The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

I am thoroughly enjoying Rick Rubin’s new book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being.

Here’s one of my favorite passages so far:

When it comes to the creative process, patience is accepting that the majority of the work we do is out of our control. We can’t force greatness to happen. All we can do is invite it in and await its activity. Not anxiously, as that might scare it off. Simply, in a state of continual welcoming.

We’ve Got the Best Healthcare

So I’ve been on the same maintanence regimen of allergy medications for a decade.

For three years now, during the pandemic, I call the allergist up and ask for a refill. They ask how I am, I say nothing has changed, they send the script to the pharmacy.

Back in November of last year, they tell me that they haven’t seen me in a while that I’ll need to come in next year.

Today I go in for my appointment. Despite the notice that everyone must wear a mask, no one does, including the staff behind the desk. So I wait outside. I wait for 45 minutes.

Finally, it’s my turn. The nurse asks me 5 questions, doesn’t exam me, then sends me on my way.

The cost with insurance: $400.

“It’s called the american dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.” – George Carlin.

Advice from Austin Kleon

One of my favorite thinkers on creativity recently hosted an AMA from his newsletter. I asked “what do you do when you don’t feel anything exciting? How do you get back on track?”

This was his reply…

Remembering Sophie Scholl

Today is the 80th anniversary of the death of anti-Nazi activist student Sophie Scholl. From Wikipedia:

Sophia Magdalena Scholl[a] (9 May 1921 – 22 February 1943) was a German student and anti-Nazi political activist. She was convicted of high treason after having been found distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich with her brother, Hans. For her actions, she was executed by guillotine.

Her haunting last words: How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause… It is such a splendid sunny day, and I have to go. But how many have to die on the battlefield in these days, how many young, promising lives. What does my death matter if by our acts thousands are warned and alerted.

Experts

An expert is someone who, over many years, manages to remain confident enough to keep trying and humble enough to keep learning.

– Jame Clear