Words of Wisdom — December 10, 2013

Henry Miller on How to Live

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.” – Henry Miller (born on this date in 1891)

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A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.” – Henry Miller (born on this date in 1891)

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Thinking

Trimurti: Meet the “Holy Trinity” of Hinduism

Hinduism emphasizes the journey, whichever path that takes. And it holds us responsible for our own self-improvement.

Hard Science

What the famous Miller-Urey experiment got wrong

The Miller-Urey experiment showed that the building blocks of life could form in the primordial soup. But it overlooked one key variable.

Thinking

Is living really better than never being born at all?

Is life worse or better than non-existence? And if it is, who is judging? Welcome to anti-natalism, a small but lively corner of philosophy.

Personal Growth

Jimmy Carter, Cancer & Redefining the New Old Age

Carter said he was “surprisingly at ease” when he received his diagnosis. Perhaps part of that serenity comes from the knowledge of the good works he has done in his life.

Words of Wisdom

Mo Yan: Suffering Brings Understanding

“Possibly because I’ve lived so much of my life in difficult circumstances, I think I have a more profound understanding of life.” – Mo Yan (born on this date in 1955)

Up Next

Words of Wisdom

Matthew Arnold on Common Sense

“The freethinking of one age is the common sense of the next.” – Matthew Arnold (born on this date in 1822)