Oct 22, 2016
Her "Brain Pickings" ranges across the past and present, the arts and sciences, steering her cohort to unexpected delights. In our conversation at the Brooklyn Historical Society, she talks about a nineteenth century astronomer, a twentieth century elm tree, and a twenty-first century blight: people who walk down the street staring at their devices. But why does it vex her? It's not as if she wants to strike up a conversation with a passing stranger. Because, she says, "It creates an atmosphere of isolation." Debatable. And we do, in the most amiable way. With music from Gregorio Uribe.