In 'Livewired', David Eagleman delves into the dynamic and adaptive nature of the human brain, highlighting its ability to reconfigure itself in response to environmental stimuli. The book covers a wide range of topics, including synesthesia, dreaming, and wearable neurotech devices that revolutionize how we think about the senses. Eagleman also introduces his concept of 'liveware' and discusses how the brain's adaptability can lead to remarkable feats, such as a blind person learning to 'see' with their tongue or a deaf person learning to 'hear' with their skin. The book is praised for its accessible and engaging writing style, making complex neuroscience accessible to a broad audience.
Tenth of December is a collection of short stories by George Saunders, known for its honest, accessible, and moving narratives. The stories delve into contemporary issues such as class, sex, love, loss, and war, posing moral dilemmas that challenge readers' perspectives. The title story, 'Tenth of December,' is particularly noted for its poignant exploration of memory, loss, and redemption.
Tolstoy's *Master and Man* is a novella that delves into the themes of redemption and self-discovery. It follows the story of a wealthy landowner, Brekhunov, who embarks on a perilous journey during a blizzard. Initially self-absorbed, Brekhunov undergoes a profound transformation as he confronts his mortality and the suffering of his servant. Through an act of self-sacrifice, he finds meaning and compassion, ultimately dying a peaceful death. The novella's exploration of spiritual awakening and the importance of human connection resonates with readers even today. The story's simplicity and powerful message make it a compelling read, highlighting Tolstoy's mastery of storytelling.
George Saunders is the author of eleven books including, Tenth of December, which was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the inaugural Folio Prize in 2013 (for the best work of fiction in English) and the Story Prize (best short story collection). He has received MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellowships, the PEN/Malamud Prize for excellence in the short story, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. George also teaches in the Creative Writing Program at Syracuse University.
In this episode, Eric and George discuss his book, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain.
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In This Interview, George Saunders and I discuss Writing and Transformation and…
- His book, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain
- That we are not powerless to decide what kind of person we’ll become
- Some key Cognitive Distortions from which we all suffer
- The Darwinian Confusions that we have
- Living with the Ego while also renouncing the Ego
- The question of can people change and if so, how?
- How and why small adjustments do matter in the grand scheme of things
- The exponential impact of setting an intention
- The way he maintains a beginners mind amidst repetition
- The “urgent patience” he’s cultivated within himself
- The “cousins” of meditation
- Valuing and blessing our own reactions to what we read
- How to know when we should trust ourselves
George Saunders Links:
George’s Website
Facebook
Twitter
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If you enjoyed this conversation with George Saunders on Writing and Transformation, you might also enjoy these other episodes:
Improvising in Life with Stephen Nachmanovitch
Todd Henry
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