What Fascinated Me This Week
Words of wisdom from those who've lived
The theme this week seems to be advice for living. While I appreciate what others have experienced, no advice is universal. There are parts of these essays that resonate, that make me think differently about my own life, but none of it is codified. This is especially true in an era of uncertainty (the effect of decisions by political leaders) and change (climate and otherwise).
“A 100-Year Old’s Advice On How to Find Meaning at All Stages of Life” from the Washington Post
Jack Weber just celebrated his 100th birthday with his extended family. When asked to reflect, his first response was to “enjoy the simple things.” He shared a tender memory of his mother who embodied and modeled that advice.
“How My Mother-In-Law Lost Her Mind and Found Herself” from the New York Times
The author of the piece shares his observation of the effects a brain tumor has had on his mother-in-law’s outlook. She was once quite disciplined, but the tumor left her forgetful. Rather than get frustrated by the experience, she counseled herself to remain calm, reminding herself that she is not in control.
“How to Build a Village” from Rosie Spinks’ Substack newsletter, What Do We Do Now That We’re Here
The writer asked her community to share what they were doing to build a village in their own lives, specifically, the ways in which they have found enrichment in unlikely places and from unlikely sources. The responses fell into one of three categories: mindset shifts, communication shifts, habit shifts.
When I read the writer’s bio, she says she is interested in “how to live a meaningful life in a chaotic world.” I’m listening…
“Men Have Bigger Problems Than Not Reading Novels” from LitHub
I was grabbed by the subtext: “What’s wrong with men is what’s wrong with America.” I thought to myself, “What’s wrong with men?”
The men to whom the author refers are those currently flexing their political muscle in Washington. It does not refer (thankfully) to ALL men. He suggests that reading opens the mind, introduces us to different opinions and perspectives and that we should ALL be reading to understand what we don’t know.
However, I was amused most by his final sentiment:
“All of these things are a chance to step outside of yourself and consider others. We like to imagine men reading because it’s a vision of a man who is patient, sensitive, and restrained. A man reading is a man pausing and thinking, not a man acting or reacting. It’s seductive to extrapolate this image: a nation of men reading might be a place that is more considerate, a place that lifts up everyone...
Above all else, a man reading is silent.”
A reading man is silent. Ha!
Prime Target on Apple TV+
I just started watching this. I’m fascinated by numbers and number theory, so I’m already hooked. I feel marginally smarter for watching it, too.
So, what fascinated you this week? I hope a dose of good reading awaits you this weekend…