The Politics of Refusal: Tricia Hersey on Resting as a Community

A group of people gathering together in a community hall to talk illustrates politics of refusal

How can communities support each other in resisting grind culture? What do “politics of refusal” look like in practice? Tricia Hersey’s book Rest Is Resistance explores the concept of rest as a communal practice. She advocates for creating spaces and communities dedicated to well-being over constant productivity. Hersey introduces the idea of a “politics of refusal” where people collectively reject the demands of grind culture. Read on to discover how communities can empower each other to prioritize rest and well-being in a world that often values productivity above all else.

Cycles of War and Peace: Ray Dalio on the Dynamic of Geopolitics

Balanced scales with a dove on the left and a hawk on the right illustrates cycles of war and peace

Is the world locked in an endless cycle of conflict and cooperation? How do major powers shape the global landscape? Ray Dalio’s insights on cycles of war and peace offer a fascinating perspective on international relations. He explores how nations interact, compete, and sometimes clash on the world stage. From economic battles to the looming threat of military confrontation, Dalio paints a vivid picture of the complex dance between global powers. Keep reading to understand this characteristic of geopolitics, especially in regard to the United States and China in our current era.

3 Ways the Male White Establishment Guards Its Power

A man in a suit speaking into a microphone at a hearing with several men behind him illustrates the male white establishment

How does the male white establishment maintain its power? What tactics do they use to exclude women and people of color from positions of influence? In her book Mediocre, Ijeoma Oluo says the male white establishment employs various methods to preserve its dominance in political and economic spheres. The tactics aim to keep white men at the center of society by eliminating potential competitors. Keep reading to discover how these tactics have played out historically and continue to impact people today.

The Threat of Nuclear War Has Us on the Precipice (Toby Ord)

A man's finger about to push a red button in a sophisticated command center illustrates the threat of nuclear war

Is the threat of nuclear war still a concern in today’s world? How close have we come to nuclear catastrophe? The looming specter of nuclear conflict remains a serious global issue. Toby Ord’s analysis in The Precipice highlights the devastating potential of nuclear weapons and our historical mishandling of this technology. Keep reading to discover the shocking realities of nuclear warfare and its potential impact on human civilization.

The Big Cycle: Ray Dalio Explains How World Orders Are Created

People in a book store in a section with a sign that says "HISTORY" illustrates the big cycle of world history

Is the world moving in predictable patterns? Can we learn from history to anticipate future events? Every 250 years or so, an empire falls and a new one rises. The big cycle, Ray Dalio says, helps us understand history and predict the future. Inside this big cycle are smaller cycles of economy, society, and geopolitics that help shape the world order. Keep reading for Dalio’s perspective on the cyclical nature of wealth, power, and global dynamics.

Mediocre: Book Overview & Takeaways (Ijeoma Oluo)

A man sitting on a park bench and reading a book

Are you tired of seeing mediocre white men in positions of power? Have you ever wondered why this phenomenon persists in our society? Mediocre, a book by Ijeoma Oluo, explores the concept of white male mediocrity and its roots in white male supremacy. She examines how this dynamic shapes American society, from politics to education to sports. Continue reading for an overview of this book.

Ray Dalio: The Rise and Fall of Empires Reveal History’s Cycles

An ancient pyramid in Egypt with modern cities in the distance illustrates the rise and fall of empires

Is history repeating itself? What can we learn from the rise and fall of past empires? According to Ray Dalio, the rise and fall of empires provide insights into the patterns that shape global powers. He outlines the three stages empires typically go through, from their emergence to their eventual decline. Keep reading to discover how these cycles might apply to our world today.

3 Types of Dystopian Futures: Toby Ord on Oppressive Societies

A sign on the side of the road in a mountainous area that says "DYSTOPIA AHEAD" illustrates dystopian futures

Are we heading toward a dystopian future? What can we learn from fictional dystopias to prevent real-world catastrophes? In The Precipice, Toby Ord writes that dystopian futures come in various forms, from enforced totalitarian regimes to unintended consequences of human actions. Writers and filmmakers have long explored these possibilities, offering insights into potential societal pitfalls. Keep reading to discover the three main types of dystopian futures and how they might unfold in our world.

3 Anthropogenic Threats to Humanity (Toby Ord’s The Precipice)

A fiery mushroom cloud from a nuclear bomb explosion illustrates anthropogenic threats to humanity

Are we on the brink of a human-made disaster? What catastrophic threats to our existence could be our own fault? Toby Ord’s book The Precipice explores the dangers posed by anthropogenic threats. He speculates on the potential consequences of nuclear weapons, climate change, and environmental damage. These human-driven risks could lead to civilization collapse or even extinction. Keep reading to get Ord’s take on these potential existential challenges.