The Best of March
Abundance, more AI, Sainthood, management, and Chikhai Bardo
In the first edition of “The Best of…”, I wrote that February felt like two months. Clearly, I didn’t anticipate March.
As I describe The Adret to others, the premise begins to feel like an exercise to think of the kind of world I want to live in and how to get there. Ambitious? Maybe. But it is more than just looking for a world with only good writing (which seems pretty implausible). Rather than looking for a response to the latest crisis, this is my attempt at thinking of an alternative, sprinkling hope, finding beauty, and promoting ambition.
For the new readers, the idea here is simple: elevate the good writing that is already out there, focus on bringing light to underreported stories, question assumptions, and illuminate paths forward.
For those back for a second round, thank you for all of the feedback, ideas, links, suggestions, and encouragement. Keep them coming, and don’t forget to share with others:
This month’s curated list is a result of reviewing over 200 articles and dozens of policy arguments on text messages and group chats. I am overjoyed that, even at edition #2, this begins to feel like a collaborative project.
Without further ado…
Abundance or the policy recipe for dreaming of a better future. (I am still waiting to get a copy, but the reviews below merit its inclusion). Get the eBook from Libby, place a hold at your local library, or buy it at your local bookstore. Reviews:
Former White House National Economic Council Director Brian Deese has a similar argument for Foreign Affairs.
Jennifer Pahlka on the sister book Why Nothing Works
The introductory essay to the next few decades of social science on AI. Science via Henry Farrell
How to make a saint. The Guardian
A fast-paced novella on the misguided views of some forms of development. The Parade by Dave Eggers
Tips for running a White House office (possibly applicable elsewhere, if you don’t find yourself in that situation). Statecraft on Substack
Letters from our beloved Peace Corps, which speak to the power of people-to-people ties and listening as a tool to make the world just a bit better. The Washington Post
Book your tickets for your existential crisis. The New Yorker
A little bit of what a political opposition could look like in America. Semafor
Reader submission: laugh-cry memes for April 2 from March 7. Financial Times
Nobel Prize analysis on careers, the post-aid world, and the importance of local context. Brookings (I hesitate to post a podcast transcript, but I am willing to take feedback.)
Media
Severance - Apple TV+
If you are wondering whether a new form of employment is right for you, then take a look at this (undervalued) assessment of how much working at Lumon gets you. Vulture
I also wrote a piece for The Brussels Times, but it doesn’t meet any of the three criteria for inclusion in The Adret. So, I am afraid you will have to look for it elsewhere.
Wishing you a good April, and see you in a month!