White Masculinity: A Mythology of Violent Cowboys (Ijeoma Oluo)

A rugged cowboy wearing a cowboy hat exemplifies white masculinity

Do you know the origins of white masculinity in America? How does the cowboy myth influence modern-day extremism? Ijeoma Oluo explores the concept of white masculinity through the lens of the American cowboy archetype. She argues that this idealized image of rugged individualism and conquest has far-reaching consequences, shaping attitudes and behaviors in contemporary society. Continue reading for a thought-provoking journey through American history and culture.

Natural Threats to Humanity: Terrestrial & Extraterrestrial Risks

Asteroids hurling through outer space illustrate natural threats to humanity

Are you prepared for nature’s most devastating events? What would happen if an asteroid hit Earth or a supervolcano erupted? In The Precipice, Toby Ord contends that natural threats pose significant risks to humanity’s survival. From extraterrestrial dangers to terrestrial hazards, these events could cause global catastrophes. While the chances are low, their impact would be severe and largely beyond our control. Read on to discover the fascinating and terrifying details of these natural threats and how they could reshape our world.

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.

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.

The Importance of Knowledge Sharing: 4 Benefits in Society

Two people talking to each other and showing the importance of knowledge sharing

What’s the importance of knowledge sharing? How does trade lead to cultural evolution? Matt Ridley says that humans’ distinguishing characteristic is our penchant for exchanging and accumulating knowledge. We don’t merely hoard knowledge; we share, combine, and build upon it. Let’s take a closer look at how powerful the practice of sharing knowledge can be.

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.

The Climate Change Risk: Is It the End of Earth’s Delicate Balance?

A globe balanced on a teetering rock in the woods illustrates the climate change risk

Are we on the brink of an existential catastrophe due to climate change? Could rising temperatures make Earth uninhabitable? Toby Ord’s analysis in The Precipice paints a stark picture of the climate change risk. He explores feedback effects, emission projections, and potential consequences of global warming. Ord’s work investigates the alarming possibilities if temperatures continue to rise unchecked. Continue reading for a sobering look at our planet’s future and what’s at stake.