Lincoln: A Spielberg film
It’s popular these days to list all books you’ve read — perhaps less so than the movies you’ve watched, or the albums you’ve enjoyed. I’m trying to remind myself that the real importance is in finding art that inspires you, no matter what the medium. Art that moves you to change, to be better, or to appreciate the world in a new way.
Enter Lincoln. A star studded cast, impeccable directing, and the story of a great man, Abraham Lincoln, at his most critical moment — the final days of the Civil War. By zooming in on a few short weeks of Lincoln’s life, the audience gets to enjoy seeing Lincoln in many roles under immense pressure — a father, a husband, a leader, a listener, a flawed man, and of course — the president.
If seeing great people live their lives in detail inspires you, you’ll love Lincoln as much as I did. I learned more from this movie than I’d learn in reading many books about him. Taking more movie recommendations if you have any :)
Winners & Losers In The Wildest NBA Week Ever: Zach Lowe
If you’re a basketball fan + an avid reader (like me), you’ll appreciate the beauty which comes from Zach Lowe on a consistent basis.
In the last month alone, Zach has chronicled Brooklyn’s rise, Golden State’s (potential) fall, the impact of Kawhi’s decision , Houston’s opportunity and the capper: winners and losers in the wildest week in NBA in history.
To me, this NBA free agency is a reminder of the consistency of change, and perhaps, it’s acceleration. Basketball dynasties fade. New leaders emerge. As Lowe says, in the modern NBA, “five year plans are now useless.” Next year, the unknown awaits as many teams in the league look to assert their spot at the top. (Go Rockets 🚀)
Lowe is an artist; he adds a language, a knowledge, and an ability to tell stories which brings a joy to every one of his articles. He’s also an inspiration his ‘Ten Things I Like & Don’t Like’ series, and simply, his output of must read articles for basketball fans or anyone who wants to learn more about the sport. Thanks, Zach.
Good Old Neon: David Foster Wallace
A complicated tale written by David Foster Wallace about ‘Neon’ a character who struggles to find meaning in the nuances of life — who has a hard time differentiating between his interests and the interest in… being interesting. The 41-page short story gets right into it:
My whole life I’ve been a fraud. I’m not exaggerating. Pretty much all I’ve ever done all the time is try to create a certain impression of me in other people. Mostly to be liked or admired. It’s a little more complicated than that, maybe. But when you come right down to it it’s to be liked, loved. Admired, approved of, applauded, whatever. You get the idea
The story, further complicated by David Foster Wallace’s suicide six years after publishing the article, points to the importance in finding a ‘center’ which isn’t prescribed to you by anyone other than yourself. This is hard, because as social animals, we’re inextricably linked to others when we choose our own goals. Luckily, DFW helps us see through Neon’s eyes and, hopefully, helps us spend time with the important question: “What do I want to do with my one wild and precious life?”
Much love :) catch you on the interwebs!
V