The myth of "I don't have," how to open a new book, Lao Tzu, and more
The myth of "I don't have," how to open a new book, Lao Tzu, and more
Seven links to worthwhile thin(g/k)s
Hello dear readers,
Small housekeeping: My apologies for the slight delay in sending out this week’s newsletter. The usual Friday newsletter turned into a Saturday night one, because yesterday I lost my data when my laptop unceremoniously decided it was time to RIP. A friendly reminder to back up your work, files, digital life, and so on. And now, onward!
Here are seven links to bits of the world I have been exploring this week, shared with the hope that you will find them to be an inspiring springboard for deeper thinking.
Gregory Hays (the translator of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations edition I am currently exploring) writes about the modern revival of Stoicism, with a foreboding prediction: “[T]he current vogue for Stoicism tells us something rather bleak about our own society. ‘Unhappy is the land in need of heroes,’ said Brecht’s Galileo; unhappy too, perhaps, the society that produces Stoics.”
Currently listening: @artidote’s Modern Classical playlist on Spotify.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali sat down with Joe Rogan for a new podcast episode. Couple it with her 2017 book, Infidel, and her latest from 2021, Prey.
Vera Nabokova as Lolita’s greatest champion.
Ursula K. Le Guin on her translation of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching: “I was lucky to discover him so young, so that I could live with his book my whole life long.” What a beautiful sentiment.
Readers’ Circle
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Until next Friday, friends!
Warmest wishes,
Ani