Consider durability first, but never sacrifice comfort. My old hiking pants were synthetic and lasted years, but I never liked wearing them. Now I choose natural fibers for anything touching skin, like a cotton shirt for the office. For outer layers or gear, a tough synthetic blend still makes sense. It's about matching the fabric to the real use.

At a Google Talks event, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said controversy in literature is essential for growth. That’s why our club always picks books that provoke.