Atticus the Poet on Modern Media and Remaining Anonymous

6 snips

Oct 29, 2022

Atticus, an anonymous Instagram poet and New York Times bestselling author, discusses the impact of modern media on traditional ideas and maintains his mystery in the public eye. He shares his unique journey, from meeting the Dalai Lama to his ventures in the business world, including collaborations with major brands. Atticus emphasizes the importance of constraints in poetry and creativity, while exploring the balance between freedom and self-discipline. His insights on remaining true to oneself while navigating fame are both inspiring and thought-provoking.

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INSIGHT

Constraints in Poetry and Life

Constraints in poetry, like in life, can fuel creativity.
Cleanthes argued that poetic constraints, or "fetters," give rise to art and meaning.

ANECDOTE

HomeGoods Encounter

Ryan Holiday found an Atticus poem misattributed to To Kill a Mockingbird in HomeGoods.
This sparked their initial conversation and eventual friendship.

INSIGHT

Context Matters

Context matters significantly in how we interpret art.
A poem's meaning shifts based on its perceived source, highlighting how context shapes interpretation.

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The New Testament

A Student's Introduction

Harris, Stephen L.

This book provides a thorough and accessible introduction to the New Testament, covering its historical background, literary characteristics, and theological themes. It is tailored for students and includes detailed explanations and analyses to facilitate a deeper understanding of the New Testament texts.

Catch-22

Buck Henry

Set in the closing months of World War II, 'Catch-22' is a satirical novel that follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier stationed on the island of Pianosa off the coast of Italy. The novel explores the absurdity and inhumanity of warfare through Yossarian's attempts to escape his flying duties, thwarted by the bureaucratic rule known as 'Catch-22'. This rule creates a paradox where a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous missions, but if he requests to be relieved of duty, he is proven sane and thus ineligible for relief. The novel is known for its nonchronological structure, circular reasoning, and its critique of military bureaucracy and the illogical nature of war.

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

Love

A History

Simon May

In 'Love: A History', Simon May chronicles the evolution of love through Western cultures, from the Hebrew scriptures to contemporary philosophy. He argues that love has transformed from a divine power to a secularized force that fills the void left by the decline of theistic beliefs. May introduces the concept of 'ontological rootedness,' suggesting that love is a joyful response to the promise of a secure and enduring connection. The book examines various historical and philosophical views of love, rejecting unconditional and disinterested love in favor of a more grounded and personal understanding[1][2][4].

Ego is the Enemy

Ryan Holiday

In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.

The Dark Between Stars

Atticus

In 'The Dark Between Stars', Atticus captures the infectious energy of starting a relationship, the tumultuous realities of commitment, and the agonizing nostalgia of being alone again. The poems offer honest explorations of loneliness and the search for connection, as well as light-hearted, humorous observations. Atticus writes poignantly about various themes such as dancing, Paris, jazz clubs, sunsets, and more, illustrating the need for both beauty and pain to fully appreciate life and love.

The New Testament

A Student's Introduction

Harris, Stephen L.

Love Her Wild

Atticus

Love Her Wild is a collection of poems from Atticus, the young writer who has captured the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of avid followers on his Instagram account. The poems are short, powerful, and evoke the smallest and grandest moments in life, such as the first glimpse of new love, skinny dipping on a summer’s night, or drinking whiskey in the desert watching the rising sun. With honesty, poignancy, and romantic flair, Atticus distills the highs and lows of life and love into evocative lines that awaken the sense of adventure.

Discipline is Destiny

The Power of Self-Control

Ryan Holiday

In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness[2][4][5].

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and moral courage in the American South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime. Lee's powerful storytelling captures the complexities of race relations in the Jim Crow South, highlighting the prejudice and injustice faced by Black people. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes of empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.