(Video link here.) We can’t think of a better way to celebrate this lovely ordinary day than with this video of the great Maira Kalman – whose remarkable books are a blend of images and words into vivid stories –  giving her two cents on what it is to be human. She covers a lot of ground: work, love, identity, life, death, THE POINT OF IT ALL.

Our favorite gem:

How are we all so brave as to take step after step? Day after day? How are we so optimistic, so careful not to trip and yet do trip, and then get up and say O.K. Why do I feel so sorry for everyone and so proud? 

Kalman’s books are FULL of brilliances like this (she’s like some kind of normal lady buddha). They make a perfect gift for just about anyone. These are our favorites:

And the Pursuit of Happiness

Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World)

The Principles of Uncertainty

via Brainpickings

Related posts: ‘food rules’ made delicious by maira kalman
“can do” (maira kalman)
maira kalman on invention and ingenuity (and napping)
which is more powerful, love or hate?x

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