Yesterday I posted a passage from Steven Pressfield’s new book The Arcadian about how being induced to act against our values—being corrupted from our values—affects us, in Wounded Warriors, by Steven Pressfield, and Ourselves. Yesterday I quoted a scene from Steven’s book where three warriors share the effects on their minds of their heroism. It began with what happened to their bodies, which seems the visible counterpart of what happens[…] Keep reading →

I finished The Arcadian by podcast guest Steven Pressfield yesterday. I found the whole book gripping, but one passage stood out as relevant to my work and upcoming book. A big part of my upcoming book is what happens to us when we are induced to act against our values—that is, when we are corrupted from our values. We didn’t ask to be born into a culture that makes it[…] Keep reading →

This week I finished: A Man at Arms, by podcast guest Steven Pressfield: I hear Steven has two groups of fans — those of his The War of Art-type books and those of his historical fiction — and they don’t overlap much. I was in the first group. His latest book, The Acadian, comes out soon. We’re scheduled to record our second podcast episode on it this week. It stands[…] Keep reading →

The library near me displays books, changing them every day or week or so. Today they had Roots by Alex Haley. I read the book in college, I think in my first year, which would mean 1988-89. It wasn’t for class and it’s a long book so I don’t know how I found time for it. I don’t remember much of it, but there are a few words in it[…] Keep reading →

Each Sunday I post selected books, movies, courses, and other media I finished that week. Today, I’ll see if I can pick the ones I liked the most. I’ll write the categories first, then fill them in after searching this year’s posts. I’m not sure which I’ll remember or forget. I don’t think I read many fiction books. I don’t usually note podcasts or short videos, but I listen to[…] Keep reading →

I wrote a few months ago about my physics professor who met Albert Einstein. He also plays piano, at least once even at Carnegie Hall, though a private event hosted by Steinway not for an audience. You might notice a resemblance to Einstein: He played at a private recital this week. I don’t attend enough in-person music performances, all the more for living in New York City. He played last[…] Keep reading →

The first drafts of all my past books were long, followed by many rounds of editing, including a lot of cutting. My latest draft is around 80,000 words with maybe 20 percent more to write. At 275 words per page, that’s pushing 300 pages. Not bad for a first draft. Except for some good news. My best writing, or progress, tends to come not when I’m writing or at the[…] Keep reading →

I’ve talked a lot lately about a few movies that have spoiled me for most other movies. That is, I find them so meaningful that other movies might entertain but don’t compare in value they bring to my life. After seeing them, if any other movies resemble them, I can’t help but try to compare them and the other ones don’t measure up. The movies that spoil me for other[…] Keep reading →

I wrote last month about how I love recognition for my work and friendships that others pay for, like going on the field for batting practice. This time I can’t help sharing about access to another big New York City institution. A friend works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It turns out that since Wednesday is their maintenance day, it’s closed to the public but open to staff and[…] Keep reading →