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David Sedaris' essay "A Plague of Tics" humorously recounts his experiences with obsessive-compulsive behaviors during his childhood. In the essay, Sedaris describes various tics, such as licking light switches, tapping his head, and aligning objects, which stemmed from his anxiety and the need for ritualistic actions to cope. The essay explores the misunderstandings he faced from teachers and his mother’s sarcastic reactions to his compulsions. Despite the lighthearted tone, Sedaris reveals deeper themes of isolation, self-consciousness, and the struggle for control over his own mind.
"Learning to Measure Time in Love and Loss" by Chris Huntington is a poignant essay that reflects on the complexities of love, grief, and memory. Huntington explores how time is perceived differently in moments of love and loss, weaving personal stories that highlight the fleeting nature of relationships and the lasting impact of those we care about. Through vivid memories and introspective musings, he examines the emotional weight carried by the passage of time, ultimately conveying how love and loss shape our sense of time and identity. The essay resonates with universal themes of connection and the enduring presence of those we've lost.
In this lyrical meditation, Brian Doyle takes readers on a journey from the racing heart of a hummingbird to the massive heart of a blue whale, ultimately arriving at the most complex heart of all—the human heart. Through stunning natural imagery and poetic prose, Doyle explores themes of vulnerability, isolation, love, and the bittersweet knowledge that despite our deepest connections, we all live "alone in the house of the heart."
In this 1999 White House Millennium Lecture, Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel argues that indifference to human suffering is more dangerous than hatred, as it dehumanizes the victim and benefits the aggressor.
This letter was written in response to a question from Valerio, a reader from Stockholm, Sweden, who wrote to Nick Cave:
"Following the last few years, I'm feeling empty and more cynical than ever. I'm losing faith in other people and I'm scared to pass these feelings onto my little son. Do you still believe in us, human beings?"
Cave's response became one of his most widely shared letters, resonating with people worldwide who were grappling with similar feelings of disillusionment
By Mirsad Serdarevic, Ph.D. | Psychology Today | June 8, 2018
Written on the day of Anthony Bourdain's death in 2018, this reflective essay connects Viktor Frankl's philosophy about finding meaning in suffering with the tragedy of losing beloved public figures to suicide. Dr. Serdarevic argues that while suffering touches everyone—regardless of fame or success—we need to talk more openly about mental health, combat the isolation of our hyper-connected era, and build communities where people can find personal meaning and receive support during dark moments. Drawing on research showing suicide attempt survivors report wanting to live when given time to reflect, the article calls for better prevention through reduced access to lethal means and increased mental health resources, ultimately advocating for a kinder, more connected society.
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