oh no I have to pick a fig
“The idea of the future, pregnant with an infinity of possibilities, is thus more fruitful than the future itself,” Bergson wrote, “and this is why we find more charm in hope than in possession, in dreams than in reality.” Once again, the seemingly dispiriting message here is actually a liberating one. Since every real-world choice about how to... See more
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

"Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work." - Gustave Flaubert
Perhaps it’s more helpful to think of collecting books like collecting wine: you pick up novels you know you will enjoy at some time in the future. That time might be right now, or it might be next year. Like a bottle of Sancerre, you’ll bring it down off the shelf at the perfect moment, when you’ll enjoy it most. That’s okay, even encouraged,... See more
Poet Mary Oliver on allowing yourself to be happy and full: "If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it. ...whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb."

"Life is bristling with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to cultivate one's garden."
- Voltaire
- Voltaire
South Africa, MLB Leaderboards, and Return of the Pandas
Everything is hard in some way. It’s hard to be in the wrong relationship. It’s hard to be in the right one. It’s hard to be broke and miserable, it’s hard to achieve your dreams. It’s hard to be stuck in the middle, not really feeling anything at all. Everything is hard, but you choose your hard. You choose what’s worth it. You don’t choose... See more