Sticky Post

Brain Rot and the Fight to Think Again

The word for 2024? Brain rot. Totally expected. Totally felt. I could sense it happening, slowly but surely—my brain decaying under the weight of (anti)social media. Five years of endless scrolling, fragmented thoughts, and dopamine hits designed to keep me addicted. Before that, I loved the person I was. As a literature student, I devoured books, analyzed them with passion, lived in stories longer than … Continue reading Brain Rot and the Fight to Think Again

Sticky Post

Defying Short Attention Spans with Heavy Reads: A Call to Rejuvenate Our Minds

It’s no longer a secret: human attention spans are shrinking. From younger to older generations, technology and the fast-paced consumption of information are reshaping our brains. Is it for better or worse? Only time will tell. For now, I find myself worried about these statistics, especially when I recognize my own habits contributing to this trend. No, this isn’t paranoia—we see it in our daily … Continue reading Defying Short Attention Spans with Heavy Reads: A Call to Rejuvenate Our Minds

Sticky Post

9 Lessons from Fernando Pessoa’s “Book of Disquiet”: From Simplicity to Anti-Minimalism | Art of Saudade

Fernando Pessoa is one of the most enigmatic writers, known for his use of heteronyms—various personas through which he channeled his creative expressions. His “Book of Disquiet” is formally a prose work, but its poetic nature is undeniable. The deep philosophical insights it contains are invaluable. Here, I share nine lessons I learned and cherished from this book, often referred to as “the saddest book … Continue reading 9 Lessons from Fernando Pessoa’s “Book of Disquiet”: From Simplicity to Anti-Minimalism | Art of Saudade

Sticky Post

From Tao Te Ching to TikTok: Embracing Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World | Art of Saudade

Fun fact: both Tao Te Ching, a 4th-century BC philosophical masterpiece, and TikTok, a 21st-century social media sensation, are Chinese and start with the letter T. This is just a coincidence to catch your attention and this post isn’t about comparing them. Not to attack one or praise the other: they are incomparable. Instead, I want to share my thoughts on the profound impact of … Continue reading From Tao Te Ching to TikTok: Embracing Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World | Art of Saudade

Sticky Post

On the Art of Humbleness | Art of Saudade

The word ‘humble’ comes from the Latin humilis (“low, slight”) or the ability to become smaller, to go lower. Now compare the original Greek term, χαμαλός (khamalós), from humus (“the earth, ground”), humi (“on the ground”). Interestingly, ‘humiliating’ has the same origins. Yet, humbleness is an art of life, while humiliating is a disconnection from life. Humiliating others or oneself has nothing to do with … Continue reading On the Art of Humbleness | Art of Saudade

Sticky Post

The Stoic Guide to Modern Resilience: Insights from Seneca | Art of Saudade

In the bustling landscape of modern life, finding solace in ancient wisdom might seem like a quaint notion. Yet, delve into the teachings of Seneca, the illustrious Stoic philosopher from ancient Rome, and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of insights that resonate deeply with the complexities of our contemporary existence.  As a prominent Stoic philosopher living in ancient Rome during the first century AD, Seneca … Continue reading The Stoic Guide to Modern Resilience: Insights from Seneca | Art of Saudade

Sticky Post

The Stoic Guide to Modern Resilience: Insights from Marcus Aurelius | Art of Saudade

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, the wisdom of the ancient Stoics offers invaluable guidance on how to navigate life’s storms with grace and resilience. Among these revered philosophers, Marcus Aurelius stands out as a beacon of wisdom and introspection. As the Roman Emperor known for his philosophical inclinations, Marcus Aurelius left behind a timeless masterpiece of Stoic philosophy: “Meditations.” In this article, … Continue reading The Stoic Guide to Modern Resilience: Insights from Marcus Aurelius | Art of Saudade

Sticky Post

Embracing JOMO: The Art of Finding Joy in Missing Out | Art of Saudade

In the vast landscape of human desires, there exists a spectrum that transitions from the insatiable hunger of FOMO to the serene contentment of JOMO. We’ve all embarked on this journey, whether consciously or not, as we navigate through the ebbs and flows of life’s ambitions and social pressures. Picture yourself at 18, with the world at your feet, dreams as vast as the horizon, … Continue reading Embracing JOMO: The Art of Finding Joy in Missing Out | Art of Saudade

Sticky Post

Reading: An Act of Rebellion in a Time of Short Attention Spans and Instant Gratification | Art of Saudade

In an era dominated by social media and fleeting moments of gratification, the act of reading stands as a rebellious stance against the tide of short attention spans and instant satisfaction. It’s easy to dismiss concerns about attention and concentration as mere millennial paranoia, but the reality is far more concerning. Think about it – our brains are being trained to seek instant gratification through … Continue reading Reading: An Act of Rebellion in a Time of Short Attention Spans and Instant Gratification | Art of Saudade

How to Master Shoshin: The Art of Embracing a Beginner’s Mind | Art of Saudade

Have you ever tried to approach a task with the mindset of a total beginner, even if you were an expert in the field? While it may seem easy to adopt a beginner’s mind and approach new challenges with a fresh perspective, the reality can be far more challenging. So, why is Shoshin such a powerful and fruitful philosophy of life? By embracing this mindset, … Continue reading How to Master Shoshin: The Art of Embracing a Beginner’s Mind | Art of Saudade