Author: Paul Stoecker, Ph.D.

I keep returning to the early stages of life. A human embryo begins as a small collection of identical cells, each dividing without distinction. Yet order soon appears. Some cells flatten into skin, others thicken into liver, others lengthen into the fibers of the heart. A few take the narrow path toward becoming neurons —…

In recent years I have noticed how easily attention fractures. The pace of modern life encourages constant motion, constant reaction, constant noise. Little in that environment invites observation or reflection. It becomes difficult to see the world as it is rather than as distraction makes it appear. I have been trying to recover a quieter…