Scott Galloway

We use social media to connect, but we come to value likes and other parasocial metrics over meaningful relationships.

Metrics are useful because they compress information, and they are dangerous because they compress information, Nguyen told Thompson.

It's not that these metrics aren't measuring something real and that they aren't objectively tracking something that we want to know about.

It's that they speak so loudly that they threaten to drown out other nearby qualities that are also incredibly valuable but are harder to measure.

In October 2002, with only three months to live, frequent guest Warren Zevon appeared on David Letterman's show for the final time.

The musician retained his dark wit, joking that not visiting a doctor for more than two decades was one of those phobias that really didn't pay off.

In a more serious moment, Letterman asked Zevon if he had any insights about life to share.

I really always enjoyed myself, Zevon said.

But it's more valuable now.

You're reminded to enjoy every sandwich and every minute of it, playing with the guys and being with the kids and everything.

Zevon's answer is memorable.

Enjoy Every Sandwich became the title of a posthumous tribute album because he articulated his life's purpose rather than the metrics he'd registered along the way.

I frequently encounter people who ask about my diet and fitness routine.

It's simple.

I eat a diet that mostly hits my targets for calories and macros, try to get a good night's sleep, and exercise regularly.

As someone who's obsessed with data, I code as an optimizer?

I am not.

I work out harder so I can drink more.

The first thing I do when I arrive in Los Angeles, if you know, you know, is go to In-N-Out Burger.

I often order, gasp, dessert, especially if I'm with my boys.