The Decline of Deviance

“This was probably the most impactful essay I've read in the past year. I work in the food industry, and we reference it all the time. How everything feels the same and not very interesting. I've been thinking a lot this year about developing taste and curating who you are as a person, not in the social media sense, but in the idea of really trying to figure out what you love and what makes you different. I think we don't like to grapple with things that are unusual or even make us uncomfortable enough these days, which are what can push us forward or into new territories. I think that's partly why I like Rec League, because I like seeking out the recommendations that feel unique to a person and may not be for everyone. It's more about discovering what resonates with you and less about finding that Wirecutter approved perfect option.”

“Really enjoyed this article. I definitely feel the same about influencers on instagram all sounding the same, new buildings all looking the same, the devastating fact that people are picking grey/white/black over colors. Let’s get weird please. Some of my favorite excerpts: “Everything’s gotta last: your joints, your skin, and most importantly, your reputation. That makes it way less enticing to screw around, lest you screw up the rest of your time on Earth. (“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Make sure I stand up from my desk chair every 20-30 minutes!)” “Imagine how you differently you might live if you thought you were going to die at 65 rather than 95.” “If we want a more interesting future, if we want art that excites us and science that enlightens us, then we’ll have to tolerate a few illegal holes in the basement, and somebody will have to be brave enough to climb down into them.””

“Super fun read and commentary with lots of interesting links. When I was 16, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I would respond, "Not boring."”