Epstein is a writer, editor, and former lecturer at Northwestern University. He also has many achievements, including being awarded a National Humanities Medal in 2003. Logical appeal is shown in his essay because he did lots of research on the topic of boredom: he constantly cites works, like Boredom: A Lively History by Peter Toohey and A Philosophy of Boredom by Lars Svendsen. The information from these works are aided by a plethora of allusions to elements of literature from classic poetry to modern-day novels. In addition, he writes about different kinds of boredom, the causes of boredom, and the remedies of boredom.
Epstein did accomplish his purpose because he shed light on the normality and necessity of boredom, stating, "boredom can also in itself function as a stimulant; boredom...can, in this view, presumably lead to freshened thought and creativity." With his use logical appeal, Epstein managed to convince his readers that they can harness their boredom and create something with it, rather than whining and moping about it. His well-supported information and opinions guide the reader to a new viewpoint, showing them that boredom is not all that bad.
"A Crossroad of Time and Desire"
Neuroscientists believe that boredom is encountered in a part of the brain called the "insula," also called the insular cortex. The insula is found in the cerebral cortex, a portion of the brain that is associated with consciousness, emotions, and homeostasis. Arthur D. Craid, a neurologist, considers the insula to stand "a crossroad of time and desire."
