Midlife: A Philosophical Guide
I was browsing through the new non-fiction section of my local public library yesterday, and I stumbled upon this short book. Since I am about 10 days away from my 49th birthday, the title sort of spoke to me (for obvious reasons). I also loved the very simple cover image; I definitely judged this book by its cover! I took it home and just sat down and read it cover to cover. I wasn’t expecting to find anything that I didn’t already know, and in the end, I think the book just reminded me of my own various thoughts about the malaise of the middle years. But there was something deeply satisfying in having a philosophical take on all of it. I especially liked the passages about telic versus atelic goals, and the problem that most academics face when they wake up and realize that they have become finely-tuned goal-achieving machines. Setiya’s diagnosis of the problem was spot on for me, and his suggestions for how to refocus meaning and purpose away from the telic to the atelic made intuitive sense. A powerful little book written with honesty and compassion.
Spotted in Tate Modern's Bookshop!
One of my colleagues in the UK snapped this photo in the bookshop of Tate Modern. So happy to be so close to the words of Naomi Klein.
Special candle for writer's block
I love sarcastic gifts for writers. And I wonder what “regurgitated ideas” might smell like.
I love this meme (for all you socialist introverts out there!)
The Cherry Blossoms are coming
Walking to work this morning, I could feel the spring in the air. One thing about living in Maine for so long is that I had forgotten what spring felt like. In Maine, we had mud season, and not the vibrant burst of life you get in the mid Atlantic. Gorgeous!
Springtime is almost here
Well, it is still windy and a bit chilly, but the daffodils think it’s spring. Picked these from the yard.
A Review of Second World, Second Sex in Norwegian
I’m actually rather surprised that an academic book would be reviewed in a more mainstream media outlet, but nevertheless very happy for the positive words. Thank goodness for Google Translate!
Жената Днес!
Just received a hard copy of the March/April issue of the Bulgarian women’s magazine, Zhenata Dnes. They included a translation of a review of Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism and mentioned it on the cover!
Featured in the Green Left Weekly →
I’m delighted that the Australian Green Left Weekly reprinted this great review by Jane Miller in In These Times.
A fun interview with the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) →
Thanks to Aaron Freedman, INET’s economics editor, for the great questions. This was a fun interview to do.
Something just better about print
The print copy of this month’s issue of The New Republic arrived with my new Op-Ed. I love the feel of pages, and digital will never measure up for me. I am a deeply analogue person.
Rosie Boycott reviews my book for the Financial Times weekend edition →
I am so thrilled and honored that Baroness Rosie Boycott took the time to write such a thoughtful review essay of my book and Virginia Nicholson’s for the weekend edition of the Financial Times. It is wonderful when someone really understands your work within a wider context.
IWD Column Translated into Spanish →
I am so grateful for this Spanish translation of my New York Times column into Spanish.
My column in The New Republic →
Here is my latest salvo against American-led regime change and the inequality that economic liberalization brings.
Happy International Women's Day!
Have you wished your mother a Happy International Women's Day yet? →
A Nice Write-Up in the Mumbai Mirror →
It’s always a surprise to find these international articles about the book. This one in the Mumbai Mirror.
My photos from the Philadelphia Flower Show
These are my amateur photos from the amazing Philadelphia flower show. An excellent way to spend a Monday evening during Spring Break.
My new article in the Baffler →
My newest article: “An American Tale: How Cold War Officialdom Made the World Safe for Propaganda” is online as of today!
