Ah, Friday, December 13th—the day when friggatriskaidekaphobia (pronounced FRIG-uh-TRIS-kai-DEK-uh-FOH-bee-uh) takes center stage. Yes, it’s a mouthful, but what better day to use a word that sounds like it was invented during a losing round of Scrabble? This is the official fear of Friday the 13th, and while most people are just blaming their bad dayContinueContinue reading “Friggatriskaidekaphobia – yes it’s a real word”
Author Archives: mitlily
Exploring Taoism
Years ago, I was gifted a truly stunning book—this translation of the Daodejing. It’s not just a translation; it’s an experience. The pages are filled with beautiful Chinese calligraphy, breathtaking photographs, and thoughtful English translations with commentary. Ever since, I’ve been itching to dive deep into the text and, if possible, try my hand atContinueContinue reading “Exploring Taoism”
Book Club: The Underachiever’s Manifesto: The Guide to Accomplishing Little and Feeling Great
Last year, I had a bit of a midlife crisis—or let’s call it an “existential to-do list overload syndrome.” I sat down with a life coach and asked, “How am I supposed to do everything I want in life?” You know, the big stuff: work, spend quality time with my family and friends, eat healthy,ContinueContinue reading “Book Club: The Underachiever’s Manifesto: The Guide to Accomplishing Little and Feeling Great”
What is Homophily?
ChatGPT introduced the word “homophily” to me yesterday, and I learned that its antonym is “heterophily.” I had never encountered either term before. Apparently, homophily is the tendency for people to associate with others who are similar to themselves. Doesn’t this remind you of some common expressions? “Birds of a feather flock together,” “great mindsContinueContinue reading “What is Homophily?”
Gratitude – The Shortest Path to Happiness
This morning, I stepped out into a world blanketed in white, the air crisp with the bite of -5°C. The snowstorm had passed, leaving behind a quiet stillness, interrupted only by the crunch of footsteps and the fleeting hum of a bicycle wheel. The sky hung heavy and overcast, but within me, a spark ofContinueContinue reading “Gratitude – The Shortest Path to Happiness”
Exploring the Mystery of Conscious and Unconscious Thinking
[Written with help from ChatGPT] Thinking is one of the most fascinating aspects of being human. We all experience the constant stream of thoughts in our minds, but where do these thoughts come from? Are they deliberate creations of our conscious mind, or do they emerge from the shadows of the unconscious, bubbling up likeContinueContinue reading “Exploring the Mystery of Conscious and Unconscious Thinking”
Book Review and Reflection: The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant
[Written by ChatGPT] When I picked up The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant, I wasn’t quite prepared for how much this slim volume would pack into its 100 pages. This is no mere summary of their monumental The Story of Civilization—it’s a masterpiece of wit, humility, and deep reflection. The prose sparklesContinueContinue reading “Book Review and Reflection: The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant”
Science: Hallmarks of aging
[Written by ChatGPT. Feature image from Avea] The 2023 article “Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe” by Carlos López-Otín and colleagues updates the original 2013 framework of aging by adding new hallmarks and refining our understanding of the aging process. Here’s a summary of the key points: Core Concept Aging is a complex biological processContinueContinue reading “Science: Hallmarks of aging”
Book Club: How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren
By the time we hit middle age or finish our degrees or even advanced degrees, it’s easy to assume we’ve mastered the art of reading. After all, we’ve devoured hundreds of books, from dense academic texts to breezy novels. But picking up How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van DorenContinueContinue reading “Book Club: How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren”
The Future Possibilities of Mind, Body, and Longevity
[Written by ChatGPT] As humanity continues to push the boundaries of science, technology, and philosophy, the future of mind, body, and longevity is teeming with exciting possibilities. These advancements could revolutionize how we live, age, and perceive health. Here’s a glimpse into what the future might hold: 1. Extending Lifespan and Healthspan Longevity Escape Velocity:ContinueContinue reading “The Future Possibilities of Mind, Body, and Longevity”
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