#cultivating curiosity

[theaspirationsinstitute]

Being teachable is essential for personal growth and leadership. Learn how cultivating a mindset of openness and continuous learning leads to success in life and business.

[kids-worldfun]

Cultivating Curiosity: How Gardening with Safe Plants Teaches Children Responsibility and Science Basics

Gardening is an engaging hands-on activity that offers more than the beauty of flowers and the bounty of fruits and vegetables. It serves as an invaluable practical classroom, teaching children responsibility, science, ecology, and the natural world through hands-on experience with safe plants. Gardening helps children learn essential life skills and scientific principles through direct…

[uh-mxtx]

The presence of Potatoes in MDZS implies that some ballsy cultivator took a flying sword over the pacific to South America and brought them back and I would like to pose the idea that that particular potato loving dumbass was Wei Wuxian’s ancestor

(Edit: AND CHILIES!)

(EDIT 2: also watermelon except thats from africa. For reference, irl it’s Song dynasty for watermelon and Qing dynasty for potatoes and chilies)

[essektheylyss]

One thing that I feel is really interesting and often forgotten about Essek is that fundamentally, his characterization has been from the start based upon his desperation for external perspectives and connection, which, along with much of his narrative and mechanical positioning, means that he actually has an extraordinary and almost (but not actually, as I'll show) counterintuitive capacity for both growth and trust.

(Buckle in. This is a long one.)

In particular, I would argue, knowing now that many places where the plot touches Ludinus have long been marked for connecting back into the current plot, that he was quite possibly built as a prime candidate for radicalization by the Ruby Vanguard. He felt isolated from his culture, he was desperate for other connection, and he was certainly of the type to believe he was too smart to be drawn into such a thing, given his initial belief that he could control the situation and the fallout. If things had gone any other way, he easily could've been on the other side by now.

As such, he has been hallmarked by being fairly open to suggestion, perhaps for this reason, but the thing about that kind of trait is that it is both how people are radicalized and deradicalized. This is certainly true of Essek, who experienced genuine kindness and quite frankly strangeness from the Nein and was able to move from the isolation the Assembly had engendered to meaningful and genuine connection, largely propelled by his own internal reflection. By the time Nein are aware of his crimes, he's already begun to express regret to an extent and, furthermore, doubt in the Assembly, including explicitly drawing a line against Ludinus, even in a position where he was on his own and probably quite vulnerable.

Similarly, when the Nein reach the Vurmas Outpost some weeks later, he has moved from regret for the position he's ended up carrying a heavy remorse. This makes sense! He's fairly introspective, seems used to spending a lot of time in his own head, and was left with plenty to mull over. It's not some kind of retcon for him to have progressed well past where the Nein left him; it just means he's an active participant in the world who has done his own work in the meantime.

This is another interesting aspect to him. I've talked about this a bit before but I cannot find the post so I'll recap here: antagonists in D&D have significantly more agency than allied NPCs. Antagonists are active forces, against which the party is meant to struggle; allies are meant to support the PCs, which means they tend to be more passive in both their actions and their character growth. Essek was both built as an antagonist, in a position that gives him significant agency, and also was then given significant opportunity to grow specifically to act as a narrative mirror for Caleb's arc. Even when he becomes a more traditional D&D ally, he still retains much of that, though he occupies a supporting role.

I believe that this is especially true because of the nature of Caleb's arc, which I've already written on; the tl;dr of this post is that Caleb is both convinced that he is permanently ruined and also desperate to prove that change is possible. Essek is that proof, because he is simply the character in a position to do so. But this also means that his propensity for introspection and openness is accentuated! He has to do the legwork on his own, for the most part, because that's where he is in the meantime.

But he still ends the campaign necessarily constricted; he is under significant scrutiny, he's at risk from the Assembly, and he goes on the run fairly soon after the story ends. He spends most of the final arc anxious and paranoid, which is valid given the crushing reality of his situation. It would be very easy to extrapolate that seven years into this reality, he would be insular, closed off, and suspicious of strangers, even in spite of the lessons he's learned from the Nein and their long term exposure.

So seeing his openness and lightness now is surprising, but at the same time, given this combination of factors in his position in the narrative over time and his defining traits, it's not by any means unreasonable.

But one thing that I found so delightful is how much trust he exhibits, which is obviously a wild thing to say about Essek in particular, given much of what he learns is both earning and offering trust, which was something he says explicitly in 2x124 that he's never really experienced: "I've never really been trusted and so I did not trust." It makes up much of the progression of his relationship with Caleb, and the trust that he is offered by the Nein in walking off the ship is the impetus he needs to grow.

