“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
If you don’t know about the mighty Gordon Parks, then it’s time to let him rock your world. His autobiography should be required reading for any American. His writing, photographs, movies, music, and choreography are an essential part of American culture. This article provides and in depth look into sugar. (If you don’t have time to read … More Get Lit with Kit # 21
I saw a movie recently, about a young man who loses his brother. The plot centers around the protagonist overcoming his guilt and sense of responsibility surrounding his brother’s death. There is a subplot though, a love story (initially an unrequited love story, as his love interest has no desire to associate with him). He … More “No” Means “Yes”: Rape Culture in the Free World
Children’s books are often dismissed by “serious readers” yet these picture stories frequently offer sophisticated wisdoms. It’s a shame to think that they have nothing to offer. One of my favorite picture book authors is Allen Say, you can see in these interviews what a special soul he is (I strongly recommend watching all of the clips). … More Get Lit with Kit #20
