Figuring by Maria Popova delves into the lives of several historical figures, primarily women and queer individuals, who have shaped our understanding of the universe through their contributions in science, art, and literature. The book weaves together their stories to explore broader themes such as the pursuit of truth, the power of love, and the interconnectedness of human experiences. Popova's narrative spans centuries, from Johannes Kepler to Rachel Carson, highlighting how these figures have influenced each other and the world around them.
Adventures in the Screen Trade is a candid and insightful look at the Hollywood film industry, written by William Goldman. The book is divided into three parts, offering essays on Hollywood realities, stories from Goldman's projects, and a practical guide to adapting a short story into a screenplay. It includes the full screenplay of 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and provides valuable advice for aspiring screenwriters.
In this book, Sam Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow. He explores the scientific underpinnings of spirituality, suggesting that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. The book is part memoir and part exploration, discussing the illusion of the self, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of understanding consciousness through both scientific and philosophical lenses.
In this essay, Seneca addresses the common complaint that life is too short by arguing that life is sufficiently long if one uses it wisely. He contends that people waste much of their time in luxury, carelessness, and pointless activities. Seneca emphasizes the importance of living in the present, pursuing philosophical wisdom, and avoiding the distractions that make life seem short. He advises readers to organize each day as if it were their last and to avoid procrastination and the preoccupation with future or past concerns[2][4][5].
In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth. The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.
A Velocity of Being is a curated anthology of letters and original illustrations from 121 culture-makers, including writers, artists, scientists, and philosophers. Each letter reflects on the impact of reading on their lives, accompanied by artwork from celebrated illustrators. The book is a testament to the enduring power of literature and its role in shaping character and fostering empathy. All proceeds benefit the New York Public Library system.
John Muir's 'Wilderness Essays' is a collection of writings that celebrate the beauty and spiritual significance of nature. Muir's eloquent prose evokes a deep appreciation for the wilderness, highlighting its importance for human well-being and ecological balance. The essays explore Muir's personal experiences in various natural settings, from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the forests of Alaska. His passionate advocacy for conservation is evident throughout the collection, inspiring readers to protect and cherish the natural world. Muir's work remains influential in environmentalism and continues to inspire readers to connect with nature.
This book, written by master sommelier Richard Betts and illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton, introduces readers to the basic components of wine through a fun and interactive scratch-and-sniff approach. It helps readers identify different wine aromas, such as fruits, wood, and earth, making it easier to distinguish between various wine types like Syrah and Sangiovese.
Maria Popova (@brainpicker) is a reader and a writer who writes about what she reads on Brain Pickings, which is included in the Library of Congress permanent web archive of culturally valuable materials. She is the author of Figuring, the editor of A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader, and the creator and host of The Universe in Verse, an annual charitable celebration of science through poetry at the interdisciplinary cultural center Pioneer Works in Brooklyn.
Brain Pickings is Maria’s one-woman labor of love — an inquiry into how to live and what it means to lead a good life. From Mark Twain to Oscar Wilde and everyone in between, Maria finds the hidden gems. She is also PROLIFIC and makes me look like a sloth.
In this in-depth conversation, we cover just about everything: how it happened, her workflow, how she writes (and workarounds to problems), how her site generates revenue, her workouts, and many more details. If you want to know the habits of a hyper-productive person, this episode is for you.
This interview originally aired in 2014. You can find the show notes here: https://tim.blog/2014/10/21/brain-pickings/
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