Midmodern Musings

Navigating global pressures from small places - where local culture meets modern systems. Economic ambition vs rooted relationships. Agency within constraints.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

The universal hides in the particular; the whole reveals itself through the part; mastery of one craft discloses principles that govern all crafts.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

We are taught that more is better, that keeping options open is wisdom, that the refusal to choose preserves freedom.

But the refusal to choose is the refusal to become; the preservation of infinite possibility is the prevention of any actuality; the man who will not renounce anything accomplishes nothing.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

We give the credential first and hope development will follow, we certify before capacity exists, we stamp the passport before the journey is taken.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

Wisdom cannot be given but only occasioned; development cannot be compelled but only cultivated; the master cannot make the apprentice but only create conditions in which the apprentice might make himself.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

The knowledge that does not pass through the hands remains mere opinion; the learning that does not transform conduct remains mere pedantry; and the credential that certifies completion of requirements certifies nothing about the capacity to meet requirements no curriculum anticipated.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@Markmanson The purpose of your 20s is to find the few things worth committing to.

If you go through them hedonistically, you won’t leave your 20s with anything to build on.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

We cannot make a man wise by depositing wisdom in him; we can only create conditions in which his own wisdom might unfold. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@justinskycak Most of school is just cycling content through their minds. Students doing the minimum to get through without valuing material, which results in near zero knowledge gained.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@Akir_a997 Books.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@sailaunderscore Where 80% of the actual learning in college came from.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@Theholisticpsyc We need to return to living an active life.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@babadookspinoza People that live in a real community don’t say that.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@itsbookgains Most can’t see what they read.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@1ssve They will only get better as the highest forms of art get blended into it.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@ManOfFocus_ Love your process.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@softangrygirl A masters is what you realize you should’ve done for your bachelors.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@imPenny2x I wish more people were wise.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@Dearme2_ If you’re working toward something it shouldn’t feel depressing. Find a path to commit to, and you won’t need “achievement” anymore.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@karunpal Always wish there were more days with nothing planned. That’s when the mind feels free.

[Midmodern Musings @MidmodernMuse]

@edgaralandough Bare minimum test: being able to read a book for an hour in silence.