Our Quantum Problem

When the deepest theory we have seems to undermine science itself, some kind of collapse looks inevitable.

In the Archives: Poison Pages

Not as poisonous as some of the nonsense I’ve read recently.

Silicon Valley Executives are Hiring

Philosophers to teach them to question everything.

The Benefits of Solitude

Our society rewards social behaviour while ignoring the positive effects of time spent alone.

Thought Leaders’ and the Plutocrats Who Love Them

The wealthy have taken over intellectual culture, and it’s devastating progressive politics.

Why We Love to Believe the Myth of ‘Everyday Cooking’

The impossible if overwhelmingly delicious tartine all day.

Vintage Posters That Demand You Pick up a Book

The very best reading propaganda.

I Come from a Place on your Bucket List

Uganda.

Shorter, Faster, Duller

Want to read but just can’t find the time? Apps to get you in and out of a book in the blink of an eye.

You’re Survivors

The Bohemian social-media movement.

Like ‘The Bolhole’ will Hopefully be for Me

10 debut novels that are also their authors’ masterpieces.

Void Vast Infinite

Now writing a science fiction short story called Void Vast Infinite. Asked about stars yesterday and found this guy from West Ireland.

What Makes America Different?

How Baby Boomers created their own Millennial Monsters

‘Everything I hate about you... is because of me?’ 

Why Colonizing the Galaxy Is the Highest Good

Some people have advocated more drastic sacrifices in the name of reducing global catastrophic risk.

The Elements of Bureaucratic Style

The bureaucratic voice presents governments and corporations as placid, apologetic, and unmovable, and their victims as active as possible.