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The truly valuable thing Quarrygirl did was prove that the vegan community has integrity, and that we are not so weak or authoritarian or cultlike that we cannot challenge the lies of our leaders. She also exposed lies that were not just wrong on their own merits (a violation of journalistic ethic as well as veganism), but that would have been exposed eventually, and probably in ways that would have done infinitely more harm.

In his essay On the Sublime Greek philosopher Longinus said that creators must be ready when the “arrow of inspiration” strikes. What the prolific know is that there aren’t just a few arrows out there: it’s arrows all the time. Just work to eliminate your obstacles to receiving and working with them.

I attended a writer’s group, the other day, where everyone told what they did to “become inspired.” Two basic techniques were discussed: 1. Rituals, i.e., – “I try to write first thing in the morning when I’m fresh,” or “When I’m stuck, I go for a walk/do a load of laundry/play with the dog.” And,…

I absolutely adore this quote by Giacometti, so republish it every year: “The more I work, the more I see things differently, that is, everything gains in grandeur every day, becomes more and more unknown, more and more beautiful. The closer I come, the grander it is, the more remote it is.”

A terrific book that really captures the essence of the challenge and struggle of graduate school. Filled with my favorite kinds of tips – pragmatic ones! Excerpt: As an undergraduate you were treated more or less as a child. You could do anything short of burning down the administration building and still graduate if your…

One of the supposed drawbacks of being an activist, or striving to live with compassion and integrity (which is also activism, even if you’re not a storm-the-barracades type), is that you take on the world’s problems along with your own. And that can be tough. But one of the huge benefits of activism is that…

I recently helped start Vegan Protest Fuel, which delivers delicious, sustaining vegan meals to peaceful protesters advocating for democracy and social justice. In just over a week, we collected more than $1000 in grassroots donations from throughout the U.S. and Canada, and delivered hundreds of delicious vegan meals and snacks to Wisconsin protesters. We’re expanding…

I urge everyone to view this remarkable video of Egyptian activist Wael Ghonim (“the Google guy”) on the role social media played in the Egyptian revolution. This is why I’m optimistic about the future: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWvJxasiSZ8

Responses to piece talking about Amy “Tiger Mom” Chua, The King’s Speech and perfectionism.