The Imagination of Disaster
Escapism is the absolutely predictable oligarchic posture during catastrophic times. The rest of us have to endure the oligarchs’ moronic fantasies—Ukraine is Russia, immortality is possible, space travel will save us, life might be a simulation—as time runs out on our hopes for dignity and survival as a species. A poignant element of our tragedy
... See moreTimothy Snyder • On Freedom
There are many aspects of life that pull us in opposing directions. We need to be pessimistic enough to prepare for bad outcomes but optimistic enough to undertake new projects. We need to see people both as enmeshed in systems that push them around and as free agents shaping their own lives. It’s vital to be skeptical and ask questions, but also
... See moreJoshua Rothman • Why Are We Tormented by the Future?
