Gavril Nikolaev 
I often describe myself as a reader and a writer. But there is one self-label that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves — lifelong learner. That part of myself is on the never-ending path of self-improvement, an endeavor that is nourished, among other things, by Coursera. Case in point: “The Modern and the … Read more
In 1845, moved by the desire to reconnect with the essence of his own being, great Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817–May 6, 1862) embarked on a voluntary two-year exile in the woods. It was an experiment in simple living and contemplation of nature, which later became the basis for his book Walden; or, Life … Read more
Rarely are we invited as intimately into the creation of spellbinding art as we are through Van Gogh’s Letters. It’s because of their accessibility that Vincent van Gogh (March 30, 1853–July 29, 1890), among all the fathers of modern art, has become the most universally loved. That his range of ideas is not seen as … Read more
No parent can bear the thought of losing their child. Yet circumstances outside our control do not discriminate — the lives that had only begun to blossom are taken away and hurled into the darkness of oblivion. When that happens, where does one seek consolation, some edge to hold on to, some light to orient … Read more