The blog post discusses Samuel Huntington's thesis from 'The Clash of Civilizations,' which posits that future conflicts will arise from cultural differences rather than ideology or economics. It explores the dynamics of various c...
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The author reflects on their experiences in China, highlighting the country's rapid transformation and self-sufficiency since their last visit in 2019. They note the absence of Western brands and the rise of a robust internal mark...
The post explores vernacular architecture in Yunnan, China, highlighting how local materials and traditional techniques have shaped buildings over centuries. It discusses the evolution of architecture in response to economic devel...
The blog post discusses the contrasting experiences of two ancient towns in Yunnan, China: Lijiang and Shaxi. Lijiang, once a vibrant trade center, has become overly commercialized and touristy since its UNESCO World Heritage desi...
A new book club will explore the historical development and implications of the nation-state through a curated reading list of twelve significant texts.
The blog post discusses Peter Thiel's essay 'The Straussian Moment,' which critiques the modern liberal order's assumptions about human nature and the impact of 9/11 on global politics. Thiel argues that the Enlightenment's focus ...
The post discusses the evolution of moral values throughout history, emphasizing the lack of a universal morality and the ongoing negotiation of societal values. It explores the impact of technology and AI on moral frameworks, que...
The post discusses the significance of conversations about ideas and their potential impact on society, contrasting the 'great man theory' of history with the notion that a small group of influential individuals (the '10%') can sh...
5.4Notes on Bhutan
2025-12-01 • travel culture buddhism modernization bhutan
The blog post recounts a journey to Bhutan, focusing on the author's experiences visiting significant cultural sites like the Rinpung Dzong and the Tiger's Nest monastery. It discusses Bhutan's unique political and cultural landsc...
The post argues against the concept of a 'best city' by highlighting the subjective nature of city rankings. It critiques various organizations for their pretentious neutrality and emphasizes the importance of personal experiences...
5.4My Favorite Problems
2025-08-20 • technology philosophy community culture education
The author reflects on their current visit to Shaxi, Yunnan, and discusses overarching themes in their essays, which revolve around human flourishing amidst institutional stagnation and technological change. They pose critical que...
5.4An Ode to Second Acts
2025-08-19 • career identity life choices exploration
The post explores the deeper implications of the question 'What do you do?' and challenges the conventional notion of a linear career path. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting on how we spend our time and encourages readers...
5.3Not Faith, Exactly
2025-12-31 • travel connection atheism faith bhutan
The author contemplates agnosticism while sharing transformative moments of connection and spirituality experienced during a trip to Bhutan, highlighting the power of human relationships.
The author reflects on their experience of publishing an essay every day for thirty days, emphasizing the value of writing as a means to understand the world. They discuss the challenges faced, such as procrastination and the pres...
The blog post explores three notable gardens across different continents: Le Jardin Secret in Marrakech, Vergelegen Estate in South Africa, and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Each garden is described in detail, highlighting ...
The author shares a passion for visiting botanical gardens, exploring the aesthetics and philosophies behind garden design. They categorize gardens based on visual language (how they look) and purpose (why they exist), discussing ...
5.3Am I Mexican enough?
2025-08-15 • food cultural heritage identity mestizaje
The author reflects on their Mexican identity, influenced by their family's history and cultural experiences. They discuss the complexities of being Mexican, including the impact of mestizaje and the blending of cultures. The auth...
The author reflects on the concept of vernacular fashion, highlighting how traditional garments like the lungi in Kerala and the kandura in Abu Dhabi are designed to adapt to local climates and lifestyles. The post critiques the g...
The essay 'Praise of Idleness' by Bertrand Russell critiques the societal belief in the virtue of work, arguing for the importance of leisure. Russell posits that leisure is essential for personal fulfillment and creativity, and t...
Overcoming overwhelm and anxiety involves breaking down tasks, reframing self-narratives, and embracing the journey toward achieving personal goals.
The post discusses the importance of personal agency and the choices we make in life, emphasizing that while we all have different constraints, we can influence our circumstances through conscious decision-making. It addresses the...
The author reflects on the overwhelming nature of social media, particularly Twitter, and its impact on feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. They contrast this with the enriching experience of reading literature, which feels gener...
The author reflects on the stark contrasts between modern life and historical hardships, emphasizing the unprecedented material comfort of today compared to the past. They argue that while our systems have lifted many out of pover...
The blog post explores some of the most beautiful and interesting gardens around the world, highlighting the Biltmore Estate in the USA, the Ryōan-ji garden in Kyoto, Japan, and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape T...