Finding Meaning in Choices: Jesse Browner on Embracing the Path You’re On
The only personal quality that every writer really needs to have is humility, and if you're not humbled by the task that's facing you again, you're not going to be approaching it with the correct openness of heart and mind.
Ever wondered how to make peace with the roads you didn't take? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', Eric Zimmer sits down with Jesse Browner, author of *How Did I Get Here: Making Peace with the Road Not Taken*. Browner's journey as an author and translator offers a rich backdrop for his reflections on life, creativity, and acceptance.
With a career that spans novels, memoirs, and translations of renowned works, Browner has a unique perspective on finding meaning in the choices we make. He shares his thoughts on how our 'unlived lives' often seem more fulfilling and how to shift from asking 'what if' to embracing 'what is'. Browner highlights the importance of humility in the creative process, arguing that without it, one can't truly open their heart and mind to their work.
He also addresses the myth of the suffering artist, urging creatives to continue their passions even if they can't do it full-time. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Browner discusses how to fully engage with the life you have, rather than yearning for what might have been. He emphasizes patience and the value of small, everyday moments, sharing how translating Matthieu Ricard's book on happiness changed his perspective on his morning walks.
The episode is a treasure trove of insights on living a purpose-driven life, finding joy in the present, and making peace with your past decisions. Browner's wisdom is both practical and deeply resonant, making this episode a must-listen for anyone grappling with their life's direction.