Berlin Family Lectures: Placeholder and Serendipity - Lecture 1

Writer Yiyun Li explores the intersection of placeholder and serendipity, examining how individuals maintain personal integrity and agency within a chaotic, often disenchanting world. By analyzing the lives of Marie Curie, Shen Congwen, and Alexander Leonard, the discussion highlights how these figures navigated exile, loss, and public scrutiny by establishing dedicated spaces for their work and passions. Li emphasizes that uncertainty is a universal condition, arguing that the act of "trying"—rather than seeking absolute outcomes—serves as a vital strategy for resilience. Drawing on her background in science, she links the precision of research to the creative process, advocating for a disciplined, forward-looking approach to life. Ultimately, the dialogue suggests that staying enchanted with the world requires embracing the unknown and finding personal meaning through persistent, deliberate action, even in the face of profound adversity.