"I did not set out to design a house on a pole, a three wheeled car, or geodesic structures. My objective has been humanity's comprehensive welfare in the universe. I could have ended up with a pair of flying slippers."
Read moreThe Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
When we sin, we blame pride; and everyone nods in agreement, recognizing our humility in opening up about the pride issue again. This little pamphlet is top-3 resources on the self.
Read moreMaria Popova
Very few people inspire and motivate me to excellence (in research, reading and writing) like Maria. You don't want to miss this.
Read moreAnother Blog Update
This blog is changing, and it's taking me along with it. Here are 3 things I want to clear up, plus a few tips on how to choose what to read and what the next step is for adamsetser.com. Thanks for reading and supporting me!
Read moreMarcus Aurelius on Epistemology
Epistemology is the knowledge we have about how we can have knowledge. Our epistemological position determines our confidence in our ability to know truth, and by truth, I mean absolutes. This is the battle ground for absolutes. The relativism of our postmodern world is due to a weak foundation, a weak epistemology.
Read moreMusic is More Than Background Noise, So Start Being Intentional
Spotify and other online music services lets us stream infinite music. And while this is great, it comes with baggage, especially for Christians who must navigate the "sacred-secular" divide. I think there is a better way of utilizing music and its purposes in our lives, and it doesn't have to do with more "praise" songs.
Read moreNew Weekly Series: Hump-Day Biographies
I'm starting a new series called "Hump-Day Biographies" in which each Wednesday will bring a short piece on a person in history who inspires me and helps me get outside myself.
Read moreHow Reading is Declining in America and What to Do About It
Statistics show that reading (of books) is heavily declining in America, and while that's no surprise, it's vitally important for us to step out and lead the way by making changes in our own reading diets.
Read moreHumblebrag, meet Grumblebrag
We humans brag while appearing humble, but also while plain-old grumbling. It's hilarious.
Read moreGetting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen
David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology will set your mind free. I don't review the book so much as introduce it because it's required reading around here.
Read moreWhat in the World is a Self, and Do I Have One, or Two?
I would propose that the letters S-E-L-and-F are used more now than ever in history (90% usage being in the word selfie, no doubt), but never were we ever more ignorant of what a self is, or could be, or should be.
Read more"A Long Obedience in the Same Direction": The Meaning of Life from Friedrich Nietzsche and King Solomon
The meaning of life is often discussed in terms of personal fulfillment and gratification, but Friedrich Nietzsche and King Solomon concur that life is meant be lived for something else. (Plus, I mean look at the guy's mustache!)
Read moreHarold Best on Art, Authenticity, and the Hometown Hero
Incredibly wise words from Harold Best in a 7-page letter to a young artist on art, authenticity, fame, and community.
Read moreWorkflow: This is How We Get Things Done
In order to achieve mastery of a topic you must first achieve mastery over your tools. In this series I will break down the core tools necessary for an academic to do his or her work so that maybe you can learn from my experience and come away with a better grip of what tools are out there and how best to use them.
Read moreDerailing the Great Books and Other Personal Updates
I am backing off my exhaustive reading plan for the Great Books for two reasons, which I share here. Changes are in the works for the blog, and I have some other updates to share regarding my other projects.
Read moreAvengers: Age of Ultron, A Thoughtful Review
The problem the Avengers are fighting isn't just Hydra or the rogue computer program; it's death.
Read moreThe Iliad by Homer
The book is about why men fight. Amid the obligatory girls, games, guts and gore, you have this sub-narrative of commentary about the war, commentary about men from the perspective of the gods, and vice versa. There is a mutual reflection there that provides keen insight into man and his free will, and gods, and their (supposed) sovereignty.
Read moreStop Being Ok With Being Bored
And Christians are the worst. We come to church and almost *expect* to be bored by the sermon, the Biblical text, and the music--and the amazing thing is, only a select few see through the fabricated "programs" of religion and into the deep sense of boredom those programs and events are meant to cover up.
Read moreThe Metamorphosis of My Desks and How I Changed Along With Them
Becoming a student is often a lonely, uncomfortable task. My own progression into Truth has been awkward, jilted, and oftentimes overwhelming, but I have made progress, and so have my desks. Here is my story in a nutshell for all you students who think you're behind the curve and alone.
Read moreThe Great Conversation by Robert Hutchins (Book 1 of The Great Books of the Western World)
It is fitting to begin The Great Books of the Western World, a set of old books consisting of 54 volumes, with a plea for a true liberal arts education--I just didn't expect it to be so short.
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