Sunday Supplement #158 (May 19th, 2024)
Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.
Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!
Quote of the Week:
“By three methods may we learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
– Confucius
Book of the Week:
The White Album – Joan Didion
Joan Didion was a journalist, writer, and screenwriter. She is considered a pioneer of the New Journalism school along with the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Gay Tales, and Tom Wolfe.
The White Album is Didion’s look at the aftermath of the 1960s in America in the realms of counterculture, the Hollywood lifestyle, and the history and culture of California.
I never heard of Joan Didion or her works, but a friend passed along her book and told me about her screenplays. I found both areas intriguing.
Didion’s examination of the era from her perspective is balanced with a memoir-esc reporting of personal events she was going through.
I found it interesting to experience a view of a turbulent time in America through the eyes of a journalist living in the midst of many of the historical events.
Movie of the Week:
Donnie Darko is a bizarre film about a troubled teenager who escapes an unexplained accident and becomes plagued by visions of a man in a bunny suit, who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes in his suburban town.
That brief description tries to encapsulate the plot of Donnie Darko, but the story excellently explores the human experience of the different ways of navigating life.
The main character, Donnie, finds that many in his community focus on outward appearance and put on a face that everything is good and life is lovely. He attempts to understand his own fears and challenge those who act as if negative emotions should be ignored.
A young Jake Gyllenhaal stars in the leading role, and the supporting cast has many excellent performances, including Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore, and Jena Malone.
I found Donnie Darko to be one of the few movies about adolescence that addresses the awkward and scary experiences their world can be. The film isn’t all doom and gloom, though, and I highly recommend it if it piques your interest.
Brainfood of the Week:
The Lessons, Hacks & Books That Changed My Life – Tim Ferriss | Chris Williamson
Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, top-rated podcaster, and lifestyle blogger. I’ve featured his podcast interviews, books, and quotes in previous Sunday Supplements.
Chris Williamson hosts the podcast Modern Wisdom, where he interviews leaders across various fields and discusses current events, politics, philosophy, science, and hobbies.
Tim’s podcast has recently passed one billion downloads. In this episode of Chris Williamson’s podcast, Tim discusses his biggest lessons from two decades in the self-improvement arena.
I find interviews and podcasts like these amazing brainfood. Hearing someone speak about the wisdom they’ve picked up along their journeys is a worthwhile addition to your routine.
Closing Spiritual Passage:
“Whoever knows himself knows his Lord.”
– Islamic Saying
I could find an exact source for this Islamic saying. Some attested it to a Hadith, while other sources stated it was a message pulled from various Quran passages.
Regardless of the source, I found this passage a powerful reminder of how important it is to reflect on your beliefs and actions.
When first reading this quote, it can automatically trigger religious beliefs or a higher power. I like to think about the rightful actions these higher powers and spiritual texts refer to.
Reflecting on this, I ask myself if my thoughts and actions align with my beliefs and who I want to be.
Reflect on who you want to be, act in accordance with those answers, and have a blessed week ahead!