1. The American Abyss
Ugh, what a start to 2021 — as if we needed a reminder that not everything that was bad in 2020 will magically disappear in January. Of everything I read and watched on the storm of the US Capitol, this analysis by historian Timothy Snyder stood out. On the precarious point in history the USA finds itself at, and how it got there (hint: medium-sized lies and big lies). And: «America will not survive the big lie just because a liar is separated from power.» Read it now.
2. Yes, 2020 was the hottest year on record, but…
Here’s one thing 2020 quite likely won’t be remembered for: being the hottest year on record. To be clear: It was (tied with 2016). And that’s not a good thing. Then again...climate scientist Andrew Dessler with the spot-on comment.
3. The Bitcoin Dream Is Dead
With Bitcoin surging again in recent weeks (to more than twice its previous peak from 2017), this is a good read for context. Key quote: «Bitcoin’s transformation from putative currency to speculative asset was effectively built into the system from the start. It’s where Bitcoin was headed all along.» Read it now.
4. What Did the Past Smell Like?
I never thought about this: We remember history through artefacts, written and audiovisual documents, but never through smell. This makes sense — odour is hard to preserve over time — but is also somewhat ironic, since smell is the one human sense that most instantly triggers memories. Some interesting reflections on how we «deprive ourselves of connecting with humanity’s past by focusing on materials stripped of their sensory dimensions» — and how a new research project wants to change that. Read it now.
5. Imagine a Hiring Process Without Resumes
Hiring is expensive, and takes time. What if, instead, you skipped all the paperwork and simply hired people who express interest in the job? You then invest the money afterwards, in helping them do the job well. «Open Hiring» will not work for all types of jobs, but it can offer the opportunity for more diverse talent that would otherwise be ignored. Takeaway: «Performance problems are usually driven by what is happening in an employee’s life today, not by their past.» Read it now.
What else?
I made something: Vaccination Flags — the more people are vaccinated, the more colour returns (to the flags, and the world).
A beautiful reminder what a great place for creativity and collaboration between strangers the internet can be. (Earworm warning, but it’s the best kind of earworm.)
A little browser game that perfectly sums up 2020 — and the year ahead.
Did you know that there exists a sea that has no land boundary? Me neither.
«Have you ever noticed that feedback is implicitly considered to be right, when it’s purely opinion?» — Jason Fried