Welcome to Friday,
I am incredibly excited about work and writing this week. I was able to get back into the gym, after being sidelined for a few weeks with a strained muscle. Not being able to get tough workouts in was a mixed blessing; I had more time to read and write, but wasn’t getting the regular movement I’m used to and didn’t quite feel like myself. Rigorous exercise is a non-negotiable for me, as I’ve been reminded.
I also pressed send on a piece I’m quite proud of, which I’ll share more about in a few weeks. It may be raining as I write this, but it’s a very sunny week over here.
Here is the best of the Internet for this week:
The Japanese art of “golden repair,” kintsugi. This philosophy encourages us to embrace flaws or imperfections as part of the whole object, not reject the flaws.
Orwell on Nationalism. As usual, Orwell nails his definition of nationalism, explaining how and why it is often a destructive force, and that it tends to rise during the absence of patriotism and religious belief. A prescient call to attention for our current times.
I’m enjoying catching up on Scott Alexander’s recent discussion on modern architecture. Pair with my thoughts modern architecture here.
“The stranger your tastes seem to other people, the stronger evidence they probably are of what you should do.” Paul Graham on work that feels like play.
A staunch defender of the classics and lifelong education, Dr. Mortimer Adler advocated that the average person was capable of studying and benefiting from the Great Books, and should be encouraged to do so. This piece is a brief summary and introduction of Dr. Adler’s work and legacy.
Currently reading: Collected Essays by George Orwell
Have a creative weekend.