So Stewart (Brand) gave birth to this idea that if we could show the world from the outside, if we realized what an amazing, extraordinary, unique gift that was — this tiny, little planet teeming with life, swimming around in a dead universe, as far as we know.
We still don’t know that there’s any other life in the universe, which is phenomenal, if you think about it. We still don’t know. We might be the only life in the universe. I think about that nearly every day. I think it’s the most sobering thought. I think that should be shouted from the rooftops every day.
That’s my version of seeing the whole Earth from space — getting people to understand that we might be the only life. It might all be on this one place, and bloody hell, shouldn’t we look after it a bit better, then?
Then those things make me constantly think and constantly be grateful for the fact that I’m alive. I remember reading this comment from a New York taxi driver. He’s driving, and he turns to the customer and says, “Oh, life. I’m so glad I got in.” [Laughs.]
I just love the idea that it’s like an amazing show at a theater and you managed to get a ticket to see it. I appreciate that kind of gratitude.
— Brian Eno interviewed by Ezra Klein, from “A Breath of Fresh Air with Brian Eno” (NY Times, October 3, 2025. The Ezra Klein Show)
Brian Eno Portrait by Shamil Tanna @ Pitchfork.com
Whatever we can do to appreciate our lives as part of a wonderful script – it might help those who insist that our self-destruction is no big deal, our need for more, more, more is self-defeating, etc…maybe we can alter the lens from which we see everything and understand very little and appreciate our ignorance – perhaps one time it would be a good thing.
so agree Mimi. This passage in The Guardian titled “How to live a good life in difficult times: Yuval Noah Harari, Rory Stewart and Maria Ressa in conversation” by Yuval Noah Harari hit home:
“So if you want the truth, and you want reality to win, each of us has to do some of the hard work ourselves: choose one thing and focus on that and hope that other people will also do their share. That way we avoid the extremes of despair.”
Full article here: https://readwise.io/reader/shared/01k6tbz8bq4na57de9wj6m8hy9
Definitely going to check it out – thank you 🙏
How are you David? You must be very busy because I haven’t seen much of you. I know you’re still walking, that’s a given. How is your furry son? No longer a puppy now but still your baby. Take good care.
Hi Melinda. Yes, I have struggled to post on this Blog, and it’s not because I’m busier than say in 2024. Mental fog is the best way to describe it. As to Wally, he had a tough night – we think he ingested something toxic and had trouble breathing all night. He’s better today but on Watch. Thanks for asking. Hope you are doing well.
How long has this mental fog lasted? Unless you’re burned out, mental fog doesn’t last long for most people unless you have certain chronic illnesses. Fibromyalgia can cause days or weeks of fog but you would know because your body would be in pain.
Thanks Melinda. Mental fog in the near burn out phase! Certainly didn’t intend to make light of Fibromyalgia, because that is as you describe very painful.
Maybe a break is wwhat you need to refresh your mind and soul.
Exactly. Working on exactly that.
The other thought I just had is that you branched out to other social media outlets with your photos and that may be a better outlet for you than blogging.
No. I wish. Just taking more time to chill out….trying anyway.
Good we all need that and you don’t let yourself take the time.
Thank you!
I love the cabbie’s quote – yep.
Thanks for the share David. We all need reminders to be grateful …especially these days.
Agree Val. Thank you.
Love this, pal. Heard the former director of the International Space Station interviewed today, and he was saying that if only everyone could see Earth from outer space, we would appreciate it more and realize how special it is. Not a terribly surprising observation and yet it brought me up short. In the midst of all this madness, it’s All too easy to lose sight of the miracle of it all. Thx for the little nudge….
So agree with you Lori. Thank you.