“There is no fate but what we make.” – Terminator 2 The hope for someone who was predisposed to development of disease due to early stress/trauma is emphasized through the concept of neuroplasticity and human ability to adapt throughout life. Exploring epigenetic mechanisms of the reconsolidation process has led to the understanding that “repeated [memory] … More Red Pill, Blue Pill
“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson In his book Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education, Michael Pollan explores the dichotomy between natural growth and deliberate cultivation. He recounts his gardening experiences, beginning in childhood, and explores ethical questions that arise from altering nature for the sake … More Earthly Entitlements
I’ve been hearing about the benefits of transcendental meditation for years. This month I finally read Jack Forem’s book on the subject. I fully intend to explore further. Will keep you posted. (Along similar lines, this article on focus and attention can help you find the sweet spot and get things done in flow. It’s long, presumably to … More Get Lit with Kit – best of July 2018
“There is no such thing as bravery; only degrees of fear.” – John Wainwright In her work Man Crazy, Joyce Carol Oates depicts the stunning journey of Ingrid, the prodigal daughter, as she conquers the harrowing journey from death to rebirth. Internalizing all that is violent and self loathing in her youth, Ingrid understands the … More A Version of Myself
I’d like to offer a comic video from Steve Simeone. He jokes about sibling rivalry and I’m going to loosely connect it with Paul Kalinithi’s book When Breath Becomes Air, which explores the meaning of life through his experience as a neurosurgeon who develops lung cancer at the age of 36. Here’s a link to Kalinithi’s NYT … More Get Lit with Kit #24
“Love me tender, Love me true, All my dreams fulfilled.” – Elvis Presley Man is a singular creature. In the construct of his mind he can forge versions of reality that do not correlate with objective experience. He finds ways to interpret, rationalize, justify. He reads factual events with imposed nuance and meaning. It’s tragic. … More Love Me Tender: Forsaking the Self for Love
The Trial by Franz Kafka is an existential novel that will make you want to tear out your hair. If you have ever been trapped in a situation that can only be described as absurdly infuriating (i.e. Kafkaesque) then you will appreciate this book, and maybe even experience a catharsis. For other Absolute Absurdity titles, watch my book … More Get Lit with Kit #23
“Are you aware that you are conditioned?” – J. Krishnamurti There is no limit to the depths of man’s despair. And yet, how much of this pain is self inflicted? In his seminal work, The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoyevsky parses out perception from reality, desire from need. In almost prophetic terms (the work was completed … More Masters of the Universe: Dostoyevsky and Man’s Sense of Self Determination
I have been following Jordan Peterson for a while on YouTube. He wrote the book Maps of Meaning, and has a great lecture series on the same topic that I recommend. His newest project 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote for Chaos is a must read. Check out his Slaying the Dragon lecture, and bump his books to the top of your … More Get Lit with Kit #22
“And the Lord said unto Cain: ‘Where is Abel thy brother?’ And he said: ‘I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?’” – Genesis 4:9 Science and technology are advancing at exponential rates. Western culture is struggling to keep pace and maintain its moral clarity amidst the morass of shifting values. Often, it is only when … More An Irrevocable Fate: The Humanity of Destruction
