ESSAYS BY

Ricky Lee LaPraim

Thoughts on Spirituality, Philosophy, & Technology

Empty modern office workspace with multiple computer monitors and ergonomic chairs
Empty office workspace symbolizing the toll of burnout and the journey toward recovery.

The Pill That Kept The Company Running

Entrepreneur Story

An honest personal essay about entrepreneurship, burnout, dependency on Adderall, and rediscovering balance through faith and self-care.

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View of Pleasure Point Beach, California, with waves gently meeting the shoreline
Pleasure Point shoreline view — a place where the mind can wander, reset, and reconnect with something deeper than the noise.

When Every Option Breaks Your Heart

Personal Reflections

The word “abnormalities” stopped me cold during what was supposed to be a routine ultrasound. High-risk pregnancy was not...

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Exterior of the barbershop storefront in Santa Cruz, launched during the 2009 recession
The original storefront of Rick's Barbershop in Santa Cruz became a lesson in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Starting a Barbershop During a Recession

Entrepreneur Story

In 2009, I found myself in a unique position. The real estate market had collapsed a year before, and commercial leases were...

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Ethereal jellyfish illuminated in deep blue water at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Like neural pathways in motion — the drifting form of jellyfish evokes the elegance and mystery of emerging artificial consciousness.

The Consciousness Algorithm

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

Whether you decide to call synthetic awareness life is your choice, but the results from it may not be. Programming AGI to be curious could be...

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Houston Discovery Green’s Lucion Traveling Light Moongarden installation photographed by Ricky Lee LaPraim.
Glowing forms drift through the dark — an echo of how autonomous machines might one day move: silent, fluid, and aware.

Machines That Move Like Shadows

Aerospace Technology

Autonomous multimodal hybrid vehicles (MHVs) working independently through a mesh network could use artificial intelligence to achieve...

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Ricky Lee LaPraim leading the first meeting for the development of the rewards platform technology, which later became the successful RepeatMD.
The initial technology development meeting for the rewards platform that evolved into the successful RepeatMD.

The Early Development of RepeatMD

Startup Journey

In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to build technology for countless organizations. I’ve joined organizations at every growth stage from...

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Close-up of the Bonshō bell at Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii, used in Zen Buddhist rituals.
Close-up of the Bonshō bell at Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii. This bell is used in Zen Buddhist rituals and is a symbol of peace and mindfulness.

Hope You Fail

Buddhist Philosophy

The path of life is not always linear. Without challenges in life, we would have no opportunity to grow. Some of the best lessons in life...

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Close-up of vibrant green succulent plants surrounding a grey rock in a Hawaiian garden
Balance and stillness — reminding us that as AI takes on more tasks, we can return to presence, reflection, and human depth.

AI Allows Us to Be Human Again

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Our existence is much deeper than we can conceptualize and our individual worth is more than our productivity...

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Blurry view of Houston's downtown skyline at dusk, glowing with sunset hues and vibrant city lights—symbolizing potential and urban innovation.
As the sun sets over downtown Houston, the glowing skyline evokes the possibilities of a city where data-driven compassion and technology unite to end homelessness.

The Future of Hope Is Always On

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence will be a vital resource to social service infrastructure by creating tailored and personalized support plans...

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern in Houston, Texas - historic underground water reservoir with unique architectural columns and lighting, popular tourist destination
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern in Houston, Texas - a historical 1926 underground water reservoir that's now open for public tours.

A World Beyond Datasets

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

Achieving AGI will require progress beyond datasets, encompassing advancements in both hardware and real-time data processing...

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