Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with inspiration

Best Examples of Scientific Collaborations

spenser — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 00:04:30 -0800

I'm working on a project for which I would like to highlight some famous scientific collaboration stories, and I'm realizing that many common popularly-known scientific discovery stories have a tendency to celebrate a single genius, e.g. Newton developed his physics while quarantining during the Great Plague. What are some accessible stories that highlight the opposite - multiple people working together made an important scientific discovery? I'm hoping to find stories about science or technology that will be familiar to the average person, or that could be explained in a sentence or two to the average person.

I'm also hoping to find *stories*. I know that CERN, for instance, is a massive collaboration that has done some remarkable things, but it doesn't make a compelling story to list the technical accomplishments of large organizations. Ideally the story has humans at the center.

Good book encouraging a 10-year-old artist?

johngoren — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 04:05:41 -0800

For Christmas I’d like to find a book for a talented fifth grader who is worried about whether drawing is worth it after someone was mean to them. Is there a book that might be inspiring to get them? Something that’s maybe like the equivalent of one of those great Lynda Barry books, only more aimed at age 10?

I want to read about people I can look up to

forza — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 01:03:25 -0800

I'm going through a bit of a rough road mental-health-wise, and would like to read biographies about real people that I can admire. Ideally I'm looking for nonfiction accounts of real people, but if something is fictionalised but based on fact that would work too. I'm interested in it for the character development, so I'm not looking for books that are focused on the time period or historical plot points -- rather, I want to read books that make me feel like I'm getting to know somebody who is extraordinary in some way.

Extra bonuses for books that:

- Involve people getting over heartache or the loss of a relationship that was really meaningful to them, but went on to do okay

- Involve people that were widely misunderstood but persevered despite this

- Involve people who are queer in some way

- Involve people who had great moral courage or were just exceptionally good as people

- Involve people who were faced with really challenging circumstances, but faced them and ended up triumphing somehow

None of these bullet points are obligatory, but the more there are, the awesomer it will be.

Thank you so much. I need some hope.

Need a short message of good wishes

lyssabee — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 13:05:26 -0800

My library is thinking about doing a social media post next week to let our patrons know that we miss them, appreciate them, are thinking about them while we're all staying at home. The plan is to take a picture of 15-20 staff members, each one holding up a word or two on a piece of paper that, when put together, all spell out a message of hope/appreciation/inspiration. Normally I am not a great collector of inspirational quotes. Do you know of one that might work for such a thing?

Please tell me it's not just crop tops now

cpatterson — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 14:03:22 -0800

I am looking for some Instagram accounts or blogs (or...Facebook groups? not sure what is out there) to follow for style/outfit inspiration. I've been a stay at home mom in the suburban midwest US for several years, which means I dress in jeans, yoga pants, t-shirts I got for free from my kid's school, maternity tops I'm still wearing a couple years postpartum...you get the picture. Nothing wrong with that, but I'd like to start getting a little more intentional about what I wear, coinciding with an upcoming move to another country (the UK), new environment (medium-sized city), and hopefully a return to work in the next couple years. It seems like a great time to update my wardrobe, but I have NO clue what's out there and I'd like to check out some sources to...get inspired!

Ideally I'm looking for accounts that meet many or all of these criteria:
- "real" people (not celebrities or models)
- mid-30's or older
- female-presenting
- living in cities where you have to walk a lot
- practical, down-to-earth style (I know this is subjective, but I mean people who aren't wearing stilettos every day and taking an hour to do their makeup)
- moms who have young kids at home (not vital, but that's the situation I'm in)
- average to plus size (I wear a US size 16-18)

I'd be happy to follow people who post their outfits, accounts that take pictures of other people, hashtags that people use, general this-looks-good advice...but I am really looking for image-focused, easy to read content rather than deep-dives into The Fashion World or anything like that. I'm being vague about the actual "style" I like because, I'm not sure what I like! But hopefully this will help me figure it out.

Does this exist? If so, hook a tired yet optimistic mom up!

Have you seen this web comic?

Tabitha Someday — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 19:49:04 -0800

I'm looking for a web comic I read on Tumblr three to four years ago. As far as I know it was a one off, and not part of a continuing comic. The comic features a person or group of people (maybe not exactly human) making balloons that are lifting other people up, but one person is making this massive weighted thing. One of the balloon makers complains that they're supposed to be making things to lift people up, not weigh them down. The other person just keeps on working until they're done, then pushes their work over a cliff, attached to a chain.

