Thinking Archives

a split-screen image: on one side, a hunched-over grumpy figure under a dark cloud, watching doom-laden news on TV; on the other, a vibrant, smiling individual surrounded by books, art supplies, and a laptop—engaged, curious, and hopeful. A plant bridges the sides, thriving on the optimistic side.

The Courage to Be an Optimist – 7 Takeaways No. 243

How to think. Have a good day. Radical optimism. Embracing discomfort. AI fluency. Imposters within. Who’s an asshole?

A medieval scribe at a table carefully writing a book.

Writing That’s Thoughtfully Crafted – 7 Takeaways No. 225

Too old? Find joy. Artisanal writing. Increased expectations. Your responsibility. Judging others. Making good new things.

A photo album. The album is intricately crafted with lifelike wood textures, featuring ornate carvings of floral and geometric patterns around the edges.

A Treasured Time Capsule – 7 Takeaways No. 214

Fail more. Take the photo. Memento mori. Letting other tell us what to think. Using time wisely. Pain is inevitable. Searching for truth.

A carved wooden relief depicts a lone individual standing on a cliff, gazing at a vast expanse with rolling hills, a winding river, and a distant horizon. The night sky above is filled with intricately carved stars, symbolizing both the minuteness and connectedness of human existence within the cosmos.

My Almost Complete Lack of Importance – 7 Takeaways No. 213

Have hope. Connect with real people. Share your appreciation. Choose to think. You don’t matter, but you do. Another algorithm casualty. Choosing growth.

A whimsical woodcut-style illustration of a gnat curiously looking at a glowing mobile phone screen.

The Attention Span of a Gnat – 7 Takeaways No. 207

Media Literacy. Attention Spans. Memento Mori. Rebel Optimism. Thinking Deeply. Help Someone. Subscribe to People.

The first person is speaking, saying 'blah blah blah'. The second person looks bored, with their head resting on one hand. The third person looks annoyed, arms crossed and frowning. The fourth person is checking their smartphone, looking down at the screen. The background is neutral to focus on the people.

If You Talk All the Time – 7 Takeaways No. 189

Uncomfortably numb. Supporting truth. Curation as a solution. Follow the leader. Stop thinking. Run away. Remembering the sacred.

A middle aged woman in a recliner in a home library gazing out a window.

We’ve Forgotten How to Relax – 7 Takeaways No. 176

Paywalls, an enemy to democracy? Relax. Laughter in relationships. Be an adult, OK? Having faith. Listening makes you interesting. Curiosity makes for a rich life.

An hourglass centrally located and surrounded by various types of stopwatches

Time’s Apparent Speed – 7 Takeaways No. 172

The power of “I don’t know”. Listening better. Choosing anger (or not). Prevention as the cure. Appreciating your already good life. Being a better wait-er. A possible explanation for time seeming like a blur of late.

A digital painting of a person in a chaotic environment, symbolizing the embrace of chaos. The person stands confidently in the center, with a relaxed posture and a slight smile, indicating their acceptance and control amidst the chaos. Around them, a whirlwind of abstract, swirling colors and shapes represent chaos. The colors are vibrant and intense, with reds, blues, and greens clashing and blending in a dynamic and disorderly fashion. Papers and objects appear to be caught in the tumultuous wind, adding to the sense of disarray. The background is a blur of motion and energy, further emphasizing the theme of chaos. The composition is dynamic, with a sense of movement and fluidity.

Learn To Embrace Chaos – 7 Takeaways No. 160

Thinking, boredom, choices & uncertainty, Tolstoy’s thoughts on social media, and more.

A photorealistic image of an elderly Caucasian man sitting in a comfortable lounge chair on a serene beach. He has a modern laptop on his lap, suggesting he is working or staying connected while relaxing. In his hand is a refreshing drink, possibly a cocktail with a small umbrella, symbolizing leisure. The scene captures a blend of relaxation and productivity, with clear blue skies, gentle waves in the background, and soft sand underfoot. The setting sun casts a warm glow, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

Never Retire – 7 Takeaways No. 151

Humility, Technology, Hope, Retirement, Self-care, Thinking, Extraordinary