Idk, I'm So Fed Up With Al That I Had To Get It Off My Chest...

I have an idea that the only thing which makes it possible to regard this world we live in without disgust is the beauty which now and then men create out of the chaos. The pictures they paint, the music they compose, the books they write, and the lives they lead. Of all these the richest in beauty is the beautiful life. That is the perfect work of art.

— W. Somerset Maugham, from The Painted Veil (Heinemann; January 1, 1949) (via The Hammock Papers)

Even a simple reaching action like this, when done more than once, can be guided by different sets of neurons. This phenomenon is called degenетасу. Scientists suspect that all biological systems have degeneracy. In genetics, for example, the same eye colour can be produced by different combinations of genes. Your sense of smell works by degeneracy too, and so does your immune system. Transportation systems have degeneracy as well. You can fly from London to Rome on different airlines, on different flights, on different models of air-plane, in different seats, with different flight attendants. Copilots can take over for pilots. Degeneracy in the brain means that your actions and experiences can be created in multiple ways. Each time you feel afraid, for example, your brain may construct that feeling with various sets of neurons.

Lisa Feldman Barrett, Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain

second hand books 🫶🏻

spin this wheel of hobbies

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark lord knows not... and either but died at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies.."

Every time I see a post saying Anakin and Padmé would be neglectful and parents if they were to raise Luke and Leia in an AU where Anakin never turned, I lose a bit more hope for the Star Wars fandom…

This is the worst timeline. (x)

10 Flaws to Give Your Perfect Characters to Make Them Human

If you're tired of the usual vices like arrogance or impatience, here are some unique (or at least less basic) character flaws to give your perfect characters: 

Pathological Altruism

A character so obsessed with helping others that they end up doing more harm than good. Their inability to let others grow or face consequences creates tension.

2. Moral Narcissism

A character who sees themselves as morally superior to others, constantly justifying selfish or harmful actions because they believe they have the moral high ground.

3. Chronic Self-Sabotage

A character who intentionally undermines their own success, perhaps due to deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, pushing them into frustrating, cyclical failures.

4. Emotional Numbness

Rather than feeling too much, this character feels too little. Their lack of emotional response to critical moments creates isolation and makes it difficult for them to connect with others.

5. Fixation on Legacy

This character is obsessed with how they’ll be remembered after death, often sacrificing present relationships and happiness for a future that’s uncertain.

6. Fear of Irrelevance

A character-driven by the fear that they no longer matter, constantly seeking validation or pursuing extreme measures to stay important in their social or professional circles.

7. Addiction to Novelty

Someone who needs constant newness in their life, whether it’s experiences, relationships, or goals. They may abandon projects, people, or causes once the excitement fades, leaving destruction in their wake.

8. Compulsive Truth-Telling

A character who refuses to lie, even in situations where a lie or omission would be the kinder or more pragmatic choice. This flaw causes unnecessary conflict and social alienation.

9. Over-Identification with Others' Pain

Instead of empathy, this character feels others' pain too intensely, to the point that they can’t function properly in their own life. They’re paralyzed by the suffering of others and fail to act effectively.

10. Reluctant Power

A character who fears their own strength, talent, or influence and is constantly trying to shrink themselves to avoid the responsibility or consequences of wielding it.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors! Instagram Tiktok

PS: This is my first short-form blog post! Lmk if you liked it and want to see more (I already have them scheduled you don't have a choice)

That’s Sarah Cameron. Kook princess. I work on her dad’s boats, so, you know, I’ve seen her around.

What I mean is that you're like someone from another world. You have a romantic aura.

Eileen Chang, Love in a Fallen City (1943)