Agalia Tan

Generally speaking, quantification and the logic of optimization which it encourages tend to transform our field of experience into points of aggression, as the sociologist Hartmut Rosa has aptly put it. Data-driven optimization is, in this sense, a way of perceiving the world. And what may matter most about this is not necessarily what it allows... See more

A struggle inward rather than upward or outward, a reorientation away from growth in an objective sense.

I’m working on becoming more aware, ultimately—just as good at noticing what’s always been here as what’s just arrived or hasn’t yet. No surprise I’m basically just describing mindfulness, one of the oldest human pursuits, increasingly urgent.... See more

The software breaks down each route into multiple maneuvers, David Cronin, a senior director on the Google Maps design team, told me. Then it decides which and how many maneuvers a driver or pedestrian needs, how to describe those maneuvers, and what sort of visual and auditory information would best illustrate them. The goal, Cronin said, is to... See more

The fundamentals: Something many people know, but few people practice

Success in this culture is measured not just by professional or personal achievements but by how well you adhere to an ever-expanding list of wellness trends. It always seems like there’s another benchmark to hit. Social media significantly amplifies this competition – curated snapshots create unrealistic expectations and foster comparison, leaving... See more

Instead of a fulfilled life, a life filled full.