My iPhone 15 Pro is a marvel, but after over a decade of iPhone use, I am, frankly, bored. Apple products have become familiar to the point of monotony. And, having spent weeks using the betas of the upcoming version of iOS, I can’t shake the feeling that Liquid Glass is a design language at war with itself, contradicting its own mandate to put your...
Why are we lying to young people about work? The pendulum continues to swing, from the post-war grit of our parents' values, to the easy-going idealism of our own upbringing, perhaps back now, toward a more measured perspective on what it takes to succeed. Here’s what I highlighted: “We tell them that if they just find their passion, work will magically transform into endless joy,...
You wouldn’t think that a book about suffering is also, intrinsically, a book about happiness, but such is the case with No Mud, No Lotus. I read it some years ago, but its central ideas have stuck with me, and in times of trouble I find myself thinking back to the lessons it contains. Here’s what I highlighted: “When you love someone, you have to...
The more I learn about anxiety, the more I begin to see evidence of its presence all around. In the world, and in the lives of those close to me. In a recent episode of the wonderful Ologies podcast about "ergopathology", Dr. Kandi Wiens joined host Allie Ward to discuss the study of burnout. Burnout is just one of many ways anxiety can push people...
One way to learn how to appreciate music is by starting with minimalism. At its core, listening to music means listening for changes. Minimalism explores the limits of that idea; what’s the smallest change that can move us? How can tiny sonic gestures be used to evoke large emotional reactions? It’s a thought experiment that says everything is art if you look close enough. And...
This is one of those posts that makes you feel like the world is trying to shake you out of a stupor. Matt Duffy is unapologetic about claiming that Efficiency Without Morality is Tyranny. I’m inclined to agree, though I’m not sure “morality” is the right word. Here’s what I highlighted: “As societies scaled, we required coordination, optimization, and waste reduction. Technical leaders ascended to...
When's the last time you sat down and just...listened to music? Not as background for work, not while exercising, not during your commute. Just listening. It's probably been a while. Which is strange, because it's never been easier to access great music. We have infinite libraries at our fingertips, pristine audio quality, and negligible costs. Yet somehow, we've never been worse at giving music our...
Keith and I shared many classes in university, and I've been so happy and grateful to see him writing prolifically over the past year. We walked different paths after school, but it's amazing how many of the ideas, insights, doubts, and creative struggles Keith shares in his newsletter are ones I grapple with as well. I guess there's a reason we got along. This recent...