But I think it's easy to talk about trust when it comes to people who have proven themselves to you or to whom you've ingratiated yourself, and that's really the most we can say about Essek by the time he leaves the Blooming Grove. There is this sense in a lot of discussion of trust (not solely in this fandom) that it is only related to either naivete or love, but there's far more to it. Trust at its best is deliberate—cultivating an openness to the world at large is a great way to combat cynicism and beget connection instead. It allows a person to maintain curiosity and be open to experience, but it can be incredibly difficult to hold onto.

It is clear that the Essek we meet now is a very pointedly and intentionally trusting individual. He trusts Caleb and by extension Caleb's trust in Keyleth, as he shows up and picks up a group of strangers from a foreign military encampment and walks in without issue. He trusts the Hells to follow his lead moving through Zadash and to exhibit enough discretion so as to avoid bringing suspicion upon all of them. He trusts that Astrid will respond well to his entrance, but he also trusts himself and the Hells enough to execute a back-up plan in the case that she doesn't. In the end, he even trusts them enough to give them his name and identity.

He doesn't scan as someone who has spent half a dozen years living like a prey animal, afraid of any shadow he runs across in an alley, withdrawn into himself and an insular family, which would've been an easy route for him to take. He scans as someone who has learned the kind of trust borne of learned confidence and a trained eye for good will and kindness, which are crucial weapons one would need for staving off cynicism in his circumstances—as if he has survived thanks more to connection and kindness than paranoia and isolation. (If we want to be saccharine about it, he scans quite poignantly as a member of the Mighty Nein.)

So it is easy to imagine this trust and openness as a natural progression of his initial search for perspectives external to his own cultural knowledge. Though he makes those first connections with the Assembly to try to vindicate his personal hypotheses, he finds in them exposure to the deepest corruption among Exandrian mortals, which could've—and did, for a time—turned him further down that same dark path.

But it's also this same openness to exposure from the wider world that allows the Nein to influence him for the better, and in spite of the challenges he's certainly faced simply surviving over the past seven years, he seems to have held onto this openness enough to move through the world with self-assurance and a willingness to extend the kinds of trust and good will that he has been shown.

(I would be remiss not to mention that I was reminded about my thoughts on this by this lovely post from sky-scribbles and their use in the tags of 'light' to describe Essek's demeanor this episode, which is really such an apt word for it.)

[curapicas]

The rest of the party is maybe more obvious, so it took me a while to figure out Laios' role in the hall of Izutsumi's caring adult companions. And the role is:

he answers the questions.

[dontheckinswear]

do you think that og liu mingyan spent her free time in bingge’s harem writing lbh x mbj doujins

[marshmellowtea]

actually related to total drama and bojack and specifically the latter referencing the idea of "people get stuck at the age they get famous at", i've said on record that i think chris was a child actor and i still hold true to that but i feel like he didn't strike it big until he was in his mid-teens—given the fact that no one but sierra realized he was in fametown i don't think there's where he got his big break lmao, and i imagine he was pretty young during that time period anyway (assuming sierra's right about his 1978 birthday, but it makes sense to me since kid based boy bands were pretty standard in the 80s as a helpful youtube commenter mentioned lol). more relevantly to the quote though i really can see him perpetually being stuck in that sadistic, assholeish phase that some teenage boys have, self absorbed and constantly seeking attention and finding other people's pain funny, never maturing and growing past that phase of his life and instead going in deeper when his behavior is rewarded with praise and fame and fortune. forever stuck in that immature selfish mindset implanted and cultivated and praised by the violence and exploitation inherent in the broken system of fame and television......

[honeyandpumpkins]

i love self appointed smart people who proudly proclaim their simplistic worldviews such as “books that are good make you smart.” not smart enough apparently!

[veliseraptor]

Headcanons for the Yi City Crew’s preferred weather? 👀 (I am basking in October sunshine and completely incapable of thinking of other things, sorry orz orz)

i am deeply enjoying the present weather myself, after a long and constantly "i'm meeeeelting" summer (which tells you about my preferred weather)

but ooh this is a fun one and actually not one I'd considered too much before you asking me this. let's see here

I feel like A-Qing's preference of weather is deeply inflected by spending a lot of her life very vulnerable to it. so ideally, weather is not too hot, not too cold, mild and dry. the kind of weather one can be comfortably outside in! because odds are she's going to be outside in it a lot. :)

that being said, once she has a roof over her head and moderately more security about not having to be in the weather regardless of what it is, I think she kind of enjoys stormy weather (thunderstorms, heavy rain, etc.) even if sometimes the weather still comes indoors anyway. it can be more of a thrill and less of a threat, and a reminder that she doesn't have to live in it. haha, take that, storm, I'm warm and dry!!!

