About The How to Live Project

Honoring my brother's life.

On July 2nd, 2025, my little brother, John Torres, decided to exit life on his own terms. He was twenty years old.

He left behind a lot: a girlfriend, parents, two brothers, a dog, a college career at UT Austin, friends he had since pre-school, and an immense amount of pain.

He also left behind a few letters, including one for me.

In his letter to me, he stated that he knew I would be successful, and that I should continue to work hard.

So here I am, continuing to work hard.

Success, to me, looks like following my dreams. My dream is to be an author.

Hence, the How to Live project and this blog that you are currently reading.

I decided to go to the internet and ask for support in pursuing my dream of becoming an author, and I got more support than I could ever imagine. Thousands of comments, messages, and dollars have flooded in from around the world to support me on this journey. In the video I made announcing my intention of following my dreams, I wrote that I would document the whole process. This blog is my attempt to keep that promise.

I will be sharing thoughts on pain, interview notes, reflections on grief, and much more. Basically, all the deeper ideas that I cannot convey in an Instagram post will land here.

Why do I want to write the How to Live Project?

Well, I see no other reason to continue my life except to decrease suffering in the world. If I can use my brother’s death to help bring attention and highlight the work of great artists, athletes, workers, thinkers, and people, then his death could end up actually creating a positive change in the world.

How am I going to write the How to live Project?

I have purchased business cards that I am carrying around with me everywhere I go. They look like this:

As I walk through life, I am looking for people who seem like they are really living.

I am asking them questions and taking notes. Eventually, I will be able to compile these notes into a book, but for now, they will make their way onto this blog.

In addition to interviews and writing this blog, I will be reading— a lot.

I’ve always loved to read- I’m a nerd, really.

So I will also be sharing my book notes on this page. What does that look like? I don’t really know. Maybe key highlights, big lessons, maybe reviews or rants? Only time will tell.

I really am unsure where this blog will go and what will end up happening with the book, but I do know this:

Something good will come of this.