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…
Once, in a world not so distant from our own, the tick-tock of a clock was a gentle reminder of time passing — not a menacing drumbeat marching us towards endless productivity. Today, in our techno-obsessed age, ‘hustle culture’ — the relentless drive to do more, be more, and constantly be ‘on’ — has taken…
In the ever-evolving world of relationship psychology, Dr. Gary Chapman’s “The Five Love Languages” stands as a stalwart. Yet, in a quest to explore love from fresh perspectives, I turned to an unexpected advisor: OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The journey was enlightening, to say the least. Why ChatGPT? In today’s world, our interactions are more digital than…
In the age of digital personas, algorithms, and identity politics, the concept of a ‘doppelganger’ takes on new, intricate dimensions. The term, originating from German, literally means a double-walker, suggesting that we all might have a counterpart wandering somewhere, echoing our existence. For Naomi Klein, this is not a matter of myth but an everyday…
Etymology: The term “doppelgänger” is of German origin, with “doppel” meaning “double” and “gänger” meaning “walker” or “goer.” Essentially, it translates to “double-walker” or “double-goer.” Folklore and Superstition: The idea of a doppelgänger, a ghostly double or counterpart of a living person, has its roots in ancient myths and folklore from various cultures: German Folklore:…
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…
The Luddite movement, which arose during the early 19th century as a reaction against rapid industrialization and its detrimental effects on skilled workers, has left a lasting legacy. Beyond the history books and political discourse, this legacy has found a potent medium of expression in literature. Through the literary lens, we can explore the complexities,…
Fashion and the Luddites: How Textile Changes Sparked a Revolution The Industrial Revolution was a watershed moment for many sectors, but its impact was perhaps most deeply felt in the world of textiles. As the heart of Britain’s economy in the early 19th century, the textile industry was ripe for transformation. Yet, with the introduction…
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 a world that thrives on hustle culture, the constant chase for productivity often leaves us burnt out and disconnected from the very work we’re so passionate about. What if I told you that there’s an ancient Chinese philosophy that could be the answer to balancing your creative aspirations with well-being? As someone who has…
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…
In a world where ‘busy’ is a badge of honor and your worth is often measured by your productivity, taking a step back to question the grind has become a rebellious act. Welcome to the counter-culture against hustle, where we explore the art of living intentionally. The Allure of the Grind Why do we hustle?…
Introduction: The Intentionality of Thoreau Henry David Thoreau was not just a man of the woods but a man of deliberate thought and action. Living in a 21st-century landscape, where every tap on a screen carries the potential to spiral into hours of unintended diversion, we must ask ourselves: What would Thoreau do? Would his…
Henry David Thoreau, the renowned Transcendentalist philosopher, famously retreated to the woods to live deliberately, away from the societal complexities that seemed to choke the essence of being human. In the era of technology—rife with a constant hum of social media updates, perpetual connection, and an endless stream of curated lives—it’s crucial to ask: Could…
Introduction “Ubuntu” is not just a word; it’s a deeply ingrained philosophy that shapes communities, cultures, and individual lives across Africa. The concept is simple yet profound: “I am because we are.” It stresses the importance of community and the interconnectedness of all human beings. But what does Ubuntu really mean, and how does it…