These 3 quotes and 3 thoughts are all from the book When Breath Becomes Air by neurosurgeon and writer - Paul Kalanithi. Not only is this book my favorite since I read it a few years ago, but Paul is also one of the best writers I’ve ever had the honor of learning from. Though I was a hopeful medical student when I originally read it, I hope to read it again with a different perspective. It still hasn’t set in that this was his first book.

3 Quotes

“The basic requirement of life is metabolism, and death its cessation.” — Paul Kalanith, When Breath Becomes Air

“Drowning, even in blood, one adapts, learns to float, to swim, even to enjoy life…” — Paul Kalanith, When Breath Becomes Air

“…When you come to one of the many moments in life when you must give an account of yourself, provide a ledger of what you have been, and done, and meant to the world…” ― Paul Kalanithi, When Breath Becomes Air

3 Thoughts

What if sharing who you really are with others helps to bring clarity? After shielding yourself for so long, what protected you becomes a burden. And it no longer makes sense to be a version of yourself that’s benign.

The idea of building community long-term may sound troublesome unless you view it as an opportunity to nurture a sense of community.

That very act of nurturing something bigger than yourself might just be what saves me. Saves us.

Thanks for reading, for more join my free Unlearning Newsletter:)