Do This First (Daily Motivational Podcast)

Longfellow's take on solitude by way of one of his briefest, yet impactful poems later in his career, provides a different perspective on the concept of taking time for ourselves. In his poem, Holidays, he uses the term associated w/ time off with family and friends partaking in festive events as a time of retreat, reflection and solitude. Some of the benefits Longfellow infers include unclouded t...

Today, we're taking a closer look at The Arrow and the Song, first published in 1845.The poem was initially included in Longfellow's collection titled The Belfry of Bruges and Other Poems which is 122 pages of poems, songs and sonnets. When "The Arrow and the Song" was first published, it was well-received by the reading public. Longfellow was already a popular poet, and this particular work reson...

Today, we’re taking a closer look at  "Hyperion: A Romance"which I guess is considered a novel, but really, it is just a work of prose. Longfellow was primarily known for his poetry. The book was very obviously about his courtship with Frances Appleton, who, by the way, did not  appreciate the gesture at the time. However, despite its bumpy beginnings, the novel was favorably viewed by A...

"A Psalm of Life'' was first published in 1838 and reflects Longfellow's thoughts on living life as he asserts that the soul is eternal, and the things we’ve done in life will endure after we’re gone. Of course, from a scientific perspective, the concept of the soul cannot be proven nor disproven which is the basis of the scientific method, therefore it is not an area that science can really chime...

"The Day is Done" is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that reflects on the peacefulness and contemplation that comes at the end of a busy day. In the poem, he seeks comfort as night falls, drawing closer to a sense of rest and reflection. Inner peace and reflection especially at the end of your day helps you to clear your mind and make better decisions. Science backs this assertion. Scien...

"The Rainy Day" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective poem that explores themes of melancholy, introspection, and finding solace and hope during challenging times, much like finding comfort on a rainy day. The poem highlights the idea of looking beyond the gloomy exterior to find inner strength and resilience. "The Rainy Day" was first published in 1842 as part of his poetry collection tit...

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of the most influential and renowned poets of the 19th century in the United States. He was born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine.  He began his career as a professor of modern languages at Harvard and published his first book of poetry, "Voices of the Night," in 1839. His popularity grew rapidly with works such as "Evangeline" (1847), "The Song of H...

The title of the "greatest American novel of all time" often sparks debate among literary critics, scholars, and readers. However,"Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville published in (1851) frequently leads the discussion. The novel masterfully combines adventure, detailed descriptions of whaling, and profound philosophical reflections on humanity, obsession, fate, and the natural world. Captain Ahab’s obs...

"An American Tragedy" is a novel written by Theodore Dreiser. It was first published in 1925. The novel tells the story of Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poor and strictly religious family, who is ambitious and hopes to rise to wealth and social status. He begins working as a bellboy in Kansas City and later moves to work at his wealthy uncle's collar factory in upstate New York, but things t...

"Great Expectations" is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in serial form from 1860 to 1861. It is one of Dickens's most well-known and beloved works, exploring themes such as social class, ambition, and personal development through a compelling and intricately plotted story. Pip's high expectations come crashing down through a series of disillusioning experiences that force him to confro...

"The Last of the Mohicans" is a historical novel written by American author James Fenimore Cooper. It was first published in 1826 and is set during the French and Indian War in the 18th century. The story follows the adventures of Hawkeye, a white man raised by Mohican Indians, and his companions Uncas and Chingachgook, as they navigate the dangers of the American wilderness and face conflicts wit...

John Kennedy Toole's "A Confederacy of Dunces" uses its colorful characters and satirical narrative to gently mock the pretensions and self-importance people often attach to themselves and their endeavors. The overarching lesson is clear: recognizing and embracing the humor in life’s absurdities, and not taking oneself too seriously, can lead to a more harmonious and less stressful existence. Humi...

The search for meaning is a central theme in Hemingway's iconic first novel The Sun Also Rises. Through the character's journey and interactions, we glean insights of the perils of purposelessness, and souls pursuits. Today, we'll take a closer look at how the lost generation characters in this novel handle issues of despair, unfortunate situations and aimlessness. What we find is an eye opening j...

"The Day of the Locust" is a novel by Nathanael West, published in 1939. The book is set in Hollywood, California, during the Great Depression and follows a cast of characters who are struggling to survive and find meaning in their lives amidst the harsh realities of the entertainment industry and American society at that time. Pent-up anger, disillusionment, and despair erupts beneath the surface...

"The Great Gatsby" is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1925. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story takes place in Long Island and New York City and follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious figure, through the eyes of the narrator, Nick Carraway. Through the characters and their interactions, Fitzgerald critiques the emptiness and moral decay clearly appar...

"The Red Badge of Courage" is a war novel by American author Stephen Crane. It tells the story of a young soldier named Henry Fleming who grapples with his feelings of fear before and during his first battle in the American Civil War. The novel explores themes such as courage, , manhood, the nature of warfare, and fear. Through the soldier's journey of the protagonist Henry Fleming, we glean valua...

 "Dune" is a science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert and first published in 1965. Set in the distant future, the story takes place in a universe where noble houses rule different planets and a valuable spice called "melange" is central to the economy and politics of the galaxy. The novel primarily focuses on the desert planet of Arrakis, also known as Dune, the only source of the spice...

"The Grapes of Wrath" is a novel written by American author John Steinbeck. It was first published in 1939 during the Great Depression, a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. John Steinbeck (1902-1968) was known for his realistic and often gritty portrayals of life in America, particularly among the working class and rural communities. He received the Nobel Prize in Literatu...

William Shakespeare's works are over 400 years old and have spanned multiple centuries, yet his influence is still felt even today.. Widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in the English language, Shakespeare wrote his plays and poems primarily in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.  You might be surprised at how many phrases often used in every day life are attributed to Shak...

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the early 1590s. Set in Verona, Italy, "Romeo and Juliet" tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall deeply in love at first sight but face numerous obstacles due to the longstanding vendetta between their families.  The themes of transcendent...

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." is a famous quote from Shakespeare's As You Like It. In Act 2, Scene 7. This famous speech is delivered by the character Jaques, a melancholy and contemplative lord who is known for his philosophical musings throughout the play. In this scene, Jaques is reflecting on the passage of time and the different stages of human life. Bef...

Better together has become a catchphrase of sorts that underscores the importance of putting differences aside and working together towards a mutual goal or cause. It is not a new concept as that is how all of our ancestors made it through.. Shakespeare explored the themes of unity, brotherhood, working together across several of his works. One of the most notable examples is found in"The Tempest....

Honor is a fading concept that is barely spoken about, but has been valued across cultures and societies throughout history. At its core, honor is a deeply held belief in principles of integrity, honesty, dignity, and moral character. It encompasses a sense of respect, esteem, and adherence to ethical codes of conduct. Honor involves a commitment to acting with integrity, upholding one's word, and...

The Merchant of Venice" is classified as one of Shakespeare's comedies, although it contains elements of both comedy and drama. The play is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599 and was first published in 1600. Several characters in this iconic play make significant sacrifices for friendship, justice and love. In this podcast episode, we'll explore the theme of sacrifice in the play....

"Richard III" is a historical play by William Shakespeare that depicts the rise and fall of Richard III, a ruthless and ambitious monarch who manipulates his way to the English throne. The play is set in the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses and follows Richard's Machiavellian quest for power. As Richard's tyranny becomes more apparent, opposition grows against him. His power-hungry and manipulat...