Phosphorescence: A Memoir of Finding Joy When Your World Goes Dark

by Julia Baird

Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties or mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life….Their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.

One of the world’s longest studies of adult life, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, followed subjects for eighty years—beginning in 1938—and found that social connection and relationships are the single greatest predictor of health and happiness throughout your life.

People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.

British author Sara Maitland stands ready. She believes the mobile phone was a “major breakthrough for the powers of hell.”