Reading a Mystic
Benedictines read the psalms every day, and it’s through these outpourings of emotion that Norris finds a version of religion that resonates with her wordsmith identity
Focus
We pursue any available detour, texting, Snapchatting, Netflixing, to avoid the work of attention. It is slowly robbing us of joy, of that mysterious dimension.
The Middle World
The advance of modern science has also shaped our sensibilities in such a way that we don’t have room for mystery or a reality infused with another reality.
Sheer, Stupid Inertia
It’s this inertia that, very possibly, will find us waking up in ten years in a job we never really planned on, thinking, How did I get here? This was supposed to be for the summer.
On Being a Korean Korean Language Learner
In a strange twist of fate, English has now become my first language, and I’m trying to bring my Korean up to a similarly fluent level.
Blahbligation: Not a Dating Guide
Maybe that’s what I don’t like about the word “obligation.” It implies requirement. I have to do it. And that doesn’t seem very loving to me.
On Difference
But in the end, I think we’re all so wrong. So long as we keep yelling. So long as we keep denouncing each others’ thoughts and words and actions as evil.
Vaccine Fundamentalism
Why disallow reasonable inquiry into these controversial issues, many of which are not scientific? Why substitute propaganda and ad hominem attacks for rational discussion?
Korean Renaissance
As we have witnessed in countless places, economic crises tend to lead to civil unrest and increased anger towards the establishment. Not in Korea.
Planets or Penguins?
One may wonder what sort of daily tasks are deemed worthy by someone with so much practice spending days. For Alfie, the answer is knitting sweaters for tiny injured penguins.
