Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet" is a collection of letters written to a young aspiring poet, offering profound insights into the creative process and the nature of life. The letters explore themes of patience, perseverance, and the importance of embracing doubt and uncertainty. Rilke emphasizes the significance of living authentically and finding meaning in the everyday. He encourages the young poet to delve deeply into his own experiences and emotions as a source of inspiration. The letters are not just about poetry but about the human condition, offering timeless wisdom applicable to all aspects of life.
Drawing from her long studies of happiness and personal challenges, Gretchen Rubin presents 'Secrets of Adulthood' as a guide to manage life's complexities. Using the ancient literary discipline of aphorisms, Rubin conveys large truths in few words, addressing issues such as indecision, change, temptation, and relationships. The book is filled with witty and thought-provoking reflections designed to inspire and help readers navigate various life situations.
In 'What Works: Gender Equality by Design', Iris Bohnet offers actionable insights and evidence-based strategies to reduce gender inequality. The book explores how unconscious biases affect decision-making and provides tools for creating more inclusive environments. Bohnet emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions, transparency, and visible role models in promoting gender equality.
What if the most important thing you could do in moments of confusion, fear, or identity crisis… was to pause and sit with the question, rather than race toward an answer?
In a world that values certainty, performance, and instant solutions, Elizabeth Weingarten is offering something rare: a permission slip to not know. On this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, John R. Miles speaks with Elizabeth about her book, How to Fall in Love with Questions: A New Way to Thrive in Times of Uncertainty, and the profound shift that happens when we stop treating life’s hardest questions like problems to fix — and start treating them like partners in our growth.
Click here for the full show notes:
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Key Takeaways:
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Uncertainty Isn’t a Problem—It’s a Portal - Life’s hardest questions aren’t meant to be solved immediately. They’re invitations to grow, reflect, and connect with your truest self over time.
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Our Obsession With Certainty Can Be Harmful - Fast, tidy answers—especially from influencers or institutions—often suppress deeper truths and can lead us further from what we truly need.
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Questions Hold the Key to Meaningful Change -Embracing open-ended inquiry helps us better navigate identity shifts, career transitions, moral dilemmas, and emotional upheaval.
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Living in the Question Requires Emotional Stamina -Sitting with not-knowing is psychologically demanding but ultimately expansive. It asks for patience, vulnerability, and a tolerance for ambiguity.
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Behavioral Science Supports the Power of Inquiry - Research shows that reflective questioning enhances decision-making, strengthens relationships, and deepens personal resilience.
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You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Explore Your Life -“Question literacy” is a skill we can all build. The most important answers often emerge not from authority, but from curiosity and self-trust.
For more information on Elizabeth Weingarten: https://www.elizabethweingarten.com/book
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Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles 
