Hi, I’m Lou Blaser.
I’m a writer who spends an unreasonable amount of time reading, asking questions, then writing about the head-scratchers.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
I used to be a corporate-ladder climber, and during that time, most of my attention was focused on one thing only: building a career.
I left that career in 2014 and oh my goodness! A whole new world opened up for me — after quite a bit of fumbling around, that is. I’ve spent much of the time since then reading, writing, asking questions, following ideas. For better or worse, I self-identify as a writer these days, and could not be any happier.
“I don’t want to wonder if I have made of my life something particular and real. I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened or full of argument. I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”
WHAT I DO NOW
Shaping Life is a weekly conversation about ideas we encounter through books and films, and where they lead us.
There’s a boat load of things competing for our attention on the daily. I’m interested in the ones that stick around and shape our thinking.
I start with books and films and follow ideas that snagged my attention. There may occasionally be other things — podcasts, videos, conversations, etc. But mainly books and films.
A FEW PLACES TO START
“The man who stopped expecting anything from life”
Inspired by the film The Magic of Belle Isle — about withdrawing from life, and the small interruptions that can sometimes draw us back into it.
“Is this actually my change to make?”
Inspired by the book The Quitters Club — about the difference between changes we can make on our own and those that require someone else to change with us.
“Here’s one way to decide when to use AI (if you must)”
A podcast conversation with an anthropologist gave me a useful framework.
If Rick Blaine had a website instead of a bar in Casablanca, he might have said, “Of all the websites on the internet in all the world, you landed on mine.” I'm thrilled that you found your way here. I hope we can extend this momentary connection.