“A good prediction is not a good decision,” Narayanan and Kapoor write.

One of the joys of being a tourist is becoming temporarily inexpert in life’s little rituals, and thus having to attend to them closely: how to greet people, thank them, excuse yourself, show respect.

I felt accepted by my friends and a community of artists, but that acceptance felt conditional on continuing to “do X” or “be into Y.”

According to French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, poor people are more practical about their tastes, prioritizing accessibility and entertainment, seeking out things for their utility more than for what liking a thing can say about their personality or pursuit of knowledge.

I have resolved to work in silence, until the day when I should feel capable of defending theoretically the results of my endeavors.

björk said that trying to communicate through talking feels like trying to put the ocean through a straw