Marietta McCarty
is a New York Times bestselling author, philosopher, and teacher. She defines philosophy as “the art of clear thinking," and invites every one she encounters (or anyone who picks up one of her books) into the good life, marked by simplicity and the fullness of life's greatest treasures.
We live, as best we can, in a spree of extremism. The pandemic wears on and democracy wears thin. Paying attention exhausts and unnerves. We live, as best we can, mostly on a high wire, seldom in a hammock. Democracy-fascism—fascism-democracy. Relief package on its way. Let’s try Alabama-China—Dr. King-Lao Tzu.
Read MoreAccept fear, anxiety, heartbreak, mood swings, and mind games as part of daily life. You are not alone. Nothing has proven more dramatically how interconnected we are—the planet and its inhabitants just one wool scarf, knitted together for warmth. All stitches must hold. Empathy cements those stitches.
Read MoreFor all the truths revealed by philosophical clear thinking and re-thinking, the necessity of gratitude for experiencing joy may well be the most important.
Read MoreI can’t begin to address the “educational system,” but I can point to an educational beacon and the people who make it work. Is the work hard? Yes, absolutely. I don’t know about its “system,” but Jack Jouett’s bedrock philosophy of love serves everyone well. Single purpose commitment to each student elevates the humanity of all.
Read MoreI sing the praises of my small charcoal grill that defines homecoming for my godsons Nelson and Will (and me) on their cross-country visits. No longer young apprentices, these now early twenty-somethings commandeer the operation. Nothing intervenes—snow, sleet, rain, nor my occasional (faint) reluctance. Our love renews as the corn turns.
Read MoreI hereby resolve to experience, fully, one day—(half day…half hour…breath and blink)—one laugh, handshake, moon, tear, and song at a time. Hopefully I can string moments together into savored days—for life.
Read More“It’s a shame you’re missing this beautiful Spring,” not a few friends remarked, witnesses to my broken arm suffered at the beginning of April. Actually, I’ve never, ever been as much a part of this time of re-greening—present to each new color and scent, homebound yet traveling in nature’s unfolding. What I remember best, and hopefully always, was gradually becoming a part of the world of birds. I healed to their tune, absorbed in their ways.
Read MoreOne of philosophy’s charms for me is the opportunity to think, as if for the first time, about the meaning of ideas essential to good living. What is good living? What is persistence? What is possibility? What is belonging? What is empathy? This constant reexamination widens our perspective and guards against our falling into the trap of stale assumptions and preconceptions. I can think of no idea that begs for rethinking more than the concept of success. What is it?
Read MoreMy fourth Philosopher’s Lunch Table of this year was this past Saturday, December 13. I chose to celebrate Stone Soup in my talk—the place embodies every single topic of my book The Philosopher’s Table: The community that comes with breaking bread, persistence and grace, learning through conversation, love, simple pleasures, ecological mindfulness, embracing change and daring, good decision-making…the beat goes on. Stone Soup is a haven. Roam the streets of Paris and lively chatter wafts through the doors of “café-philos,” eateries guaranteeing philosophical discussions over breakfast and/or lunch. Ideas matter. Communication matters. Soulful invigoration fuels like a chocolate croissant. A small town in the Central Virginia Valley has for a bit longer its very own such spot for convivial, comfortable conversation. Saturday I arrived at 11:30 and left with the last dining philosophers at 4:30. I’ve never seen a closing business bustling with cheerful patrons and eager employees.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's Fall 2014 newsletter includes summer highlights, information on Marietta's Newsmaker 2014 award announcement, upcoming events, two blogs, and more.
Read MoreWe considered the truth about education and success together. In The Philosopher’s Table I write: “The root of education suggests a process of bringing forward, leading up, drawing out. I picture individuals climbing a steep hill together, teachers and students in spry pursuit of knowledge. The word conveys positive images, this movement forward, up, and out so we can stand on higher ground.” We took off from this small start. I asked that they think back on a powerful learning experience in their lives, in or out of the classroom, what they learned and why it remains memorable. Interestingly, one common theme emerged: failure taught marvelous lessons. Not knowing knocks on the door of knowledge. Loss gives birth to victory. As the school year plays out, thoughts hopefully will return to the meaning of teacher, of student, of education.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's Summer 2014 newsletter includes a snapshot of The Philosopher's Table coming to life at a dinner party, upcoming events, a snapshot of upcoming private events, and two blog posts.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's June 2014 newsletter includes links to her NPR radio interview, an article featured in Energy Times, two blogs, upcoming events and more.
Read MoreMy friend and neighbor Blue O’Connell loves music, animals, nature (especially trees), and friends. A few years ago, she traded a job with financial benefits for one with other kinds of perks: writing and playing music at schools, nursing homes, hospitals, parties, just about any place. She patches jobs together to make ends meet. Recently Blue bought happiness for herself and for countless others by giving a valuable possession away.
Read MoreJoin the author of Little Big Minds, Marietta McCarty, in Charlottesville in July, to learn more about her approach as she models her teaching style in sharing philosophy with children.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's April 2014 newsletter includes a blog, upcoming event listings, beautiful photographs of food and more.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's March 2014 newsletter includes a blog on mental clarity, upcoming event information at Stone Soup Books and Over the Moon Bookstore, a testimonial from author Beatrix Ost and more.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's late February 2014 newsletter includes a link to videos recently added on her YouTube channel, her latest blog on being busy, upcoming events at Stone Soup Books, Over the Moon Bookstore, Commonwealth Restaurant and more.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty's newsletter includes several blogs including her very first on her website, event information on The Philosopher's Lunch Table at the Commonwealth Restaurant and more.
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Let’s remember. Let’s go to New York. Meet two dreamers, Alicia Keys and Hakeem Jeffries. Let’s dream. Let’s dance. Let’s pretend (not really!).