Xiao Xingchen, meanwhile, is one of those incredibly frustrating people who can find something to love in any weather. for one thing, I imagine his level of cultivation is such that he can manage a wider range of temperatures than ordinary people (I think that's a thing?), but he does genuinely just appreciate a range of weather experiences. I think he has a soft spot for rain in particular, though. he would get soaking wet in a downpour and laugh about it. this drives literally everyone else he socializes with crazy, which Xiao Xingchen just finds funnier. mild autumn days are also good, though! but so are warm spring days. and brisk snowy winter days. and hot lazy summer days. you get the idea.

Song Lan is, I think, an autumn and winter guy, and I don't say that just because of his moniker; it just feels right to me. I don't think he likes to be too hot (even if he can also, like Xiao Xingchen, probably tolerate a wider range than ordinary people), because sweat gross, and it's easier to stay warm in the cold than to cool down in the hot, as far as he's concerned. and it's not that he doesn't like spring, it's just that there's something about the kind of beauty that comes with winter and fall that I think draws Song Lan temperamentally. I think there's a cleanness to winter particularly that appeals to him. but I don't think he likes snow or rain very much. at least not being out in it. he can appreciate (and does, I think) the aftermath of snow, but when it's actually falling then it's just wet and gets down the back of one's robes.

Xue Yang is someone for whom his feelings about weather are wildly dependent on his mood, generally speaking. if he's in a bad mood it doesn't matter what the weather is, it sucks. if he's in a good mood then he's substantially more a fan of a wide range of weather. he has some of the same preoccupations as a-Qing, and I think gets particularly twitchy around cold weather and atmospheric pressure changes because that tends to trigger hand pain. in general, though, I think Xue Yang likes sunshine, and he will take a fair level of heat as long as he can be lazy during them. like a cat, he will seek out sunny spots and fall asleep in them on hot days. and he will prove very difficult to move.

[llycaons]

I had a really nice convo w my sister's partner tho! they're going to show my sister utena and they're already talking abt the family abolition framework and I added what I've read abt the themes of eternity and how that relates to the abuse in the show. probably one the most in-depth media disucssions I've ever had irl. they like hannibal and I convinced them to watch hxh...and house....it made sense to me at the time. I think they'll like them all tho

[bread--quest]

great geography memorization strategy: have friends from as many places as possible so that you can remember many countries at once by simply thinking of all your wonderful friends and the interesting places that are from

[blujayonthewing]

manual labor and similar work pays exorbitantly well in gnomish societies to entice people to do them (so they still have plenty of time and money to pursue something interesting as a hobby) to prevent an oversaturation in the working population of Impassioned Niche Specialists without anyone to, like, pick up trash

[overdressedcarp]

OP these are all amazing; thank you so much for the good food

Also the migraines are canon! (Or at least as canon as the character introductions are considered to be)

You could technically make the argument that he's referring to headaches in a metaphorical sense (i.e. lying awake at night thinking about people who frustrate him) but I think it's just as valid to read it as him being prone to literal headaches from the stress of dealing with people's BS on the regular

Some of my, oh so many, Ratio Headcannons

he knows a bunch of languages, all of which he can speak fluently

^ this includes Latin

cleans his rubber ducks VERY thoroughly to make sure they don't mold

he HATES getting sweaty, it's the only thing he doesn't like about hot baths and working out

has very strict morning and nightly routines, gets genuinely upset if they're disrupted

I think he and Argenti would have great philosophical debates about beauty (please hoyoverse please see my vision)

just straight up hates bright lights

^ prefers warm lighting over cold

I think his skin is naturally clear but he's definitely got some kind of skincare routine anyway

missed out on a lot of social opportunities during his teenage years due to his studies and such, don't think he would have had many friends (at least not his age)

big fan of parallel play, mostly because he gets caught up in his head so often, he's completely content doing different things in the same vicinity

he also uses Aventurine (or others) as a canvas of sorts to throw ideas and thoughts on, he'll start explaining something, and mid explanation he'll run into the answer, thank whoever he's talking to even though they didn't do anything, and hurry off to write it down

frequent bruises around his collar/bottom of his neck from his alabaster

migraine sufferer, me too stay strong king (actually I think this is canon?)

he VERY rarely cancels his classes, it could be flooded up to his doorknob and he'd send out an email to his students like "Today's lecture is still on."