The thing sinks into the depths of the water (and maybe mud below that) until it comes to rest next to a person submerged under all that, who grabs onto it.

I really want to share this with my eldest child, but I've had no luck finding it again.

How to frame an abstract tattoo

Iteki — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:40:29 -0800

I am planning something of a memorial tattoo, an isolated patch of pattern. Would like some more ideas like how people have used kites as a frame or enclosure for an abstract design. For the sake of argument we can say that the pattern/image I want to tattoo is like a scrap of a favourite shirt (actually shirt-zip-jacket if that makes a difference). I haven't been able to think of a nice way to frame it. It will be on my side, a little lower than my breast. I am open to all different styles of tattoo, I will be getting a traditionally styled anchor on the inside of my bicep on the same side as part of the same memorial, I am open to these two tattoos echoing each other or being paired, but it's not necessary and I would also be fine with something utterly different.

Creative boost needed

KateViolet — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 02:48:37 -0800

I work in a creative role and need to come up with ideas and solutions, which has always been something I've been pretty good at. But lately, I just feel very uninspired. What do you do to boost your creativity when you're low on ideas?

Help me find an interactive art or toy for my nightstand!

Flying Saucer — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 08:29:24 -0800

I have room on my nightstand for something "fun." I have plenty of photos and figurines and knick-knacks throughout my house, so I thought this item could be a chance for some interactivity and creativity -- something to inspire me when getting up in the morning or to fuel my creativity before sleep. I've had things like these word cubes or magnet toys, but I was looking for something...else. Something that changes shape, or color, words, whether by my actions or just randomly.

Any ideas? Extra points if it requires no power, or only batteries, instead of being plugged in.

Thanks!

Draw and talk about things

phunniemee — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 09:31:25 -0800

I'm seeking a video (not a specific video, but rather your suggestions for videos) where someone draws and talks about: ideas, inspiration, innovation, etc. There was a huge trend of these a few years ago and I don't know what happened to all of them. When I google I just get 10000 results to the same ted talk where a dude is talking about how anyone can draw. This is not what I'm after.

The video style was always fairly simple (static or loosely animated) drawings on a whiteboard where some guy (usually blandly white sounding, this is defo not a requirement) would talk about a topic.

I want to use this for a work thing. We're a chill company so it doesn't have to be slick and ultra professional, but it should use PG-13 max language and not include pictures of dicks, etc.

The topic I'm after is anything even broadly related to innovation, getting ideas, or putting ideas into practice.

THANK YOU.

What are your favourite laments?

Jane the Brown — Wed, 22 May 2019 05:41:00 -0800

I am looking for laments, in any format. Musical laments, of course, like those in the Celtic music tradition are the obvious answer. But I'd like them in any and every genre - poetry, quotation, art. Short, long, anything that breaks your heart. A good lament is stirring and gives you hope while also delineating the long-term futility of anything but acceptance. Have you got anything for me? Musical examples of what I mean include the Chieftans' and Sting's Mo Ghile Mear but perhaps also the version by Choral Scholars, University of Dublin. Flowers of the Forest? Song of the Shield Wall? Lament for Limerick? Do you know any that aren't in the Celtic traditions? What version makes you throb? You can't go wrong with drums. Can you make my heart explode with bagpipes? Any piece that starts with a chamade and grows and grows - that's what I want.

Do you know of any photographs of grief that are a visual lament? Paintings?

Quotations like, "Lament is a cry of belief in a good God," would fit my request if there is one that is meaningful to you. Are there any books you adore that convey lamentation as their central theme?

I'd love to hear suggestions that I might have missed or that are way out of my experience.

Patience + Perseverance

Hermione Granger — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:29:18 -0800

What are your favorite quotes or short passages about having patience and persevering? Positive and encouraging excerpts from religious texts, poems, etc are especially welcome. Thank you.

