Agalia Tan

when we say “meaning”—or “meaning orientation”—what we’re really talking about is a reading of the world that makes sense. Like: I know who I am. I know what’s going on here. I understand the rules people are playing by. I have a sense of what’s likely to happen if I do X. That’s the foundation. So, my first take at defining “meaning” would be... See more

scrolling narrows the field of my curiosity. I take what I find there; I don’t make adventurous or consequential inquiries. I used to sit with boredom all the time—oh, I flinched and chafed, but I always found my way out, or around it. In habitually checking messages, I lost the chance for intimacy with slow dawnings, the feel of big decisions... See more

Previously, a lot of short-form video content lacked a format. Creators were obsessed with aiming for one-off viral hits that attract large audiences. The problem is that variability is incredibly hard and without a format, the audiences are usually drive-by. Now we’re seeing well-structured ideas that are still short-form, but thanks to the... See more

Simplicity takes an enormous amount of time and effort.

Will anyone be like bouncing someone on their knee, telling them about Wednesday , Season 1, when they’re a grandpa? I don’t think so.

People will sometimes approach me with projects I don't really want to do. But if I do them, those people will smile and shake my hand and go, “We feel positive emotions, and it's because of you!” and that will feel good. So I often end up signing on to these projects, feeling resentful the whole time, cursing myself for choosing—freely!—to work... See more

A great relationship is not only finding the person you have fun with, but also finding the person you want to be bored with. The beauty of long-term relationships is often hidden in boring, ordinary moments.