Her "Brain Pickings" ranges across the past and present, the arts and sciences, steering her cohort to unexpected delights. In our conversation at the Brooklyn Historical Society, she talks about a nineteenth century astronomer, a twentieth century elm tree, and a twenty-first century blight: people who walk down the street staring at their devices. But why does it vex her? It's not as if she wants to strike up a conversation with a passing stranger. Because, she says, "It creates an atmosphere of isolation." Debatable. And we do, in the most amiable way. With music from Gregorio Uribe.