The artist (or film director) observes the world, filters his observations through his unique way of looking at things, and then expresses his thoughts and feelings by creating art. Pablo Picasso's famous mural Guernica, for example, is a raw and emotionally direct tribute to the … [Read more...] about Art and Trauma in Alain Resnais’ Hiroshima mon amour
Humanism
Michel de Montaigne Philosopher and Essayist 1533 - 1592 The following words are carved into a ceiling beam in Montaigne's home: I am human and consider nothing human alien to me. Montaigne coined the word "essay," meaning "attempt" or … [Read more...] about Humanism
The Things That Matter
I was thrilled to discover a book by a noteworthy author which utilizes an organizing principle very similar to the "Life Stages" organizing principle I use in my book Movies That Will Change Your Life. The book that I discovered is The Things That Matter: What Seven Classic Novels … [Read more...] about The Things That Matter
Do Spoilers Matter?
This movie poster advertising the French New Wave classic Breathless contains a spoiler. The poster shows that a character in the movie has been shot. Does this ruin the movie for you? My daughter was a junior high-school student and a huge fan of the Harry Potter novels. She informed me that she … [Read more...] about Do Spoilers Matter?
My Favorite YouTube Channel
I was thrilled to discover Benjamin McEvoy’s Hardcore Literature channel on YouTube! Benjamin’s extraordinary channel inspired me to begin my Life Stages YouTube channel. After all, my Life Stages YouTube channel could be described as a "great books" channel … [Read more...] about My Favorite YouTube Channel