^ this includes when he's sick or otherwise unwell, he could be barely standing upright and he'd still give his lecture

he can't listen to music with lyrics when doing anything because it distracts him (he'll start zoning in on the words and stop doing whatever else he was doing (did I word this right? idk it happens to me all the time))

he sometimes wears the alabaster at home if sensory issues are really bad that day

^ he verbally shuts down sometimes, which sucks bc he's got a lot to say but he typically just writes things down instead

does actually throw chalk at his students, not as hard as his in-battle attack obviously but his aim is always on point

^ his perfect aim also applies to literally anything he throws, his keys, his phone, if he wants to throw something somewhere it's getting there

sometimes completely submerges himself in the bath and just holds his breath for a bit to fully clear his head

^ he can hold his breath pretty long so he sits under there for a bit (freaked Aventurine out the first time he walked in on him doing it tho)

call me crazy but I think he'd be good with kids

[themaniacgarage]

The Shocking Truth About the Science of Serendipity: Unveiling Unexpected Discoveries & Connections

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, the most remarkable discoveries happen by chance. This phenomenon is known as serendipity, and it's a fascinating concept that has shaped the course of history and led to groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs.  In this blog post, we'll dive into the surprising science of serendipity, exploring how embracing the unexpected can lead to incredible opportunities and moments of pure magic. 

The Art of Accidental Discoveries:

Some of the most significant discoveries in history were not the result of meticulous planning but rather happy accidents. Take the story of Alexander Fleming, who stumbled upon the antibiotic properties of penicillin when he noticed mold growing on a Petri dish. This accidental discovery revolutionized medicine and saved countless lives. Serendipity often occurs when we are open to new experiences, willing to explore uncharted territories, and have a curious mind.

The Role of Creativity and Intuition:

Serendipity is closely linked to creativity and intuition. When we allow ourselves to think outside the box and follow our instincts, we create the perfect conditions for serendipitous moments to occur. Artists, inventors, and scientists often rely on their intuition to guide them towards unexpected discoveries. As Albert Einstein once said, "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."

The Science Behind Serendipity:

While serendipity may seem like pure luck, there is actually a scientific explanation behind it. Our brains are constantly processing vast amounts of information, even when we're not consciously aware of it. Serendipity occurs when our subconscious mind connects seemingly unrelated pieces of information, leading to a sudden "aha" moment. This is why many breakthroughs happen when we least expect them, like in the shower or during a leisurely walk in nature.

Cultivating Serendipity in Everyday Life:

You don't have to be a scientist or an artist to experience serendipity in your life. By adopting a few simple habits, you can increase the likelihood of unexpected and delightful encounters: 

Embrace curiosity: Stay curious about the world around you and be open to new experiences. Attend events, explore different hobbies, and engage in conversations with diverse individuals.

Foster connections: Serendipity often occurs through chance encounters with others. Build a strong network, both online and offline, and be open to meeting new people. You never know what opportunities may arise from these connections.

Embrace uncertainty: Embrace the unknown and be comfortable with uncertainty. Sometimes, the best outcomes come from situations that initially seem challenging or unpredictable.

Trust your instincts: Listen to your gut feelings and trust your intuition. Sometimes, your subconscious mind knows more than you realize.

Serendipity is Not Always Positive:

While serendipity is typically associated with positive outcomes, it can also have negative consequences. Serendipitous events may lead to missed opportunities, unintended consequences, or unforeseen challenges. It's essential to approach serendipity with a balanced perspective. 

Serendipity is a beautiful reminder that life is full of surprises and that the unexpected can lead to extraordinary discoveries. By embracing curiosity, fostering connections, and trusting our instincts, we create the perfect conditions for serendipity to occur. So, let go of rigid plans, embrace the unknown, and be open to the magic of serendipity. Who knows what incredible adventures and discoveries await you on this serendipitous journey called life!

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee serendipitous experiences. Embrace serendipity with an open mind and enjoy the journey! Cultivate Your Enthusiasm™️

[veliseraptor]

🍇🔪 (I don’t even go here [Lymond] but the description is v v enticing 👀)

for 🍇:

That night, Jiang Cheng woke sweating from a vague dream he didn’t properly remember. He thought Wei Wuxian might have been in it, which wasn’t surprising. A pulsing ache started in his temples and he ground his hands into his eyes with a frustrated sigh.

for 🔪:

Gabriel closed the distance between them slowly, as though approaching a wounded beast. “Francis,” he said chidingly. “You would deny every offer of aid as though it were poison."

[make me write ✍🏻]