The Box of Unlived (and Unloved) Life

Consider that we all have a “box of unlived life,” almost like a time capsule from the future that we’re

Chip Conley

March 13, 2026

The Box of Unlived (and Unloved) Life

Why I Love Books: A Rebellion Against Forgetting

There’s a picture that sticks with me: a room in a New York apartment where books line every surface, leaned

Chip Conley

January 29, 2026

Why I Love Books: A Rebellion Against Forgetting

MEA Faculty Pico Iyer Shares His Story in the NY Times

As I mentioned last week, I was astonished to find our guest faculty member Pico Iyer as an essential supporting

Chip Conley

January 16, 2026

MEA Faculty Pico Iyer Shares His Story in the NY Times

It’s Time for You to Become a Beginner Again

Today, we published the 44th episode of my podcast The Midlife Chrysalis with one of our Wisdom Wednesday conversations with

Chip Conley

January 7, 2026

It’s Time for You to Become a Beginner Again

Guest Post: What I Learned Writing the Book I Never Thought I’d Write

Hell, I barely thought I was allowed to. I’m not famous. I haven’t cured cancer. I haven’t built a Fortune

Michelle Marquis

January 3, 2026

Guest Post: What I Learned Writing the Book I Never Thought I’d Write

French Immersion and the Lesson of Long-Life Learning

I’ve always wanted to learn a second language. Since my wife and I spend so much time in France —

Bob Cavnar

October 19, 2025

French Immersion and the Lesson of Long-Life Learning

“The Cul de Sac of Unlearned Lessons”

I often define wisdom as “metabolized experience mindfully shared for the common good.” That first word—metabolized—is crucial. Experience alone doesn’t

Chip Conley

September 25, 2025

“The Cul de Sac of Unlearned Lessons”

Just Get Off the Horse: A Midlife Lesson from the New Mexico Desert

I went to MEA in Santa Fe to embrace change, lean into truth, and take a long, honest look at

Nora Neiterman

September 6, 2025

Just Get Off the Horse: A Midlife Lesson from the New Mexico Desert

“You’re Such an Amateur!”

MEA guest faculty member Karen Walrond reminds us that the French-Latin word amateur means “one who loves.” Who knew?!  I

Chip Conley

August 25, 2025

“You’re Such an Amateur!”

So You Think You’re Deep? Let’s Find Out

This July 14-19, we’re inviting you to explore a new approach to designing a meaningful life. It’s called Crossroads &

Chip Conley

June 26, 2025

So You Think You’re Deep? Let’s Find Out

Boomers, the National Archives has a Job For You

Boomers flow like ink on a page,Loops and swirls, wisdom with age.Letters dance, a personal touch,A signature that still means

Chip Conley

April 9, 2025

Boomers, the National Archives has a Job For You

Songs in the Key of Life

Back in May of 2024, I was reminded that there’s a fine line between terrifying and exhilarating. I was in

Paul Gilbert

March 30, 2025

Songs in the Key of Life