Reflections on the Past Year

The Voiding of Meaning Online

The erosion of significance online is part of a larger process by which significance is being iterated out of existence. When events like the Gaza crisis fade in memory while memes remain evergreen, it reflects a distortion and voiding of meaning.

- Katie Kadue

The Significance of Every Tear

Every tear shed this year was the most important one. Every act of kindness, every lesson learned, and every commitment made mattered. It is important to remember those who cannot be forgotten and to live our lives with meaning, even in the face of adversity.

- Aurielle Marie

Reality Becomes Unreal

Many significant events in 2024 felt like a dream or a novel. Billionaires launched into space while companies profited from stolen copyrighted material. AI companies claimed they were "training" data while sparking fears of a Faustian bargain. Reality seemed to become unreal.

- Joanna Kavenna

We're All Facing an Uncertain Future

The re-election of Donald Trump will have far worse consequences than anyone predicts. The genocide in Gaza has killed countless children. Generative AI poses a threat to our humanity. It feels like the bad years are easier to talk about because the future is so uncertain.

- Bijan Stephen

Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop

The obsession with a particular teenaged haircut is a sign that Gen Z is grappling with the world in their own way. Technology advancements feel absurd, yet the world goes on and people continue to live their lives. We may be waiting for the other shoe to drop, but until then, life carries on as a magical and mundane blend.

- Matt Webb

Finding Solace in the Mundane

Politics and chaos dominate the news, but finding a new hobby that forces you to slow down can distract from the noise. Watching an urchin and snails move slowly across an aquarium, for example, can provide a sense of calm and contentment.

- Nick Jackson

Letting Go of the Hype

Crypto and NFT enthusiasts may be passionate about their pursuits, but they're consuming energy and patience. Instead, embrace clean energy initiatives and focus on what truly matters: connection and human interaction.

- Margaret Howie

The Power of the Prevailing Mood

Around the world, incumbent parties faced losses in this year's elections. Frustration with the economy, immigration, and culture is fueling political changes. This suggests that people's susceptibility to ideological winds is a global phenomenon.

- Katie Brigham

Challenging the Pyramid Scheme Culture

The Federal Trade Commission finally recognized that pyramid schemes often operate by recruiting new members rather than selling products. This is a step forward in protecting people from scams.

- Jane Borden

The Importance of Meaningful Language

The passing of poet Nikki Giovanni was a reminder of the power of language to make sense of tragedy. Conversations about political hopelessness underscore the need for continued resistance against violence and oppression. Poets, artists, and designers play a crucial role in shaping our reality.

- Meg Miller

The Danger of Treating AI Like a Game

Interactive chatbots are like solitaire that tries to turn into Ouija boards. By forgetting that they are algorithms, we risk projecting emotion on them and making poor decisions. Recent cases of AI encouraging harmful behavior highlight the need for careful consideration.

- Rob Horning

The Real Victims of Disinformation

Attacks on disinformation researchers have left Americans less able to distinguish truth from falsehood. This is a dangerous trend that has made it easier for politicians and others to spread harmful narratives.

- Anna Merlan

Globalization Gives Way to the Law of the Jungle

The erosion of international cooperation has led to a breakdown in global order. Developing nations, lacking representation and resources, are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation.

- Tim Sahay

Seeking Meaning Through Spirituality

In response to political and social unrest, people are turning to spirituality and religion for guidance. Exploring the wisdom of different traditions can provide insights and hope in a time of uncertainty.

- Nathaniel Gallant

The Genocide in Gaza: An Unending Crime

The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a testament to the failures of the international community. The West's continued support for Israel perpetuates this violence, making it a matter of life and death for the people living there.

- Jake Romm

Nature's Silent Contribution

Plants play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and transforming it into oxygen. The vast amount of CO2 they breathe could, if frozen, form a structure taller than the Burj Khalifa. This process sustains our planet's ecosystems and ultimately, our lives.

- Marco Giancotti

Monoculture's Comeback

After years of cultural fragmentation, monoculture is making a resurgence. Pop culture moments like Brat Summer and the Wicked musical are capturing widespread attention. This trend may be driven by the chaos of social media, which feeds into the broader culture.

- Ryan Broderick

The Significance of Biden's Exit

Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race represented a turning point in American politics. It exposed the weakened state of his administration and foreshadowed the return of Donald Trump.

- Erik Baker

Ethical Considerations in Human Remains

Museums and institutions are finally addressing the ethical concerns surrounding the possession of human remains. The repatriation of stolen artifacts and remains to Indigenous communities is a step towards righting historical wrongs.

- Allison C. Meier

The Death of American Liberalism

The CNN presidential debate in 2024 exposed the crumbling foundation of American liberalism. Biden's declining cognitive abilities and the lack of a clear succession plan raised questions about the future of the Democratic party.

- Brian Judge

Labor's Time to Rise

The failures of both parties have illuminated the need for a labor party in the United States. A party focused on the interests of working people could challenge the status quo and advocate for economic and social justice.

- Ted Scheinman

The Staggering Cost of Indifference

Over half a million people have been killed in Gaza since last October, yet the world remains largely indifferent. The ICC has called for the arrest of Israeli leaders, and the US health insurance industry has faced consequences for its actions. Amid this turmoil, the resilience of the Palestinian people and the compassion of activists offer glimmers of hope.

- Sophie Lewis

The Value of Resilience

Personal struggles can be profound teachers. In the face of adversity, resilience is essential. The lives of Palestinians serve as a constant reminder that even in the worst of times, the human spirit has the capacity to endure.

- Nadine Smith

Reclaiming the Life of the Mind

Marrying a brain eraser was an act of symbolic rebellion against the compromises that had been made in the past. It was a way of reclaiming the life of the mind and rejecting the shallowness that had become pervasive in contemporary culture.

- Susannah Breslin

Community and Connection

Cookbook clubs have emerged as a source of joy and connection in an increasingly fragmented society. Gathering together to share food and ideas fosters a sense of community and provides a much-needed respite from the pressures of modern life.

- Jo Lou

Embracing Uncertainty