You're my Inspiration, S** Hole Country Edition

Alensin — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 08:49:53 -0800

A random Internet stranger found my Reddit profile this morning, and sent me a long, overly-detailed private message. I'm feeling a little uncomfortable and would appreciate some input. More specifics below; Thanks for listening, AskMe. I've been on Reddit for three years and change, though post irregularly at best. My interests on there include Rogue-like and RPG games, the Aubrey-Maturin novels, and accessibility, among other things. I will often go months without posting.

Anyway, I got a long and kind of rambling note from an Internet stranger this morning. They claim to be 18 years old, living in a specifically-named "shit hole country," their words, not mine, and grappling with a possible visual impairment. I am totally blind, and have been since birth.

They included a lot of details about their medical issues i didn't ask for. They also claim me as an inspiration, and say that they want to study CS and math, the former at least is an area of some strong interest to me. Finally, they mention that they've seriously considered suicide if their impairment progresses and hinders quality of life. It's at best a possibility, from what little I could understand of their medical jargon.

I'm uncomfortable being seen as inspiration by anybody, let alone a stranger with whom I've never interacted before. I feel odd being the person to whom they confide intimate details, even if they are trying to put a positive spin on their situation. I understand why suicide might be an attractive option in some ways, but it's also one which makes me cringe.

Has anyone else ever gotten a similar message? How'd you handle it? I'm not really sure how much distance I want to maintain, considering they started with an awkward, un-asked for series of disclosures. Any perspective would be very helpful, AskMe. Thank you :)

Positive stories against the stereotype of a "loner"

Ender's Friend — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 14:54:35 -0800

Inspired by but only partially related to this AskMe question, what are some positive stories of people who live alone? To be clear, not looking for stories of people who are just temporarily single, but Find Love When They Least Expect It (TM), nor stories of people who might not have blood family nearby, but make their own chosen family and a million friends by being the heart and soul of every gathering.

I'm looking for positive stories (print, video, fiction, non-fiction, what have you) of people who are long-term alone, kinda loners or introvert, and comfortable with it, as well as being in some ways or others useful or valuable to society, without necessarily being very social or establishing close relationships with people.

Are there any stories that do not include even the hint of the stereotype of the "loner" being a mis-adjusted weirdo who might or might not be likely to shoot up a school (if male), or a cat-collecting hoarder living with the deceased body of her sister (if female)?

Getting closer to middle age, I realize I have no role models to emulate, but maybe I haven't been looking hard enough? What have you got, MeFites?

Small and mighty role models

gold bridges — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 12:39:35 -0800

Can you help me compile a list of women-identifying people who are short but powerful? I'm in my mid-30s, I'm 5'1," and I'd like to be taken seriously and to feel more capable. Details inside. One of my summer projects is to learn more about the Greek goddesses and apply their energies in my own life, as inspired by "Goddesses in Everywoman" by Jean Shinoda Bolen (an oldie but a goodie!). For most of my 35-year-old life I've been a Persephone archetype — child-like, people-pleasing, eager to be liked, a touch narcissistic, kinda weak-willed, avoidant and scared of life.

I want to cultivate Artemis — huntress, protector of young women and wild creatures, fearless, externally focused and entirely independent. (She had her problems, too, but I'm trying to mine the good stuff for inspiration.)

One problem I have as I try to implement this stuff in my decidedly non-Greek-mythical real life is that I'm short (5'1") and friendly and in general seem to give off an aura of someone who needs to be protected. Not so much Artemis the Huntress. Lots of "Awww, you're so adorable!" and offers of unsolicited advice, etc. I know this comes from a good place! But I would also love to be seen as a capable powerhouse. I know that for that to happen, I have to embody it.

Can you help me compile a list of women-identifying people in film, media, literature, or even in your own lives who are small-yet-mighty, whom I can learn from? By that I mean on the short side, height-wise, but with a larger-than-life vibe about them.

I'd also love to hear stories (yours, someone else's, or in literature) about a hero(ine)'s journey from childlike and fearful— even as a full adult — and to truly adult, focused, capable and independent.

Thanks, MeFites!

