Chapter 1: Reflecting on Failure

In this series, we delve into some of the finest pieces on Medium and beyond, exploring ideas that may lie outside the platform's usual offerings.

Quote of the Day: Embracing Failure

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

— Thomas A. Edison

Edison famously made this remark about his numerous attempts to create the lightbulb. However, it can also apply to our own efforts to spark creativity on Medium.

Section 1.1: Understanding Gen Z Language

For those who are regular readers, it’s no secret that I have a penchant for gathering new vocabulary. Recently, I’ve been enjoying Yohan J’s series that focuses on the language trends among Gen Z.

This series is particularly beneficial for someone like me, who is navigating the linguistic shifts of younger generations. The latest entry in this series can be found below, and I recommend checking out previous installments as well:

Gen Z Words Series (9/30)

One Work Study Taught me 30 words Gen Z uses. I am here to share them with you.

Chapter 2: The Pressure to Be Productive

I came across an intriguing opinion piece by Emma Beddington in “The Guardian,” where she critiques Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new book, “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life.” The book includes some rather intense advice from Arnie:

“Rest is for babies and relaxation is for retired people.”

While this perspective may aim to encourage productivity, it does seem quite demanding. I resonate with Emma's thoughts, expressing, “I get exhausted just trying to type his surname.”

In my view, the relentless urge to boost productivity is unwarranted, especially given the constant advertising pushing us to buy and consume more. It’s time to say “Hasta la vista” to consumerism. This reminds me of Ellen Goodman’s observation on the relentless cycle of work:

“Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for — in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.”

You can read Ellen Goodman’s piece here. It makes me wonder if articles are getting shorter, perhaps as a cost-cutting measure by publications.

Don't listen to Arnold Schwarzenegger - join the rest and relaxation resistance! | Emma Beddington

Arnie's brand of hustle culture is facing criticism online, and I wholeheartedly support a movement towards doing less and enjoying more—take that nap!

Chapter 3: The Power of Imagination

In times of global conflict, sharing a classic song can remind us of the possibility for a better world.

As always, I appreciate your readership. Have a wonderful day! To connect with other writers, consider joining the new Facebook group “Medium Matters” for support and article sharing. You can also find me on Mastodon.