How to Read a Poem: Bill Murray Feat. Emily Dickinson

“The simplest definition of poetry is that it is what poets write,” Mortimer Adler wrote in his book about the most important life skill that our schools absolutely fail to teach us. “That seems obvious enough, and yet there are those who would dispute the definition.” Among those who oppose such simplicity, Adler notes, are … Read more

Zen in the Art of Writing

“I selected the above title, quite obviously, for its shock value,” writes Ray Bradbury (August 22, 1920–June 5, 2012) in his book Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You, a vibrant collection of essays celebrating manifold ways we can harness the power of our imagination. “Now, while I have you … Read more

Mother Teresa on the Meaning of Life

Few are the people whose contribution to humanity — be it work for peace, or freedom, or equality, or some other core human value — fills the soul with boundless gratitude for their very existence. Mother Teresa (August 26, 1910–September 5, 1997) — one of the greatest women of our time — is one such … Read more