Book suggestion (Dec 2021): “The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?” by Michael J. Sandel. Interesting insight and different look into meritocracy and questioning its (otherwise obvious) social efficiency.

Favorite play: “The Life of Galileo” by Brecht. I read/listen to it on my frustration times to remind myself the pattern of academic endeavor has not changed much; but despite all the challenges we are all moving ahead; slowly, but consistently.

Music: I play Tar (an ancient Persian music instrument) and sing Persian classic music, and sometimes record myself.