Protecting Sight #179: 4 reasons to learn a new language. Dense nuclei and the value of patience. The Gut & the Eye. Never Split the Difference. Observing the Present.

Welcome to my daily learning journal. My daily goal is to watch one Ted Talk and one cataract surgery. I also plan to read one journal article and read/listen to a book chapter, podcast, or significant work.

Here’s today’s list:

1. Ted Talk – John McWhorter: 4 reasons to learn a new language. “English is fast becoming the world’s universal language, and instant translation technology is improving every year. So why bother learning a foreign language? Linguist and Columbia professor John McWhorter shares four alluring benefits of learning an unfamiliar tongue.” (ted.com)

A most enjoyable Ted Talk. This Ted Talk may inspire me to brush up on my French & Hindi.

2. Cataract Surgery – Richard Mackool MD – Episode 26: Dense Nucleus: The Value of Patience. “Patience is a critically important trait for all surgeons to develop and maintain. In this patient, Dr Mackool demonstrates its value during removal of a red/brunescent cataract in a one-eyed patient.”

Excellent case. The CDE (Cumulative Dissipated Energy) was 27.48!

3. The Gut and the Eye. “Could the gut microbiome become the next target for diagnosing and treating eye disease? In this month’s feature, check out what new research reveals about this complex ecosystem of microbes and how it might be linked to uveitis, AMD, and other conditions.”

4. Chris Voss and Tahl Raz, Never Split the Difference. Chapter 8, “Guarantee Execution.”

Voss and Raz are great storytellers. The skills presented can be applied to everyday negotiations.

5. The Knowledge Project (Host Shane Parrish) – “Episode 98: Sahil Lavingia: Observing the Present — Sahil Lavingia is the founder and CEO of Gumroad, an online marketplace for creators. In this conversation Sahil and Shane cover building a billion dollar business, the most critical skills for success, how he hires, his worst mistake, the patterns of success and failure and so much more.”

I am often drawn to stories of success, failure, resilience, and self-reflection. An amazing episode.

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