Welcome to Solvitur Ambulando, which means "Solve It By Walking." On this journey, we explore the alchemic potency of walking for sorting through life's puzzles, exploring our world, and transforming ourselves. Like a good walk, you will encounter distinctive ideas, remarkable people and gorgeous scenery. I hope you will enjoy a beautiful walk today. And if you like what you read and hear, I’d love to have you along.
I first heard of Wendell Berry in the 8th grade. We read The Memory of Old Jack. I couldn’t stand it. As an unsophisticated, antsy 14 year old, it seemed plodding and dreadfully un-action-oriented.
Later, in college and after, I re-found Berry through his non-fiction essays. Few seasons of life have passed since then without me reading at least a few of his essays.
With Berry’s passing on August 31st, at age 92, I want to re-engage with his fiction. In his essays, he wrote directly about his vision of the world and humanity’s place in it. In his fiction, he created that world in plot and dialogue. It’s time I learn from Berry’s imaginal world of Port William, and challenge my own thoughts and feelings in a fresh way.
What better way to do that than by reading in community and discussing his book? I’m hosting two Book Conversations on The Memory of Old Jack. Each will run for 90 minutes.
Tuesday, November 10th at 2:00pm GMT (9:00am ET)
Thursday, November 12th at 6:00pm ET
After you sign up, I will send you the Zoom details.
I suspect I will come away from this reading with a profoundly different sentiment than I did in, oh, 1989. Indeed, in 2020, I read Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf and could barely force myself to finish it. We read it for the gents book club in 2025 and I came away profoundly affected by Hesse’s story and his aim.
I hope you will join me in celebrating this wonderful and cherished author of Kentucky and America.
Miscellaneous Miscellany
Three years ago, my friend Djuan Means challenged me to drink only water and unsweetened tea for 6 weeks. It took me three years to finish the challenge, but I finally completed it last week. I feel terrific after putting only good, natural, zero sugar (real or synthetic) in my body. Thank you, Djuan!
My friend Sophie A. H. Osborn’s new book, Wild Work: Adventures of Women Field Biologists was just released. I’ll be doing an interview with her soon, so look out for that. I’ve received my copy and am diving in this week. I can’t wait!
My former colleague Andrew Ohm recently launched his coaching and advisory business. If you or your organization needs to get unstuck or find a rational path forward in the midst of a messy situation, I highly recommend connecting with Andrew. He works wonders!
Tyler Cowen imagines a world in which the US heavily regulates AI and China does not. It’s not a pretty scenario and it seems like a plausible one.
Cams Campbell announced two new slow-reads: Anna Karenina and Yevgeny Onegin. I learned so much from reading Doctor Zhivago with Cams over the summer. Highly recommended.
October and November are gorgeous months to visit Holy Hills Hermitage. If you need a day or two (or more) of nature, slowing down, and reflection, check it out. You can reach out to the Hermitage Manager to schedule your stay.
My interview with Henry Oliver reminded me how much I enjoyed reading and studying Samuel Johnson in college. Henry has written a beautiful paean to Dr. Johnson on Karen Swallow Prior’s Substack.
The surprisingly riveting story of the fight against the screwworm on the Texas-Mexico border.
The business case for apprenticeships and why the US should learn from Switzerland.
Selective breeding in racehorses. Have we made worse horses through the constant search for speed?
Ian Leslie examines what AI can’t do.
Need new kitchen tools? This "Essential Cookware Guide” is a great list.
Finally, to close, the Swedish Chef makes popcorn. You’re welcome.
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