Greetings,
My name is Gareth “Cipher” Rouse. I’m an information security professional, gamer and photographer. For the last 15 years have lived and worked in the United Kingdom. Though I don’t see myself as a true Brit having been raised in Silicon Valley under the shadow of the HP and Apple headquarters across the street.
At first, I created this website as a way to showcase my skills and impress potential employers, but it has now transformed into something with a much broader focus. My aim is to create a space that accurately reflects my ideas and personality – a site that I can proudly share with others instead of a Twitter or Instagram handle.
Interest and Activities
I was lucky to grow up with parents that signed me up to every available hobby. I ended up gravitating to the hobbies that were highly competitive, such as fencing, chess, and esports. I attribute these experiences to building my self-esteem and creating a strong sense of baseline happiness in my life.
In more recent times, I’ve shifted my focus towards activities that bring me personal fulfillment, such as photography, meditation, physical conditioning and of course, still some gaming. But there is one activity that has been a daily constant in my life that I consider invaluable – reading every day. I believe that knowledge is compounding, and even though you may not remember every book you’ve read or every idea you’ve encountered, exposing yourself to new perspectives can help you become a more well-rounded individual.
Life view
Developing a philosophy for life is still something of a work in progress for me. So far I’ve found success in the stoic approach to life. Viewing every crisis as a challenge and chance to self-improve and focusing only on those things you can control. However, I find it unsatisfying this approach can only apply to oneself and not be extended to loved ones.
Political Thinking
I believe strongly in classic Liberal ideas – where whichever reasonably possible choices should be up to the individual.
I find conservative viewpoints often apply well to people’s individuals lives. And liberal analysis tend to be more applicable when looking at society as a whole.
Some recommended books:
Gareth’s bookshelf: best-books
