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How many boxes did you check?Chances are, most of them. These aren’t individual mistakes, they’re the equivalent of opti...
09/09/2026

How many boxes did you check?

Chances are, most of them. These aren’t individual mistakes, they’re the equivalent of optical illusions. There are false assumptions and missteps we make by nature.

Change begins when we start to recognize patterns.

First, identify common trapdoors. Then, you’ll start seeing them before you fall through.

Every second, billions of neurons are working together inside of the mind to set off a series of reactions we might neve...
09/08/2026

Every second, billions of neurons are working together inside of the mind to set off a series of reactions we might never fully understand.

Neuroscience is in constant pursuit of those answers. Remarkably, we continue to gain new insights almost daily.

A few vignettes of where that understanding sits today.

🕸️ Kate Forster
09/08/2026

🕸️

Kate Forster

Brenda Ueland (1891-1985) is an American writer best known for her work on writing itself.In 1938, she published “If You...
09/06/2026

Brenda Ueland (1891-1985) is an American writer best known for her work on writing itself.

In 1938, she published “If You Want to Write: A Book About Art, Independence and Spirit,” now her best-known work.

The book’s central message central message: “Everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say.”

She reviews writing as a reflection of each person’s unique lived experience, drawing through lines across art, music, and philosophy.

Throughout her career, she was deeply inspired by the life + work of Vincent Van Gogh. In the book she recounts this story of Van Gogh’s travel + experience, and the unapologetic way he translated it.

09/05/2026

What do you consider great product design?

Chances are, the answer is in your hand right now: Most of us associate the decisions made by Apple as the foundation. Consistency, simplicity, quality.

But where did their source code travel from?

Jony Ive worked alongside Steve Jobs to build the language we now expect from Apple. Ive hasn’t been shy about citing his sources: Dieter Rams built the foundation.

Rams’ approach reshaped objects we take for granted. He built iconic silhouettes for calculators, clocks, stereos, kitchen appliances, and more.

He created devices for Braun, and furniture for Vitsoe. He authored “Ten Principles for Good Design,” still widely cited today.

Whether you know it or not, you’re interacting with Dieter Rams’ work on a daily basis.

What do you learn about art + design from practicing for 70+ years?Ask Yohji Yamamoto.
09/04/2026

What do you learn about art + design from practicing for 70+ years?

Ask Yohji Yamamoto.

Philosophy 101, breaking down schools of thought that have stood the test of time.
09/04/2026

Philosophy 101, breaking down schools of thought that have stood the test of time.

How you learn > What you knowTa-Nehisi Coates’ journey in literature began before he was born.His father is William Coat...
09/02/2026

How you learn > What you know

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ journey in literature began before he was born.

His father is William Coates, a Vietnam War veteran and former Black Panther.

In 1978, he created the Black Classic Press, a publishing company that focused on preserving + championing Black literature.

Ta-Nehisi’s father made writing his life’s passion. His mother would make him write essays when he misbehaved as a child. Building his world around reading wasn’t an option, it was their family’s way of life.

Fast forward many decades: Coates is a National Book Award winner, a multiple-time NYT bestselling author, and has taught at universities across the country.

David Hammons’ most viewed works start with a simple question:What happens when you alter a symbol most people refuse to...
09/01/2026

David Hammons’ most viewed works start with a simple question:

What happens when you alter a symbol most people refuse to touch?

In 1990, he created “African-American Flag,” his combination of the Pan-African + American flags. Now, versions of the work are displayed at MoMA, the Broad, and the Smithsonian.

What started as a work for a gallery in New York City has now traveled worldwide. Hammons continues to explore works across mediums including painting, sculpture, and photography.

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