Reads by Maria Popova

Nick Cave on the Two Pillars of a Meaningful Life

“Cultivating a questioning mind, of which conversation is the chief instrument, enriches our relationship with the world.”

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How to Apologize: Reflections on Forgiveness, Self-Forgiveness, and the Paradox of Doing the Right Thing

“It’s permitted to receive solace for whatever you did or didn’t do, pitiful, beautiful human.”

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The Necessity of Our Illusions: Oliver Sacks on the Mind as an Escape Artist from Reality

“We need detachment… as much as we need engagement in our lives… transports that make our consciousness of time and mortality easier to bear.”

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The Majesty and Mystery of Night Migration, in a Stunning Poem Turned to Music

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About War

“Outsiders who are not themselves immersed in pain should make an effort to empathize with all suffering humans, rather than lazily seeing only part of the terrible reality. It is the job of outsiders to help maintain a space for peace.”

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Turning from Peril to Possibility: Ecological Superhero Christiana Figueres on the Spirituality of Regeneration

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Reads by Maria Popova

“Cultivating a questioning mind, of which conversation is the chief instrument, enriches our relationship with the world.”

“It’s permitted to receive solace for whatever you did or didn’t do, pitiful, beautiful human.”

“We need detachment… as much as we need engagement in our lives… transports that make our consciousness of time and mortality easier to bear.”

“Outsiders who are not themselves immersed in pain should make an effort to empathize with all suffering humans, rather than lazily seeing only part of the terrible reality. It is the job of outsiders to help maintain a space for peace.”

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