What I’m Reading: Range by David Epstein

I will be recommending this book to absolutely everyone. It is one of the most exciting, applicable, and thought-provoking books I’ve read thus far. Epstein deconstructs the popular ideas of our pro-specialization culture, such as tiger-parenting, the 10,000 hours theory, and much more. In opposition, Epstein offers support and validation for the notion that generalists, those with a wide range of experience and knowledge, are far more valuable and necessary than we tend to believe. I would strongly recommend this book to teachers and educators, those currently facing career struggle, or those who are confronting an unknown future such as high-school and college students.

What I’m Discovering for Myself: Stoicism

My journey with personal philosophy has been slow and wavering. I have been drawn to various philosophical ideas over the years, most strongly associating myself with existentialist thought. However, over the last few years, I’ve found myself more and more attracted to the ideas of Stoicism. It first started when I read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. I found many of the ideas and questions inherent to his journaling were things I was considering and facing in my own daily life. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I began to dive more into the practical ideas of Stoicism in other texts. Perhaps it is its practicality that I find so engaging. The more I explore its tenets and beliefs, the more I find they are readily applicable and hinged on the action and practice. I’m unsure of where this will take me, but I am enjoying discovering a new way of thinking and interacting with the world.

A Quote I’m Thinking About: “You can’t eat your brothers and have them too.” – Budd Schulberg

From Schulberg’s book What Makes Sammy Run?. I have never found such an exciting way of considering egotism as it relates to the communities we have. It is impossible to maintain friendship and collaboration if we seek to abuse those for individual gain.