Stride & Saunter

Straightforward as it is, human silence (especially between or among others) carries a great deal of meaning. Or, perhaps more precisely, a great many possible meanings. Could those of us that are choosing not to voice or express our sentiments prevent or minimize confusion by explaining our silence? Is it always possible? These have been recent musings of mine.-Kip

It’s often said that history is written by the victors. I would at that it is remembered and offered to future readers by those present and observing. And where victorious parties have a necessarily skewed vision, the most powerful and accurate histories will incorporate every possible perspective and story. To that end, I implore you to start writing and allow a history for our successors. Whoever they may be and however they may see us, let’s give them the light to do so.-Kip

While music has been consumed since time immemorial, video games are a much less popular medium by comparison. In this entry of an ongoing series meant for non-gamers, we wanted to explore how music is used in video games to great effect. And - in the circumstances of a global pandemic - what insights we might find within the music of video games. How do their soundtracks ward of the monotony of repetitive tasks? How does music help clarify the tone of a given moment or encounter?

Reflections on how we speak when conversation is necessary, but not all that we need.

Even in the information-rich twenty-first century, the many mechanisms of the mind remain shrouded in mystery. Our abilities of recollection, creativity and intuition continue to astound and intrigue researchers and civilians alike. Perhaps most curious of all are the origins of our thoughts and ideas. When questioned by others about the seeds of our thoughts, are they asking sincerely? How does our curiosity about the thinking worlds of others impact their own relationships to internal thoughts and feelings?

Some earn the admiration of their peers and followers while others become the subjects of scorn, envy and resentment. This week, we're joined by Jason Cerf to explore this distinction in the comparison of bosses and leaders. What associations - influenced by the working world - do we have with bosses that we don't ascribe to leaders? Is one position more idealized or less realistic than the other? When are these roles necessary, cumbersome or over-complicated?

Anyone with even a cursory experience of language can attest to its power. Words wield the capacity to lift us out of lingering darkness and to drive us into great acts of courage, love and beauty. Most immediately in our lives, we have experiences with names and their personal, varied meanings. New York Times columnist Sarah Miller captures this idea well in her piece satirizing her experience with the name “Karen” and the various behaviors she associates with it. How do we collectively come to associate a single name with such a wide swath of attitudes and beliefs? Do we give a name meaning or does that process flow the other way?

Relationships of all sorts bring up complex emotions tied to esteem, perspective, individual needs and loss. And just like these interpersonal circumstances, our responses to the relationships of others are just as varied and nuanced. In particular, the phrase “their loss,” has become a common refrain to console those after a pitfall or difficult experience. What do these words suggest about our views on relationships? Do we ever use the opposite language to speak in terms of a “gain”? And how does this frame the recipient of these words in an infallible light or as a prize?

For many of us, life is a journey of discovering, tracing or defending the truths we perceive. Truth is a precious commodity and one that seems all at once secure, transient and elusive. Shared truths are especially powerful and often revealed by prominent figures around us. Helen Rosner of The New Yorker shared one such example in her 2018 article on famed chef, Anthony Bourdain. This week, we discuss her ideas about the intersection of fame, food and sincerity that Bourdain represented and continues to represent.

Though people in the professional world lament the stress, energy-drain and overall toll of their jobs on their lives, most adults acknowledge work as a component of their lives. How would the world differ if work dominated every waking moment? What would culture look like and how would we structure our lives? This week, we welcome Leland Holcomb to explore an Aeon article that grapples with these questions. It references the idea of "total work” and examines how this trend would erode our playful moments.