We Can Do Hard Things Jia Tolentino: The 1% of Life that Makes It All Worth It (Best Of)
9 snips
Apr 27, 2025 
Jia Tolentino, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of the bestselling 'Trick Mirror', explores embracing all facets of oneself. She discusses the significance of un-productivity, how shame can be a positive force, and the challenge of making real life richer than digital existence. Topics also include harnessing motherhood to foster energy rather than fatigue and practical tips for reducing late-night scrolling. The conversation weaves in humorous anecdotes about college life and unexpected inspirations for storytelling.
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Jia's Sorority Rush Antics
- Jia Tolentino spent sorority rush lying to see how much she could get away with while high.
- This experience was both a bit and a method to learn about the sorority culture from inside.
Shame's Constructive Role
- Shame can be appropriate when recognizing participation in harmful systems.
- Feeling some dissatisfaction often leads to honesty and positive change rather than constant happiness.
Shame Over Exploitation
- Jia feels shame about ordering online amid UPS labor issues and daycare workers lacking benefits.
- She connects this shame to the systemic need for federally funded universal childcare as a solution.
