Why Pseudo-Productivity Is an Outdated Concept (Cal Newport)

A man making widgets in a factory during the Industrial era illustrates pseudo-productivity

Are you worn out by constant busyness without seeing real results? Do you wonder if there’s a better way to measure productivity in today’s knowledge-based economy? In Slow Productivity, Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom about productivity in the modern workplace. He introduces the concept of pseudo-productivity, which values visible activity over meaningful outcomes. Keep reading to learn about this approach and why Newport believes it fails us today.

Was Housing Segregation an Effort to Protect White Identity?

Housing segregation is illustrated by a drawing of white houses on the left and black houses on the right

What are the long-lasting effects of housing segregation in America? Why did such a practice happen? In an exploration of white supremacy, Ijeoma Oluo dives into the history and consequences of housing segregation in the US. She examines how this practice emerged and how it continues to impact wealth distribution, urban landscapes, and social dynamics today. Keep reading to understand the ins and outs of housing segregation.

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 Reasons Why People Are Following Nonlinear Career Paths

A cartoon of a man in a business suit on a road that winds for miles illustrates a nonlinear career path

Are you in a career rut? Do you wonder if there’s a better way to navigate your professional journey? The concept of a nonlinear career path is gaining traction in today’s rapidly evolving work landscape. Gone are the days of climbing a predictable corporate ladder. Instead, modern professionals are embracing a more fluid approach to career development. Keep reading to discover why this shift is happening.

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.

Higher Education and Race: Why Do US Schools Get a Bad Rap?

Racially diverse students on a university campus illustrate the intersection of higher education and race

How has the history of college admissions shaped our current educational landscape? Why do conservative politicians deride higher education? Ijeoma Oluo’s exploration of higher education and race reveals a complex history of exclusion and change. In her book Mediocre, she examines how American universities were initially designed for wealthy white men and how this legacy continues to impact our educational system today. Continue reading for Oluo’s analysis of race and American educational institutions.

White Male Supremacy: From Cowboys to Congress (Ijeoma Oluo)

Several men in business suits in a corporate, academic, or governmental setting illustrate white male supremacy

Why do some people regard certain groups as criminals or terrorists? Why is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized? In Mediocre, Ijeoma Oluo provides an eye-opening exploration of white male supremacy in the United States. She discusses the mythology of violence, examines the monopoly on power, and uncovers the tactics used to maintain dominance. Read more to get Oluo’s take on the dynamics of white male supremacy.

How to Save Humanity: Strategies to Neutralize Existential Risks

A life preserver in outer space floating toward Earth illustrates how to save humanity

Are we on the brink of extinction? Can humanity be saved from existential threats? Toby Ord’s book The Precipice explores these pressing questions. He outlines potential catastrophes and offers strategies to prevent them. Ord believes we can take steps to avoid disaster and reach our full potential as a species. Read on to discover how to save humanity and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

What Is the Future of Humanity? It Depends on What We Do

The words "THE FUTURE" seen through a telescope illustrates the question, What is the future of humanity?

What is the future of humanity? Are we on the brink of disaster—or at the cusp of unprecedented progress? Toby Ord’s perspective on humanity’s potential and risks offers a thought-provoking glimpse into our species’ trajectory. He explores our remarkable achievements, technological advancements, and the looming threats that could derail our progress. Keep reading for a journey through time, technology, and the human condition as we explore what the future of humanity might hold.

Bernie Bros: How White Men Hijacked a Progressive Movement

Young men at a political rally with blue signs that say "Bernie" illustrate Bernie Bros

Who were Bernie Bros? What did they reveal about American society, and what difference did they make? Ijeoma Oluo explores the phenomenon of white men hijacking social causes in her analysis of the 2016 US Presidential election. She focuses on a group of Bernie Sanders supporters dubbed “Bernie Bros,” examining their motivations and impact on progressive politics. Keep reading to discover how Bernie Bros shed light on broader issues of race, gender, and class in social movements.