The Heliotropic Woman: Elizabeth Gilbert

Or, to put it more simply: Nature provides the seed; man provides the garden; each is grateful for the other’s help.

Think of Rilke, who famously said, “If my devils are to leave me, I’m afraid my angels will take flight, as well.”

Or take Maria Popova, who has been writing weekly essays about literature, art, and philosophy for her blog The Marginalian for about two decades.

She smiled sweetly at everyone and always acted like a total cooperator—but then she shaped her own world exactly to her liking while nobody was looking.

“These are two things that I have always observed to be in singular accord: supercelestial thoughts and subterranean conduct.”