In the fall of 2013, when Brain Pickings turned seven, I looked back on this digital lifetime in a short essay, reflecting on the seven most important things I had learned in those seven years of reading, writing, and living — notes to myself, shared in the hope that they might help others on their own creative journeys in some small way or simply offer some assurance against the lonesomeness of the path. And yet I was completely surprised — surprised and delighted — by how many kindred spirits from all walks of life reached out, both privately and publicly, to share how deeply these simple life-learnings resonated. Among them were the fine folks of Holstee, who adapted the piece into a gorgeous letterpress poster inspired by vintage children’s book illustration.

Now, the creative team of Dissolve offers a new take in a gorgeous cinematic adaptation, blending unstocky “stock” footage with gentle line-drawing animation and a sensitive music score. Please enjoy:

For more on the full scope of these thoughts, revisit the original essay, then see this related animated essay on wisdom in the age of exploration.