media consumption: articles, video essays, podcasts to make you smarter (vol. 4)

hello.

i’ve curated a list of some great media for you to enjoy this sunday. everything from exploiting your life for the sake of art, why crushes are so painful, the banality of online recommendations, the history of the word fuck, emotional regulation in solitude, notes on martha stewart’s new documentary, kierkegaard on existence, the crisis of meaning, and so much more. i hope you enjoy. i love curating these lists for you every week.

on a different note, i’ve been thinking a lot about existence and faith in oneself after reading fear and trembling by soren kierkegaard. he uses the example of abraham’s sacrifice of isaac as an example of what it means to truly have unrelenting faith for something or someone, despite not knowing the outcome.

i’m not a religious person, but i think this idea of faith should be an introspective, intimate and personal journey. it made me think about my own life, my purpose, and having enough faith in myself to leap into passions i’ve supressed in spite of (or despite) people who have doubted me throughout the entirety of my life.

i believe that in order to live out your existence to its absolute fullest, there’s a level of surrendering and knowledge of one’s self that needs to set the foundation for decision making.

decision paralysis, the root of anxiety, stems from the fear of the unknown- should you take that job? make that move to a city you’ve always dreamt of living in? commit yourself to a relationship with a person you love and trust? this endless abyss of confusion and uncertainty can’t be fully uncovered until you trust yourself deeply enough to move in the direction towards the things that bring you utmost joy, happiness, and satisfaction. it could be a person, a passion, perhaps a combination of the two. what is a life worth living without these things?

that thing that brings your joy… chase it. commit your life to it. pour your whole soul into it.

put yourself in an environment where you can be fed and nourished- a reciprocated love and energy that makes you want to wake up in the morning and continue living.

some people are lucky enough to earn a living off of said passion.

but this is not the point.

some people are lucky enough to simply know what it is that makes them feel alive, and more importantly, prioritize this as if their life depends on it.

it does.

many people will spend their whole lives sitting in a purgatory of their own complacency.

one day they’ll wake up and realize that it’s too late. some people will never even have the pleasure of knowing the potential of their own lives because they’ve spent the entirety of their existence conforming to societal standards, seeking external validation from people who will never understand the things inside of them that make them feel alive.

you’re the only person who can break free from your sisyphusean existence.

i’m on a philosophy bender, you see.

okay, i’m taking a sharp turn into the meat of today’s letter. i’m sharing a weekly report below, and then some media to sink your teeth into on this fine sunday.

weekly report:

reading:

letters to milena by franz kafka – this collection of letters captures kafka’s intense, introspective relationship with milena jesenská, a writer and translator. his words reveal a deeply personal struggle with love, self-doubt, and existential anxiety, making these letters as much about kafka’s inner life as his affection for milena.

the concept of anxiety by soren kierkegaard – kierkegaard delves into the nature of anxiety, presenting it as a fundamental part of human freedom and choice. he explores the spiritual and psychological aspects of anxiety, particularly how it connects to sin and the human condition, making it a philosophical cornerstone for existential thought.

surplus enjoyment by slavoj zizek – zizek examines how capitalism and consumer culture shape modern enjoyment and dissatisfaction. through psychoanalysis and philosophy, he dissects the concept of "surplus enjoyment," exploring why people are drawn to excess and how this impacts our relationships, desires, and sense of self.

the selected prose of fernando pessoa – a collection of pessoa’s musings, this work brings together his philosophical reflections and fragmented thoughts on existence, identity, and art. written under various pseudonyms, the pieces reveal a mind that sees life as a series of interconnected yet elusive moments.

the complete poems by anne sexton – sexton’s poetry collection is deeply introspective, often exploring themes of mental illness, femininity, and death with a raw, confessional style. her work is haunting and intimate, inviting readers into her personal struggles and reflections on life, love, and identity.

eating:

coffee cake with black coffee in the morning

pastina soup

fall charcuterie as an afternoon snack

crepes with almond butter and marion berry jam

pomegranates

freshly cut envy apples with honey roasted peanut butter

playing:

martha stewart documentary on netflix: what a fascinating woman

overthink podcast: a great philosophy podcast hosted by ellie anderson. i love seeing women dominating the philosophy space.

philosphize this podcast: i stand firm in the believe to eradicate men from podcasting. but this host is harmless and quite helpful if you’re interested in philosophy.

look… i know you’re going to judge me for this one. but i might be re-watching normal people again. to be fair, the last time i attempted a re-watch, i only got through one episode and got hooked on the real housewives of new york city. but now that i’ve run out of episodes, i’m back to my comfort show.

obsessing:

-criterion: i’ve been taking full advantage of my criterion subscription now that the sun is setting earlier. the perfect time to bury myself in film.

recommending:

-advent calendars: the new yorker, snoopy, peppermint bark, tea, cookies (you guys, the new yorker puzzles!? arguably the best advent i’ve ever seen in my life)

treating:

-getting off my phone, writing in my journal, writing to you, cooking something comforting in the kitchen, watching a new film

media consumption:

articles:

the banality of online recommendation culture

a discussion about the repetitive and somewhat empty nature of online recommendation culture, where influencers, algorithms, and targeted ads constantly suggest what to read, watch, or buy. it argues that while these recommendations can make choices easier, they often prioritize what's trendy over genuine quality, pushing a sort of "cultural sameness." this culture of endless suggestions, driven by algorithms and the desire for monetization, can lead to a sense of emptiness, stripping personal choice and discovery of authenticity. as a result, people may feel like they're engaging more with a system of consumption than truly personal experiences. 

the new yorker