170. How to be a Light in the Darkness: Sarah Lewis, author of ‘The Rise,’ [reads] ‘The Artist’s Struggle for Integrity’
2 Pages with MBSShow Notes
Recommend this show by sharing the link: pod.link/2Pages
My great grandparents feel fictional to me. Sure, I’ve seen pictures and I know their names, but do I feel their touch and influence? No, not really. My grandparents, however, are four presences I definitely notice. What have you learnt from your ancestors? And how might they be present in you, today?
Sarah Lewis is an art and cultural historian, author of The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery, founder of the Vision & Justice initiative, and a professor at Harvard. She’s much more than that, though, and as she reminds us, we are all more than our pedigrees. Get book links and resources at https://www.mbs.works/2-pages-podcast/
Sarah reads two pages from the speech-turned-essay, ‘The Artist’s Struggle for Integrity’ by James Baldwin. [reading begins at 16:30]
Hear us discuss: “The narrative you construct about who you are, and who the world should be to accommodate you, is foundational for your life.” [8:50] | Success ≠ safety: “Your achievements don’t accompany you when you have to produce all over again.” [24:43] | Prioritizing projects and saying no to distractions. [26:50] | The diverse perspectives and approaches to tradition. [28:59] | Unlikely teachers: “I take lessons now from greater sources than I did in the past.” [33:21] | Filling the role of the elder as you age. [36:02] | “The seeming accident oftentimes never is.” [43:20]
More from 2 Pages with MBS
Michael shares stories from his own journey, from academic rule-breaking to the creative tension between precision and chaos, inspired by Joyce’s work. He invites us to consider how we say goodbye and the ways that art can shape life. Get book links and resources at 2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at 2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Michael reads from Ulysses by James Joyce. [Reading begins at 03:13] Hear me discuss: “This is the final episode. This is the final chapter. So it's me saying goodbye, and me reading two pages from a book that meant something to me.” [00:00] | “The Molly chapter is quite famous in literary circles. It’s written without any punctuation …” [00:50] | “Joyce called ‘Yes’ the most positive word in the English language. That's how he wanted to finish this book. So that's how I want to finish this whole series.” [06:35]
Neil Pasricha reads from A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, a novel celebrated for its humour and philosophical musings and sharing insights on balancing ambition with contentment. He reflects on how embracing life’s uncertainties can lead to growth and joy. Neil discusses his journey from personal challenges to finding meaning in simple moments and the power of living authentically. Today's guest is Neil Pasricha, author of The Book of Awesome series and host of the 3 Books podcast, where he explores the 1,000 most formative books. Neil’s work centers on celebrating life’s small joys and finding happiness through simplicity. His reflections offer guidance on balancing ambition and cultivating contentment while navigating life's complexities. Neil’s reflections reveal the importance of stepping away from the noise, embracing vulnerability, and rediscovering what truly matters. Get book links and resources at 2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at 2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Neil reads from A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, introducing its compelling, layered storytelling that resonated deeply with him. [Reading begins at 28:05] Hear us discuss: “Almost all problems are solved by going on a walk. Your body is soothed by something we have less of today than ever before: exposure to nature.” [13:02] | “Inside of me, there is always this wrestling match between ambition and contentment.” [17:17] | “Life is long if you know how to live it.” [23:45] | “Get more and more comfortable with feeling like if I were to lose everything, I would be okay. That’s kind of where you have to be.” [24:01] | “Keeping your thoughts as wide as possible is hard in an era of homogenization... Be wary of what you find through search and be seeking of what you find through serendipity.” [41:14]
Greg M. Epstein reads from E.B. White’s essay, Once More to the Lake, and Madeline Ostrander’s essay on the ethics of bringing children into a world facing climate uncertainty, reflecting on how nostalgia and future anxieties shape our understanding of legacy and purpose. He explores how our connections to the past and future influence not only how we experience the present but also how we find resilience in facing today’s challenges. Today’s guest is Greg M. Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT and author of Good Without God. For two decades, Greg has built a community of secular and non-religious students and thinkers. He discusses how humanism, self-reflection, and embracing vulnerability can lead to meaning and connection, even in the face of existential challenges.
Today’s guest is Frankie Thorogood, an entrepreneur who has navigated the intersections of creativity, business, and sports. Frankie shares his insights on finding fulfillment, balancing ambition with self-acceptance, and how creativity has played a pivotal role in his personal and professional life.
Today's guest is Dr. Angel Acosta, a leading voice in healing-centered education and leadership development. With a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Acosta is the founder of the Acosta Institute, a Fellow at the Mind & Life Institute, and the Director of the Garrison Institute's Fellowship Program. His work bridges social justice, mindfulness, and leadership, emphasizing the importance of healing-centered approaches in education and AI. Dr. Acosta’s journey is defined by his commitment to creating healing-centered learning environments that empower individuals and communities. Through his work, he explores the balance between the promise of technology and the necessity of cultivating spaces for reflection, connection, and personal growth.