Articles is not the right word. More like metaphysical life-altering essays.
"The Fierce Imagination of Haruki Murakami," Sam Anderson.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/magazine/the-fierce-imagination-of-haruki-murakami.html
"The Ambition of the Short Story," Steven Millhauser.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/books/review/Millhauser-t.html
"Liking is for Cowards. Go for what Hurts," Jonathan Franzen.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/opinion/29franzen.html?pagewanted=all
"How Old Can a 'Young Writer' Be?" Sam Tanenhaus.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/books/review/Tanenhaus-t.html?ref=books
"Deep in Suburbia," Charles McGrath, on Chang-rae Lee
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/29/magazine/29LEE.html?pagewanted=all
"The Myth of Japan's Failure," Eamonn Fingleton.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/opinion/sunday/the-true-story-of-japans-economic-success.html
"A Place to Lay My Heart," Elisabeth Eaves.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/fashion/a-place-to-lay-my-heart-modern-love.html
"As Not Seen on TV," Pete Wells.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/dining/reviews/restaurant-review-guys-american-kitchen-bar-in-times-square.html?ref=dining&_r=1&
"The Joy of Old Age," Oliver Sacks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/opinion/sunday/the-joy-of-old-age-no-kidding.html?src=me&ref=general