Alex Dobrenko

People read nonfiction to learn and to feel. My framework for ensuring a blog post accomplishes both is to start with a first draft that focuses on "novel" ideas.

A novel idea is one that's not just new to the reader, but also significant and not easily intuited. Think of it as new and worthwhile . I've identified five categories:

• Counter-intuitive —

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I am often tempted to wonder when it will get easy until, in contemplation, I am reminded to relinquish the judgement of things and their unfolding.

It all comes back. Perhaps it is difficult to see the value in having one’s self back in that kind of mood, but I do see it; I think we are well advised to keep on nodding terms with the people we used to be whether we find them attractive company or not. Otherwise they turn up unannounced and surprise us, come hammering on the mind’s door at 4 a.m... See more

Everyone is born a creator. Consumption is the antithesis of creation. Passive consumption amounts to junk food for our brains and robs us of time that we could be spending actively creating and living fulfilling lives