first Derivative [69] newsletter
first Derivative [69]
April 6, 2019
The second issue of fD to come out since I've started working. Looks like the timing might end up monthly but I think the articles in here will be better for it.
On the movie front, of what I've seen I'd recommend Blue Valentine, Us (in theaters), Chungking Express, Eastern Promises, and The Handmaiden. As always you can see what I'm watching and my ratings here. Also, check out this great humor piece from my friend and fD reader (but more importantly, fD reader).—TK
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Status as a Service (StaaS)
by Eugene Wei (Remains of the Day)
A social capital theory of networks. Very interesting read. Learn why social capital on networks are like ICOs and what a social capital interest rate hike is.
Fable
by Charles Yu (NYer)
Great short story. The heart of a fairy tale, with the wit of a New Yorker cartoon caption, writ large
They Had It Coming
by Caitlin Flanagan (Atlantic)
A fantastic article written with zest! I actually laughed out loud reading this article. Sometimes you just have to enjoy
Book Review of Joseph Bottum, 'An Anxious Age: The Post-Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of America'
by Todd Zywikci (WaPo)
A thought-provoking essay/book review on an important topic for our age
In Praise of Work
by Rusty Guinn (Epsilon Theory)
"I mean your work: what you make. When you set your mind and hands to work, what do they produce? Does your labor result in knowledge, happiness and health, beauty and wealth, for yourself or for others? Even if you manage to reserve a good amount of time for leisure with friends and family, make no mistake: Your work will still matter to your happiness."
Is this my version of New Agey-philosophy? Not the most rigorous but it is positive I think. I was going to post the original Atlantic referenced here but this is just much better
The Geography of Partisan Prejudice
by Amanda Ripley, Rekha Tenjarla, Angela Y. He (Atlantic)
What Does It Mean to Be a Canadian Citizen?
by David Frum (Atlantic)
Do Not Disturb: How I Ditched My Phone and Unbroke My Brain
by Kevin Roose (NYT)
"Sadly, there is no way to talk about the benefits of digital disconnection without sounding like a Goop subscriber or a neo-Luddite. Performative wellness is obnoxious, as is reflexive technophobia. But I cannot stress enough that under the right conditions, spending an entire weekend without a phone in your immediate vicinity is incredible. You have to try it."
Why Renewables Can't Save the Planet
by Michael Shellenberger (Quillette)
Fast-Acting Depression Drug, Newly Approved, Could Help Millions
by Benedict Carey (NYT)
Can you think of anything in the modern world more ubiquitous and prosaic than Prozac? To the point that it's a trope if not cliché (e.g. Tony Soprano's pills). This feels like one of those things you glance over in the paper but could actually have a massive aggregated impact in how it affects the lives of so many people, for better or for worse.
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ABOUT fD
fD is a newsletter on what I think matters. I highlight signals, insights, and deep trends in ideas, technology, politics, economics, foreign affairs, culture, philosophy, and more. My goal is to give you content that will still matter beyond the present moment.
I hope you enjoy. Ask me anything here or just respond to this email—TK