android:
In July of this year, I achieved one of my long-term career goals: becoming an Android app developer. Android has been an integral part of my tech journey, guiding me toward this significant milestone. After four years of Java development experience and countless hours of dedicated effort to build my Android app portfolio, my hard work has finally paid off.
The concept of mobile programming has always captivated me. There’s something profoundly remarkable about crafting software on the expansive screens of a PC, knowing that the final product will come to life on handheld devices used by billions worldwide. Our creations may be invisible in the tangible world, but their impact is undeniable—they power countless financial transactions and facilitate the seamless exchange of data across the globe.
This intricate dance between the intangible and the indispensable is what fuels my fascination with mobile programming. It’s a silent force that drives modern life, shaping the way the world connects, operates, and thrives—and I am endlessly inspired to be part of it.
Despite the challenges, such as tight deadlines and the demands of continuous development, and the occasional pressure to deliver on schedule, I can confidently say this is the job I’ve always dreamed of. Mobile technology has consistently shaped and defined my life goals, and this achievement marks a significant milestone in that journey.
While this isn’t the final destination in my career, this opportunity has provided me with a meaningful step forward toward my broader aspirations within the Android community.
Singapore trip – a mesmerizing experience
I’ve always longed for an international life. After leaving my previous job at the end of March this year, I allowed myself a brief period of freedom in April. Singapore has always lingered in my mind as a dream travel destination. My fascination with the “Little Red Dot” stems from many reasons, chief among them being its undeniably captivating history—a transformation from a humble fishing village into a global financial powerhouse.
As my mother wisely put it, this journey wasn’t just a trip to a foreign country; it was a step toward preparing myself for future travels and the international life I’ve always craved. I particularly love the atmosphere of international airports, where people from all corners of the globe converge, sharing moments as they await their next flights.
Leveraging my English skills, I had the most marvelous experience immersing myself in a foreign country—walking, exploring, and breathing in its distinct air. The most remarkable aspect of the trip was that I was entirely on my own. I successfully navigated Singapore’s MRT (subway system) by asking locals how to top up my EZ-Link card. From trying local foods to visiting sightseeing spots, every experience was independent—and I did it all.
I even fell ill during the trip and visited a local clinic, where the doctor’s kindness and politeness left a lasting impression. The funniest moment came when he eagerly used the Google Translate app to translate my Japanese medication record into English—a small but memorable highlight of the trip.
In every sense, my time in Singapore was fascinating and deeply enriching. Breathing in the air of this modern international hub felt like a glimpse into the global life I aspire to lead.
Leveraging my Linux skills – a journey to diversifying income
Linux is a fascinating concept. When I say “Linux,” it encompasses much: its kernel, the vast array of distributions (distros), and so much more. What makes Linux truly unique is its accessibility—it’s entirely free to use. You can simply purchase a second-hand PC, install a Linux distro like Ubuntu or Fedora, and begin practicing Linux commands right away.
What’s even more compelling is that you can turn your Linux skills—acquired at little to no cost—into a source of income. With countless free tutorials available on YouTube, online platforms, bookstores, and resources like ChatGPT or Gemini, gaining expertise in Linux has never been easier. Once you’ve developed these skills, you can find job opportunities that allow you to monetize them. Isn’t it remarkable? You can learn Linux for free and later profit from it.
Last year, I extensively used my Linux shell scripting skills in my job—a defining moment where I fully leveraged my technical expertise professionally. This experience had a profound impact on me, boosting my confidence in both my skills and knowledge.
Additionally, I built a home network server from scratch using Ubuntu and Samba. I even created a LAMP server for my Android portfolio. Now, I’m embarking on something entirely new, yet it’s an idea I’ve had for a long time: I’m writing a book about Linux.
This isn’t just another Linux command guide. It’s a practical guide on how to build a home network server to regain control over your data from big tech companies. Drawing from my own experience of building a home network server, I’m using this opportunity to transform my knowledge into a profitable venture.
