Thanks, Lou. Your first section struck a chord since I've been seriously contemplating the pool of information we're swimming in. The revelation that occurred to me when reading this is that perhaps that's the new struggle, the quest. To navigate this sea and keep going, day after day, staying the course, while keeping the core values that motivate us as our guide.
Very much agree here. There's a nice quote from Byung-Chul Han on this, distinguishing between narrative and information: “A narrative is a form of closure: it has a beginning and an end and is characterized by a closed order. Information, by contrast, is additive, not narrative. It does not combine into a story, a song, that could form the basis of meaning and identity.”
I have always thought Substack was a wonderful way to maintain a journal, but you inspire a different format altogether. Your commentary, substantiated by experience, memory, and a reading list, is an exciting slice of your life—right here and now.
Thank you for reading and mentioning my piece. Just a small correction: Irvine’s “Regaining Your Sense of Awe” was a read-aloud-by-the-author essay on the Waking Up app. I am not sure what you call one of these. He has written several books (williambirvine.com/books), but not one on the subject of Awe, yet.
Love it all! What a great collection of thoughts. As for the photos, they rock, and to the weekend the Murph vest photon gave me chills! If I’m feeling brave enough and worthy after I attempt Murph again on Monday maybe I’ll post a pic of my vest! Let’s go!
Thanks so much for the mention – and nice scallop shucking skills! So many other good reading recommendations on here, I look forward to checking them out :)
Thanks, Lou. Your first section struck a chord since I've been seriously contemplating the pool of information we're swimming in. The revelation that occurred to me when reading this is that perhaps that's the new struggle, the quest. To navigate this sea and keep going, day after day, staying the course, while keeping the core values that motivate us as our guide.
Love this approach — couldn’t agree more.
Very much agree here. There's a nice quote from Byung-Chul Han on this, distinguishing between narrative and information: “A narrative is a form of closure: it has a beginning and an end and is characterized by a closed order. Information, by contrast, is additive, not narrative. It does not combine into a story, a song, that could form the basis of meaning and identity.”
Great piece Lou.
Thanks for sharing that, Dan — perfect definition.
I have always thought Substack was a wonderful way to maintain a journal, but you inspire a different format altogether. Your commentary, substantiated by experience, memory, and a reading list, is an exciting slice of your life—right here and now.
Thank you for reading and mentioning my piece. Just a small correction: Irvine’s “Regaining Your Sense of Awe” was a read-aloud-by-the-author essay on the Waking Up app. I am not sure what you call one of these. He has written several books (williambirvine.com/books), but not one on the subject of Awe, yet.
Thanks, Sudipto. I appreciate that and am glad that the format resonated with you — that’s exactly the intent!
And thanks for the clarification. I’ll update that with “reading” until we can come up with something better.
Love it all! What a great collection of thoughts. As for the photos, they rock, and to the weekend the Murph vest photon gave me chills! If I’m feeling brave enough and worthy after I attempt Murph again on Monday maybe I’ll post a pic of my vest! Let’s go!
Thanks, Timothy! Get after it!
Nice meditation on the nature of wisdom, Lou! And great photo series.👏
I think wisdom isn't about how much we know, but rather about what we DO with what we know. I wrote a bit about that in case you're interested:
https://bairdbrightman.substack.com/p/are-you-smart
Hope you bag that gobbler soonest!
Thanks, Baird! And appreciate the added insight!
And I love all the photos. It's a beautiful world.
I love you!
Indeed!
Thanks so much for the mention – and nice scallop shucking skills! So many other good reading recommendations on here, I look forward to checking them out :)
Ha — thanks! Always a treat when you have them.
You da man, Lou!
Thanks!
Couldn’t agree more on this one… I’ve found that there’s a pretty exponential diminishing of returns that comes with knowing more useless things.
100% — but it’s so tempting!