A few days ago I posted on Facebook an excerpt from a book highlighting that peak productivity usually occurs in periods of task isolation–where one may focus on a single task for longer stretches at a time. This excerpt concludes that To produce at your peak level you need to…
Recently a friend shared an image that tried to visually highlight an ethical hierarchy using the now familiar Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This usual pyramid highlights the broad lower levels of ‘use what you have’ and ‘borrow,’ ascending to narrower upper levels culminating in ‘Buy’ and ostensibly imploring the…
This article, although focused on classical music, at its core is a brilliant exposition and exegesis of the current state of affairs in our society. From the transience of experience and rampant individualism, through to a constantly thwarted search for Australian identity, the observations in the middle section are rich…
Identity is a hot topic in our society, with regular articles on ‘How to find your identity’ and what identity means in a shifting culture. Advocates on all sides of the culture, gender and sexuality wars also appeal to identity as a core ideal worth defending. However, from the broad usage…
Yesterday I had the time to read an excellent long form report from Gary Younge—a British reporter for the Guardian—on his upcoming departure from the United States, where he has been reporting for the past twelve years (http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/01/gary-younge-farewell-to-america). Throughout his report he notes that the overwhelming reason for his imminent…
I came across this little article recently from the NY Times, on the prevalence of the broader general public turning to education based entertainment for their downtime. Rather than merely switching off and not engaging their faculties. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/20/education/turning-to-education-for-fun.html Let me quote from the article: What does it mean when people who…
