When most people think of Ben & Jerry’s, they think of playful flavour names and indulgent pints. But for Jessie Macneil-Brown, Head of Social Mission & Activism for Ben & Jerry’s Europe/ANZ, ice cream is a delivery system for something bigger: justice. Jessie’s work shows how corporate activism can be more than a veneer. Instead…
“We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want.”— Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11 We live in a time when emptiness is feared, silence is pathologised, and stillness is stigmatised. Our culture celebrates visibility, constant production, and total availability. But what if the most radical act…
Beneath the noise of traditional political battles, a subtler but more consequential divide has taken shape—not between left and right, but between those who want to engineer the future, and those who argue we must rethink our relationship to it. It’s a divide that futurist FM-2030 once framed as Upwingers vs Downwingers. But half a…
In a quaint town nestled within the serene landscapes of Sweden, the residents follow a cherished tradition known as fika. This practice is more than just a coffee break; it is a moment of relaxation, a time to connect with others, and an essential part of daily life. Let’s explore how fika compares to similar…
Introduction In an age where time is often equated with productivity, the Swedish tradition of fika offers a welcome reprieve. Far from being just a coffee break, fika represents a cultural institution centered around pausing, socializing, and savoring the moment. This article delves into the origins, significance, and contemporary practices of fika, highlighting why it…
In our fast-paced, modern world, finding moments of peace and connection can be challenging. Two Scandinavian lifestyles, Hygge from Denmark and Lagom from Sweden, offer philosophies that can help us create more balanced, fulfilling lives. Hygge, pronounced “hoo-gah,” emphasizes coziness, comfort, and warmth. Lagom, pronounced “lah-gom,” focuses on balance, moderation, and sustainability. These concepts, deeply…
As the 21st century hums along, it seems that everyone is on the lookout for the “next big thing.” Enter the hipsters, always five steps ahead in their perennial search for the obscure and the retro. But wait a minute! What if I told you that the real OG (Original Geek) hipsters were…transhumanists? You know,…
The term ‘hipster’ has long evoked images of flannel-clad youths, artisanal coffees in hand, discussing the latest indie music in a gentrified part of town. But as the cultural landscape has shifted, so too has the politics of this once-counterculture group. Recent years have seen a surprising turn among some hipsters, migrating from progressive platforms…
An Internet of Humanity IoH to resist Surveillance Capitalism There’s the Internet of things IoT but what about the Internet of Humanity IoH? Introduction While self-tracking with the rise of the IoT is contributing to many pro-social benefits for public health, these practices are also transforming notions of the public and private self and raising…
Ah, the Luddites! Those impassioned textile workers of the early 19th century who took to breaking machines, fearing the icy grasp of automation would replace their livelihoods. Painted by the history books as anti-progress, were they really? Or were they perhaps some of the earliest whistleblowers, crying out against the perils of unchecked technological advancement?…
In an era where hashtags like #GrindNeverStops and #HustleHard flood social media timelines, it’s easy to get caught up in the fervor of never-ending ambition. On the other side of the world (and philosophy), however, exists a contrasting perspective: Ikigai, a Japanese concept that centers around finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in life. While hustle…
Introduction Pack up your Pinterest boards and stuff your self-help mantras; we’re taking a scenic drive down the winding, confusing, and downright hilarious road of Vanlife Buzzwords. From A to Z, we’re debunking, demystifying, and, let’s face it, making fun of the jargon that has turned #VanLife into the Ivy League of hipsterdom. Buckle up;…
In a world fixated on relentless innovation and progress, the ancient philosophy of Miyamoto Musashi, which emphasizes the “Art of Not Trying,” offers a refreshing perspective. At its core, this philosophy challenges the notion that unbridled striving leads to success. Instead, it argues for a balanced approach—engaging fully in a task, yet letting go of…
In the ever-evolving landscape of capitalism, a term coined by Yanis Varoufakis—Technofeudalism—serves as a vivid portrayal of the new order. With the rise of digital platforms, we have transitioned from traditional capitalist structures to a realm where data reigns supreme and algorithms dictate our desires. The Era of Free Air Television and Advertisements In the…
How to Co-Design Value in a Changing Digital World We often talk about the digital future as if it’s a fixed destination — a gleaming arc of smarter tools, faster connections, and frictionless progress. But behind the keynote slides and launch-day hype, a tougher question remains: Whose definition of “value” is actually steering this future?…