We're in our nonsense era as a society. There's no sense at the top of our political leadership, because cruelty and bigotry don't make sense. There's no sense to the economy, or our constant warmongering, or the insipid march towards profit at the expense of 99% of the Earth's population. It's grim!

I don't think there's one answer to the question, "how do we solve this?", but far more thoughtful people than myself have written about revolution, communism, de-growth, or post-growth living than me, and I would like to believe there's a way forward. Fortunately, as a nihilist, I already believe that there is no ultimate reason for anything, which gives me the freedom to construct a reason for myself. The reason I've chosen is community and relationships with people, animals, and the planet. There's an animism of a sort to how I practice my life at this point, because if there is no god or purpose, then everything is full or empty of purpose or god as anything else. I like the beauty and simplicity of this.

None of what I'm sharing is meant to be your purpose or your solution, just what works for me and makes me happy. I can't say I'm carefree, but knowing there is no ultimate justice or balancing of the scales means we must all be responsible and active in making the world work so that it helps the rest of the world. Or not! You could emulate your favorite robber baron and strip-mine the global south for resources—there's no moral imperative to do otherwise, but I hope that the world would react to that like white blood cells and wipe out the infection... Hasn't happened yet, but hey.

I'm rewatching Devs currently, which I think is an excellent vibes show with fantastic moody music cinematography. It also has a lot of dubious theory on determinism and meaning that might not shake out but like a lot of kinda-not-so-smart-smart-entertainment it's at least a good spark for thinking further—thus the whole bit above. It's also raining outside, which always puts me in a contemplative mood... but let's get to the links so you have more to contemplate yourself.

Links

• Get ready to have your noggin' expanded: physics from the start!
• I think I've shared this newsletter before, but the authors of "How Fucked-up is Your Management" have management and life insights they send out frequently and this one put a lot of the AI world into perspective for me. This guy's very funny Youtube video offered further insight into what is really getting its hooks into leadership. We laugh so we don't cry, right?
• On the topic of omega-evil losers, A. Karp and his whimsically-named company is way, way up there.
• Even if you haven't heard Frank Ocean, or never really listened to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I really hope you give this video a watch. Flea is an incredible bassist, and with his accompanying band he plays such a sick cover of "Thinkin' 'Bout You". Through this on and groove.
• Just when I thought science was cooked, that we'd run out of good stuff to discover... FRIES, but healthier!!! First, injections that help lower inflammation and reduce addictive impulses and help digestion, and now fries that are tasty but not as deadly? We live in the future!

Closing

I've got a quick trip to Chicago in my near future and it's raining there too, so I'm taking a rest week from the bike. I'm not super happy about this, but at least there's a gym at my office there, and we don't have evening activities planned. The hardest part for me about work trips beyond my fear of flying is the non-stop need to be socially "on" and around people all day. I have friends who similarly struggle to spend their days alone, and I really don't know if either of us benefits from a forced change in our habits. I will try to eat something tasty while I'm in the Dallas of the North, and have some Malört to chase it. This spring is as wild weather-wise as we're in for for the foreseeable future, but I hope you enjoy getting outside, breathing the fresh scents, and doing what you love, space cowgirls~