Explore Charles R. Swindoll’s famous quote: “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” Learn when to use this mindset for empowerment and when it falls short.
Frank Sinatra on Revenge: How Success Silences Critics
Was Frank Sinatra right? We explore the pros and cons of the “massive success” approach to revenge, with real-life examples.
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful
Bored with life? Joshua J. Marine’s quote about challenges and meaning might change your perspective. Discover how to make your life more fulfilling (and when this advice doesn’t work).
Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless
Dive into the inspiring philosophy behind Jamie Paolinetti’s quote, “Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” Explore its profound relevance to everyday life, appropriate and inappropriate uses, and the rich context from which it emerged.
The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity
Struggling to get started? Amelia Earhart’s wisdom about action vs. fear can change your life. Learn when to use this powerful quote (and when it falls short!) and get inspired to finally make a move.
A Person Who Never Made a Mistake Never Tried Anything New
Does Einstein’s famous “mistakes” quote hold up? Explore when this wisdom motivates…and when it’s just wrong. Discover how taking risks fuels growth (with real-life examples!)
To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart
Balancing wisdom and emotion is tricky! Discover Eleanor Roosevelt’s secret and unlock new depths in your relationships and personal growth. Learn when to be assertive and when to act with kindness.
An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind
Is revenge really sweet? Discover the transformative power of non-violence through Gandhi’s timeless wisdom. Learn when retaliating may be justified, and how breaking the “eye for an eye” cycle can build a better world.
What we think, we become
Is your mind helping or hindering you? Uncover the ancient wisdom behind the profound idea of “What you think, you become,” and how to navigate your internal landscape for happiness and success.
Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear
Is fear holding you back? Explore the potent saying, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” Understand when this quote offers strength and when it misses the mark.
Recent Posts
The Ghost in the Machine: Can AI Write a Novel That Makes You Cry?
A deep dive into the intersection of AI and literature. We explore if AI can be truly creative, the philosophical questions of authorship, and how AI might augment—not replace—human writers.
How to Start a Reading Habit | Listening Comprehension
Develop a reading habit and improve your English listening! A friendly librarian gives five practical tips. Includes script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz for exam prep.
The Story of Literature EP10 | The Global Bookshelf: Migration, Identity, and the 21st-Century Story
In our final episode, we look at the state of literature in our interconnected world. We explore how themes of migration, diaspora, and hybrid identities have come to the forefront. Featuring authors from Oceania, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora, we discuss how technology and globalization are shaping the future of storytelling and creating a truly “world” literature.
The Story of Literature EP9 | The Griot’s Legacy: Oral Traditions and Post-Colonial Voices of Africa
This episode celebrates the immense diversity of African literature, from the ancient oral storytelling traditions of the Griots to the powerful emergence of post-colonial writing. We’ll discuss how authors like Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used literature to reclaim their history, grapple with the legacy of colonialism, and forge new identities.
The Story of Literature EP8 | Magic and Memory: The Boom of Latin American Literature
We explore the vibrant and revolutionary literature of Latin America in the 20th century. This episode discusses how a generation of writers like Borges, García Márquez, and Allende blended indigenous mythology, political turmoil, and surrealism to create “Magical Realism”—a unique literary style that captured the complex reality of a continent.
The Story of Literature EP7 | The Soul of the Steppe: The Great Russian Psychological Novel
This episode focuses on the monumental contribution of 19th-century Russia to world literature. We delve into the minds of masters like Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov, who perfected the psychological novel and used it to explore the depths of human consciousness, morality, suffering, and redemption with unparalleled intensity.