Until now, I’ve earned income through my primary job and occasionally by selling second-hand possessions. But this project is entirely different. I’m writing the book in English and plan to sell it on Amazon in the US, UK, and Australia.
Just as my passion for Android development led me to my mobile app job, I’m now channeling my enthusiasm for Linux into writing this book. With nearly 80% of the manuscript completed, I’m optimistic about publishing it by the end of this year.
Python – a transformative skill to shape my future
Python is a language with which I haven’t had extensive professional experience, but it plays a crucial role in my home network servers. Using the rsync command—a Linux utility for syncing data between two systems—my Python script ensures my personal data is duplicated as a precautionary measure.
Python, originally integrated into Unix and Linux systems, is often considered a superior alternative to Bash scripting due to its simplicity and object-oriented programming (OOP) architecture. This design allows developers to create more complex and powerful scripts compared to traditional Bash.
Moreover, Python and Linux share a common ethos of open-source development. Like Linux, Python is free to use and learn, making it an accessible tool for anyone eager to explore its potential. While my experience with Python has been limited to personal projects, such as scripting for my home network server, it has been a valuable tool in my repertoire.
Interestingly, I’ve written about my Python automation scripts in my book. Though my experience with Python is largely personal, I hope this knowledge will contribute to making my book both informative and profitable.
Starting later this month, I plan to delve into learning machine learning algorithms on Udemy using Python. In this era of rapid technological advancements, machine learning and related technologies are becoming indispensable. To stay relevant and future-proof my skills, I’m determined to master this new discipline, which has the potential to significantly shape my career and aspirations.
Home Deus – the game changer in my life:
The Malaysian friend of mine recommended I read Homo Deus, and to tell you the truth, it’s been a game-changer in my life. Every detail of the book reveals profound truths about our history, our society, and our future. Although I haven’t finished it yet, the impact it has had on my perspective is immense.
One of the book’s key points is that we are living in a world of fiction, even though we perceive it as reality. For instance, how do we know that one U.S. dollar is worth exactly one dollar? It’s because everyone collectively agrees it is—essentially a mutual agreement. You could argue that a dollar is merely a piece of paper, but that perspective won’t get you far in life. This societal system is a fiction we’ve created, and though it’s artificial, we’re bound to it if we want to survive. This is the structure of human society.
However, as Harari emphasizes, we must learn to distinguish between fiction and reality. Consider the example of war: the concepts of nations and wars are human constructs—fictional ideas we’ve collectively invented. Yet, the soldiers sent to the battlefield, who are wounded or killed, experience something entirely real. Isn’t it absurd that the people facing real consequences are driven by causes rooted in fiction?
Harari also warns that the power of fiction is growing stronger, fueled by advancements in technologies like AI. This makes it more crucial than ever to develop the ability to discern what is real and what is not.
This is just one aspect of Homo Deus, but the book offers so much more. While I often write about my fascination with technology, this book reminded me of the importance of balancing my tech-driven life with my social and emotional well-being. It was a much-needed wake-up call.
Conclusion:
Unlike the previous phase of “Dear Facebook Friends,” this new chapter of my life revolves almost entirely around a tech-driven existence. Android, Java, Linux, and Python—these technologies have become dominant forces, guiding me into an exciting new era.
In truth, I believe this chapter has already begun, and I’m fully immersed in it. Technology is indispensable to me, occupying much of my time—and I genuinely love it. My passion for Android, in particular, has successfully transformed into a profession. This journey into mobile app development has been incredible, significantly enhancing my Java and Android expertise.
Building and managing home network Linux servers has deepened my Linux skills, and integrating Python into these systems has allowed me to apply the language in practical, real-world scenarios. The results have been both rewarding and functional—it works!
My tech-driven life continues to grow stronger, and I am confident it will only become more integral to my future. The journey is far from over; in fact, it feels like it’s just beginning.
At the same time, I find myself reflecting on what it truly means to live and how I can navigate this tech-driven life. Am I becoming too consumed by it? The book I mentioned has prompted profound trains of thought about the essence of life itself.
Life is undeniably complex, but I am determined to figure out how to navigate this intricate world.