Joan Jett as Carnivalesque Magician in WicDiv

divabat — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 23:40:16 -0800

I rebooted my Pinterest boards to reflect my updated tastes, especially in fashion. Help me find some places to look for inspiration to add to my board! "Joan Jett as Carnivalesque Magician in the Wicked + Divine Universe" is a pretty apt descriptor of my preferred style - punk-rock but also circusy, sparkly, dramatic. I come from a performance background and in my dream world I would dress up as one of Taylor Mac's Dandy Minions 24/7 (especially after having been one said Dandy Minion), but I'd also like options that are more realistically viable both in terms of every day wear and in terms of budget. (I work in the arts and largely remotely, so I don't have to worry about looking "corporate", but hey I'll take inspiration from everywhere)

Some specific things I'm really into:
- Crimson/Blood red roses, both the thing itself and the colour
- Black + Gold (+ Stars/Sparkle, think New Years) - Black + Silver is a close second but when it comes to accessories I greatly prefer gold
- A ridiculous amount of glitter
- The use of technology and electronics in fashion, such as LED dresses
- The sort of outfits queer dominatrixes would wear
- Jewel tones or "Arabian Nights spice market" colours
- Tiaras, because that is also my name and I like puns
- Witchy goth fashion, but more unusual takes on the form
- Very specific references to very specific things I like (WicDiv and specifically Tara, Steven Universe, Homestuck, to some degree Harry Potter, Darren Hayes)
- Boots
- A-line dresses
- Femme suits ala the hosts of The Weakest Link
- Strappy pentagram (or similar) harnesses and similar lingerie
- Body chains - the more full-on the better
- Fascinators
- Sparkly oversized bowties to wear on my head
- Wings
- 80s silliness ala Top of the Pops Zoo or I Eat Cannibals
- Disco
- Motorcycle jackets or similar
- T-shirts or similar with feminist activist slogans
- Stars and space

Things I'm not really into:
- Earth colours (browns, beiges, greens) - emerald green looks really fuckin' good on me but I'm not a big fan of that color pallette
- Yellows or oranges
- Pastel colours
- Latex or leather (which does go against the Queer Dominatrix thing - I like the cut but not the material)
- Things that skew more masculine, dapper, butch
- Skirts or dresses past my knees
- Anything shapeless or overly rectangular
- Earrings
- The sort of "generic straight woman" fashion that makeover shows seem to favour for some reason
- Rockabilly
- Corsets
- Stiletto heels

This is mostly eye candy, so let's worry less about whether something comes in my size, price, or location, but extra bonus points if it fits a size 12-14 AU (10-12 US) body. Fashion runways, Met Gala, street fashion, fashion blogs, Etsy shops, anything goes! From the practical to the bombastic and everything in between.

Women's style icons and inspiration for women who wear pants/trousers

cadge — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:28:29 -0800

I want to revamp my wardrobe, and I'm looking for women's fashion inspiration and icons. However, I'm not into dresses and skirts. What's out there for a woman who prefers pants/trousers? Who's got that style? Me: Late 30s, tall and skinny, interested in both polished/professional and artsy bohemian looks

The only stylish pants-wearing woman on my radar is Christine Lagarde. Who else is out there?

My Morning (Book) Jacket

fiery.hogue — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 08:58:06 -0800

I need an alternative to waking up and immediately scrolling through the news on my phone to see what terrible things happened while I was asleep. So I'm looking for suggestions for books (Kindle is a bonus) that offer daily inspirational readings that make me feel good, instead of bad, when I get out of bed. Over the past year or so I've developed the terrible habit of immersing myself in the mess of the world right when I wake up. So I've been trying instead to reach not for my phone but for some kind of reading--short, thought-provoking, inspirational but not religious or cheesy--to start the day. I've tried a few things but haven't been able to really stick with them (Poem of the Day via e-mail, Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates, The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, The Daily Henry James, Tolstoy's Calendar of Wisdom). I love the format of just a paragraph or two, set up by the actual date. Other desires but not necessities: seasonally appropriate, not specifically religious (though Buddhism is an interest), available on Kindle, and maybe even geared towards writing as an art/craft or the natural world. It doesn't even have to be a book; I'd be interested in any daily e-mails, apps, or subscription services that might serve the same purpose. My psyche and overall sense of well being would be very grateful for suggestions!

