Beyond the Lab & Clinic

When I am not immersed in academic research, stepping away into nature, literature, philosophy, and art is how I find balance. Outdoor exploration is one of my greatest passions, but it is rarely a solitary pursuit. For me, the true essence of wilderness travel lies in community, camaraderie, and shared endurance, forging lifelong friendships along high mountain passes, canyon river beds, and windswept dunes.

My favorite landscapes are green, lush, and filled with vibrant plant life, where the fresh air provides an immediate sense of renewal. Yet I embrace all environments, from barren alpine ridges and desert sands to misty river valleys. Whenever I travel, I prefer sleeping under open skies in a tent over any hotel. When staying indoors becomes necessary, I seek out authentic, traditional homes of the local area rather than modern commercial lodging. Along the way, I capture moments simply with my phone camera as a candid record of our journeys.

Philosophy & Classical Literature

Beyond physical expeditions, I enjoy philosophy and the history of ideas, particularly the works of thinkers such as David Hume, Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, and Milton Friedman. Camus's absurdism resonates with me especially deeply; not as a pessimistic philosophy, but as an invitation to embrace life even without believing it comes with a predetermined meaning. My ethics are humanistic: I see our obligations to one another as arising from our shared humanity rather than from divine authority. I also place a high value on individual liberty and the freedom to live, think, speak, and make one's own choices, provided we respect that same freedom in others.

I hold a deep affection for ancient Persian history, culture, and classical poetry. Among all literary works across cultures, my single favorite piece of literature remains Saadi's Gulistan (Golestan), a masterpiece whose timeless wisdom, moral elegance, and poetic brevity continue to inspire my view on human nature.

Music & Aesthetic Appreciation

My musical landscape is broad and eclectic, spanning Rock, Metal, Western Classical, and Persian Classical compositions. I find immense power in the symphonic structures of Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner, and Puccini, alongside the atmospheric depth of Pink Floyd, Anathema, Evanescence, Epica, Nightwish, Nirvana, Metallica, and Queen. I am equally drawn to the expressive vocal artistry of Édith Piaf, Joan Baez, Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey, and Adele, with Dua Lipa as my occasional guilty pleasure.

Fine Art

Although my personal talent for painting or playing musical instruments is virtually zero, I consider myself a passionate admirer of visual art. I enjoy interpreting and understanding art, drawn to works that evoke elegance, intellectual depth, and profound emotion.

I appreciate both classical and modern painting traditions. Some of the works that resonate most strongly with me include Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Jacques-Louis David’s The Death of Socrates, Picasso’s La Vie and Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, El Greco’s The Opening of the Fifth Seal, and René Magritte’s The Son of Man (Le fils de l’homme). I am also fascinated by Salvador Dalí’s surrealist visions, particularly The Temptation of St. Anthony, and Metamorphosis of Narcissus.

Cinema & Film Art

Cinema, for me, is the ultimate synthesis of storytelling, visual narrative, musical composition, and philosophical reflection. I am deeply drawn to films that challenge conventional structures; whether through haunting metaphysical inquiries, auteur visual craft, psychological intensity, or bold, visionary storytelling.

My appreciation of cinema spans avant-garde silent classics, dystopian political fables, complex neo-noirs, and allegorical thrillers. Below are some of my favorite films and cinematic works that have left a lasting impression on me:

Along the trail, I also capture quiet moments of nature on my phone. View my Amateur Nature Photography gallery →