Cody Friesen

Materials Scientist · Builder

Writings

Essays & Notes

A small archive of philosophical notes and essays.

Happiness and Purpose

What is happiness? Most definitions are essentially circular. This essay reframes happiness and purpose as practical, buildable states rather than vague aspirations.

Reframing Maslow’s Hierarchy

A reframing of Maslow through the lens of agency, risk, and feedback loops—why progress is not linear, and why “snakes and ladders” is a better map than a pyramid.

Consciousness

A clear, grounded exploration of consciousness and empathy—how subjective experience relates to identity, meaning, and moral responsibility.

100th Patent

A personal note on reaching a milestone: 100 issued U.S. patents. A reflection on cadence, institution-building, and what sustained invention looks like over time.