I'm curious what people here are passionate about. If you'd like, share something interesting about your subject and perhaps why it interests you so much?
One of the things i'm passionate about is boxing.
It started as a purely practical thing, growing up in a rough neighborhood and having to be able to defend myself. I taught myself the basics.
But, as I learned more about it, I started to love the science behind it.
Mohammed Ali was an idol, because he was a Muslim like me (as a kid, these similarities really matter) and his personality was so badass and fearless. As a kid, he was the only positive representation of Muslims in western media that was around.
Bruce Lee was also fascinating because I grew up watching his movies. As I learned more about him, I was in awe of his ability to quickly generate explosive power through the physics of his body. He perfected the one inch punch. (I don't know how he would fare against a peak MMA fighter today, though)
Now days, I train about four days a week. The training is centered around endurance and generating power. I've been working on the art of creating power through the way that weight is distributed on your feet, the twisting of the hips, the rapid movement through the core, the relaxation of muscles until reaching a target, and finally acceleration through the target.
I've been doing this off an on for almost 18 years.
I'm not interested in using these skills on another person, but just the science and art of what your body is capable of through disciplined and rigorous training.
Some of the other things i'm passionate about are math, physics, meditation, engineering, art, human space exploration and neuroplasticity. But more on that later.
I'll add that between the consistent and disciplined approach to the physical training and meditation, I sometimes feel like living like some kind of urban modern version of a monk.