Latest from the Blog
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Happiness, Measured in Play-Doh
Reflections on hapiness and realising that happiness arises in the present moment, free from adult concerns about preservation, leading to a deeper understanding of joy.
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Book Review: How to Read a Book — Why Adler and Van Doren Still Matter
Hi friends, There are books that teach you facts, books that entertain, and then there are books that quietly change the way you approach knowledge itself. How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren falls firmly into the third category. First published in 1940 and updated in the 1970s, it has
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Parenting, Productivity, and the Strain in Between
Hi friends, I know, I know… it’s been a while. Well, I’ve had a wobble. A long lasting wobble. Having reflected on it I think I have identified the cause. So, I’ve written about it. Something different. Something personal. 1. The Myth of Balance We are told a lie, and it is told so often
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The Pareto Principle: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Hi friends, I recently came across the Pareto Principle again while watching a “productivity bro” on YouTube (for my sins). Despite the overly polished advice, it struck a chord. I realised I hadn’t truly applied the principle in a while, so I decided to adopt it as part of my daily routine at work. Now that I’ve
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Intentional Browsing: How to Stay Focused in an Infinite Scroll World
Daniel Kahneman and Rolf Dobelli highlight how excessive information disrupts decision-making and perception. They propose strategies for curating content, resisting biases, and establishing boundaries, ultimately advocating for intentional browsing to enhance cognitive resilience and mental clarity.
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Hunger by Knut Hamsun: A Fast-Paced Modern Classic
Hi friends,Next week, I revisit my Norwegian lessons—because I would like to begin exploring the literary heritage of Norway in its original language. To celebrate, I’m revisiting one of the most influential works of modern Norwegian literature: Knut Hamsun’s Hunger. Known in Norwegian as Sult (sometimes spelled “Zert” in older references), this short yet captivating
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AI and Synthetic Fertilisers: Cultivating a New Era of Growth
Hi friends, When synthetic fertilisers emerged in the early 20th century, they revolutionised agriculture in ways that fundamentally altered human history. For the first time, farmers could enrich soil on demand, dramatically boosting crop yields and addressing food scarcity on a global scale. The Green Revolution that followed transformed economies, populations, and diets (for better
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Exploring Grief and Loss in Poe’s Lenore and The Raven
Hi friends, As autumn unfolds, I find myself returning to one of my favourite seasonal poems, Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. Known for its haunting refrain and chilling atmosphere, The Raven draws readers into the darkness of grief, blending gothic elements with the raw psychological exploration of loss. This autumn I’ve taken a closer look
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Book Review: The Collector, by John Fowles
An Enjoyable but Ultimately Shallow Exploration of Obsession and Power. Hi friends, John Fowles’ The Collector, first published in 1963, delves into the dark psychology of obsession and power dynamics through the story of Frederick Clegg, a lonely, socially awkward young man who kidnaps Miranda Grey, an art student, holding her captive in his basement. Told
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Deep Work in the Commercial Law Firm: A New Approach to Focus
Cal Newport’s “deep work” philosophy emphasizes focused productivity amid distractions, particularly in commercial law. Lawyers face constant interruptions, necessitating tailored strategies like flexible time blocking, setting communication boundaries, working in sprints, establishing focus rituals, and learning to say no. Implementing these can enhance performance and reduce stress, fostering a more strategic law practice.
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Alone Time with Stoicism: Reading, Reflection, and Resilience
I was recently asked what is my favourite way to spend time alone. The question prompted an interesting conversation and inspire me to write this post. In our fast-paced, hyperconnected world, finding time for oneself can seem like a rare luxury. Yet, for those who value the wisdom of the Stoics, solitude is not just
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