Brain Pickings

Fine excerpts from great writers on being a true human.

10 Quotes From The Great Indian Chief ‘Standing Bear’ That Will Make You Question Modern Culture | Spirit Science

Luther Standing Bear was an Oglala Lakota Sioux Chief who, among a few rare others such as Charles Eastman, Black Elk and Gertrude Bonnin occupied the rift between the way of life of the Indigenous people of the Great Plains before, and during, the arrival and subsequent spread of the European pioneers. Raised in the traditions of his people until the age of eleven, he was then educated at the Carlisle Indian Industrial Boarding School of Pennsylvania, where he learned the english language and way of life. (Though a National Historical Landmark, Carlisle remains a place of controversy in Native circles.)

25-Year-Old Teacher Had Only 4 Minutes For His 1st Ever TED Talk. He Nailed It | Upworthy

Clint Smith is becoming a bit of a regular here on Upworthy because he's just that awesome. Check out even more of his amazing work here or here. And if that's not enough (because let's face it, it's probably not),

Robin Williams' Daughter Pens Heartbreaking Goodbye to Her Father

My family has always been private about our time spent together. It was our way of keeping one thing that was ours, with a man we shared with an entire world. But now that's gone, and I feel stripped bare. My last day with him was his birthday, and I will forever be grateful that my brothers and I got to spend that time alone with him, sharing gifts and laughter. He was always warm, even in his darkest moments. While Ill never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, theres minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions. It doesn't help the pain, but at least its a burden countless others now know we carry, and so many have offered to help lighten the load. Thank you for that. To those he touched who are sending kind words, know that one of his favorite things in the world was to make you all laugh. As for those who are sending negativity, know that some small, giggling part of him is send

25 Life Lessons From Albert Einstein | Spirit Science and Metaphysics

Albert Einstein was more than just a scientist. Here are 25 amazing life lessons coming from the man himself!