I tend to put passion into everything I do, whether it’s work or play. I don’t believe in workaholism (36-hour long experiments in graduate school notwithstanding). I like to put in a productive day’s work, and then devote my full attention to other endeavors. As much as I enjoy teaching and research, there are other things I enjoy equally; these “other” activities define me as an individual just as much as being a professor and scientist do. I share some of them below.
Automobiles
I’ve been a gearhead since I took apart my first clock as a child. That fascination with anything mechanical grew into a love of all things automotive. I seriously considered enrolling in technical school to be a mechanic until my high school auto shop teacher and my parents convinced me to pursue a college degree. The passion for automobiles, however, remains. Today, perhaps because of a broader world view, my interest in this area spans the gamut from the artistic (interior and exterior design) to the economic (I am particularly excited about the future of the global automotive industry). In between, of course, is where my heart truly lies — technology. I can’t get enough of the veritable alphabet soup that is the current state of technological advancement: VVT, DCT, SIDI, HCCI, EREV, …
(General Motors LS9 Corvette ZR1 Engine)
Mountain biking
Combine great aerobic and anaerobic exercise, the peace and calm of a quiet ride through the woods or a secluded field, the great sense of accomplishment at the top of a long climb, and the exhilirating adrenaline rush of a downhill charge — mountain biking is pretty much the ideal activity for anyone who loves Nature and working out. The Washington, D.C. area has a number of great off-road bike trails in addition to some beautiful paved paths for a more relaxed ride. My favorite off-road rides are Cabin John (for its close proximity to my home), Rockburn Branch, and Patapsco Valley State Park. For a more leisurely ride, I favor the Mount Vernon Trail (don’t forget to stop and admire the great view of the monuments across the river, and to stop by quaint Old Town Alexandria), the Rock Creek Trail from Rockville into D.C. (don’t forget to stop by the National Zoo), and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath (start from Georgetown and head North; the mostly gravel path runs for almost 185 miles and passes through many landmarks including Great Falls and Harpers Ferry).
(The trusty 2005 Iron Horse Azure that’s accompanied me on many a great ride)
Martial arts and kung-fu
I thank my parents for this passion. Some of the fondest memories from my childhood are of them taking me to watch the latest Jackie Chan movie at the theater. Later on, I grew to appreciate Bruce Lee’s intensity, intellect, and confidence. It’s funny how one’s reasons for studying the martial arts change as one matures. Mixed martial arts (MMA) was in its infancy when I first began my training in Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do (JKD) concepts under Sifu Dave Elwood. Training was essentially structured like many of today’s MMA camps — Sifu Elwood focused on creating complete, competitive fighters, meaning that equal emphasis was placed on grappling (Brazilian jiu jitsu), wrestling, striking (boxing, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, among others), and conditioning. I trained for several years with the goal of competing in MMA, sport jiu jitsu, or kickboxing. The toll of training so intensely was a perpetual assortment of nagging injuries. Eventually, a serious shoulder injury forced me out of commission. It was just as well, since my Ph.D. qualifying exams were a few months away.
I stopped formal training for a few years, and then met one of my current teachers, Sifu Reza Momenan. I have been training in the Jow Ga and Mizong styles of kung-fu ever since. I suppose I have come full circle, since my love for the martial arts began with the kung-fu movies of Jackie Chan. My goals for training in martial arts have evolved to encompass facets beyond the purely physical or competitive. Yes, I compete in tournaments and enjoy the tough workouts. However, kung-fu, with its rich history, deep underlying philosophy, and close ties to traditional Chinese culture, offers me a chance to connect much more deeply with my cultural heritage.
(Competing in the broadsword event at the 2009 Kuo Shu International Competition)
Learning
I consolidate reading and my interest in current events under the banner of “Learning” because both contribute to the acquisition of knowledge. Professionally, we all subscribe to the importance of keeping current with the latest developments in our fields. I feel that the same attitude should be applied to our everyday lives. I take inspiration from those who have reached the highest levels of success in their fields — from the greatest martial arts masters to the world’s most renowned chefs to the most accomplished scientists — the one thing they have in common is that they never stop learning. To learn is to grow!
It is amazing how much one learns from simply keeping up with the goings-on around the world. Reading or listening to the news oftentimes gives us mini lessons on subjects such as history, geography, science, and sociology. Reading books and periodicals is another favorite activity that contributes to learning. Although I don’t read works of fiction very often nowadays, they can also be treasure troves of knowledge.
Sports and exercise
Ask any avid fan of a sports team to explain his or her devotion to a group of complete strangers, and you will likely get an unsatisfactory answer. The fact is, sports fandom is purely emotional and devoid of logic. For many of us, the die is cast once we become a fan of a team or a sports figure. How else can we explain the obsessive manner in which devout fans of certain teams (the Chicago Cubs come immediately to mind) suffer through year after year of failure? Luckily for me, my allegiance lies with teams in the New York City area, so I am able to derive happiness from my emotional investment. The Yankees, especially, have rewarded their fans handsomely with many world championships. The football Giants have also had no small measure of success, and the Knicks and hockey Rangers are turning things around after years of torturing their fans. Individual sports that I follow include tennis, boxing, and MMA.
I admit to an addiction to physical activity. Aside from biking and kung-fu, weight training remains a staple of my workout regimen. When weather permits, my preferred cardiovascular exercise is running. I also enjoy hiking and rock climbing, and the occasional badminton, squash, or bowling game. At the risk of being cliché, I do believe in harmony between body, mind and spirit.
Update (May 2017): It’s time to get back in top physical shape! Having a toddler and infant running around can wreak havoc on one’s routine, but should not be an excuse.
The metaphysical me
One topic I purposely refrain from revealing much about is my religious beliefs. Religion to me is a very personal matter. What I will say is this: Religion, spirituality, and philosophy are all important to me. I respect all religions and am proud of mine. My religion, which preaches tolerance and equality, serves as my philosophy of life.
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David C. Lin, Ph.D. 