Style Blogs

lizifer — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:56:39 -0800

I wish to be someone who "knows fashion" and is not "basic". I currently live in a pretty androgynous-feminine space, haven't figured out how to stop wearing skinny jeans and can't be bothered to search for fashion inspiration. I'd like to know what the current silhouettes are (is it really just... very baggy everything?), how to wear them, and use that as a basis going forward. Is there a blogger who does broad-strokes work like that? I work in the entertainment business and would like to not look like someone's aunt from out of town when attending events.

Inspirational fitness documentaries or shows

erratic meatsack — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 08:48:51 -0800

I got a stationary bike recently that I like parking in front of the TV on days I don't run. I've found that watching videos/documentaries on fitness of any kind (whether marathon running or dancing) really keeps my motivation up when I'm spinning. What should I check out in this category that's worth watching? I have access to Netflix (US), Hulu, and of course YouTube. I'd definitely prefer watching something more fitness-based than food or dieting.

I think I'll probably try to find American Ninja Warrior episodes on Hulu next, but I'm out of ideas beyond that!

What's your go-to SHORT inspirational/motivational phrase?

Shepherd — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 07:48:39 -0800

There's a great AskMe about inspirational quotes, essays, etc., but I'm wondering if you have a specific short, like 12 words or less, "go forth and conquer" thing you say to yourself when you need an internal kick in the pants, shot of confidence or to ground yourself before a challenge. My two examples of go-to pithy sayings I use to either motivate or ground myself:

"Kill the bear!" which is kind of an internal shorthand for the oft-repeated "What one man can do, another can do" phrase in the Mamet-written movie The Edge; used when I need to remind myself that while something may seem difficult, other people have done it, and therefore I must be able to do it.

"No matter where you go, there you are," from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, which has been surprisingly useful for me when I need to calm down and ground myself over the past 30 years.

What do you say to yourself, in 12 words or less, when you need a quick mental kick in the pants?

Words Inspire

anastasiav — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 09:54:17 -0800

I'm looking for suggestions for speakers for a progressive event. Who can you think of who might be well known enough to be a draw in a rural, 98% white area and who would speak well and passionately about progressive issues that are likely to be most relevant to lower income, rural voters. Issues might include healthcare, preservation of public lands, rights of indigenous people, womens rights, and economic justice. Budget would be under $5K, so really looking for someone who has some name recognition but is not extremely famous.

Is there a "Couch to 5k" for creativity?

A Robot Ninja — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 07:50:50 -0800

I'm in my early thirties and I don't think I've ever been creative. I just don't think I have much imagination for those kinds of things. But it's something I think I'd like in my life, and I'm a little bewildered where to start. Is creativity or imagination something I can learn (or be taught), or is it more innate?

Help me put this into words

blackzinfandel — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 22:33:58 -0800

I've been doing some writing lately. It has been my goal in life to publish at least one book. I haven't made a lot of progress. There's one type of memoir I want to write but I need inspiration. I just don't know what to search for. The basic premise is that it's about love, relationships and sex in my life, but told in short stories, from childhood to adulthood. Each story would be from one to three chapters long focused on a significant person or situation. The only reoccurring character in each story is myself. There might be some guest appearances of others, but these will be mostly self-contained parts of my life that share common themes and show growth/lack thereof. The stories range from funny to traumatic to sweet, or a combination.

I need inspiration, though. Can anybody recommend any similar books (memoir or not), or even movies, that sound similar? The key is the fragmented nature of the overall story. Thanks!

Is there more than monochromatic minimalism?

EVM — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 16:06:57 -0800

Hey clothes-loving folks! I've been reading about capsule wardrobes, paring down clothing, and other minimalism-type posts My question is- does anyone know of a good post on capsule wardrobes/minimalism that has color in it? Something along the lines of "hey, I'm a minimalist and I love color, here's how that works" The ones I'm finding generally look like this: http://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/ethical-capsule-wardrobe-inspiration-for-fall-winter-2016

Which is great! lots of intriguing brands to check out...

... it's also almost totally devoid of color.

I have seen an idea repeated in minimalist posts where use of color is restricted to accessories like jewelry/scarves. I'm not looking for that, rather I'm looking for someone who is both a minimalist (owning few things, thinking deeply about purchases and decisions) and uses color in a bold way (those few things include fire-red pants, a sapphire-blue sweater, and other gorgeous pieces)

I don't believe that loving color and being a minimalist is an either/or situation. Someone has to be doing this :) Any clues?