1. The migrant crisis at Europe’s border, in pictures
The EU’s official anthem is Beethoven's «Ode to Joy». From their website: «There are no words to the anthem; it consists of music only. In the universal language of music, this anthem expresses the European ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity.»
The EU, in reality: This (there are no words for it, either)
2. Is it OK to have a child?
You’ve probably encountered the argument: In order to save the planet, the most impactful thing you as an individual can do is have no children. For many people – and I include myself – this option of climate action is off limits. In a long piece for The London Review of Books, Meehan Crist takes the question seriously and carefully deliberates it, putting it in the context it needs. (One take-away factoid: The idea of the «personal carbon footprint» was popularised by British Petroleum – you can guess to what end) Read or listen to it now.
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3. Elizabeth Warren in the trap
Many experts consider Elizabeth Warren uniquely qualified to be President of the United States. In autumn 2019, her polling numbers made her a frontrunner to be the Democratic Party’s nominee. And yet, as actual voting came closer, her odds dropped like a stone. How did that happen? An excellent analysis in The New York Review of Books. Read it now.
4. Epidemics reveal the truth about the societies they hit
What the different reactions to Covid-19 around the world reveal about the countries affected, and why «it’s good that we are learning these things now». Read it now.
5. Startup: Burnout
This week, I re-listened to Gimlet’s Startup podcast, in which founder Alex Blumberg documents the first steps of what would become his podcast company (it’s even more interesting to listen to now with the hindsight knowledge that Gimlet was recently acquired by Spotify for more than $200 million.) I realised that I had missed one episode when it came out, which to me is the standout episode in an already outstanding first season: It’s the episode in which they report on a time when several employees are on the brink of burning out. Highly recommended. Listen to it now.
What else?
Covid-19 related quote: «Your health is as safe as that of the worst-insured, worst-cared-for person in your society. It will be decided by the height of the floor, not the ceiling.» (Anand Giridharadas)
Pure gold: A thread of football photos as pieces of classic art