Michael Brownstein
@michaelbrownstein.bsky.social
professor of philosophy and department chair, John Jay College
professor of philosophy, CUNY Grad Center
alum, Deep Springs College
author, Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change
professor of philosophy, CUNY Grad Center
alum, Deep Springs College
author, Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change
Pinned
My new book--with Alex Madva and @dryan149.bsky.social--has a cover!
In print 9.16.25, but why not preorder a copy now? mitpress.mit.edu/978026204978...
@mitpress.bsky.social #CoverReveal #Bookstagram
Thanks to Frank Augugliaro for the cover design
In print 9.16.25, but why not preorder a copy now? mitpress.mit.edu/978026204978...
@mitpress.bsky.social #CoverReveal #Bookstagram
Thanks to Frank Augugliaro for the cover design
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
One of the most conservative organizations in the world, again, selects a leader who seems more moderate, passionate, and reasonable than most leaders of conservative political parties.
December 25, 2025 at 5:05 PM
One of the most conservative organizations in the world, again, selects a leader who seems more moderate, passionate, and reasonable than most leaders of conservative political parties.
@jayvanbavel.bsky.social hosts a terrific newsletter, "The Power of Us," and it was an honor to contribute to it, along with @madva.bsky.social and @dryan149.bsky.social.
@mitpress.bsky.social
@mitpress.bsky.social
"We got mad about the endless either/or debate between the “individual action” versus “systemic change” and decided to try to fix it."
Read our fantastic interview on the new book "Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone can Help Create Social Change": www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/how-anyone...
Read our fantastic interview on the new book "Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone can Help Create Social Change": www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/how-anyone...
How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change
An interview & book giveaway with Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva, and Daniel Kelly about their new book "Somebody should do something"
www.powerofusnewsletter.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
@jayvanbavel.bsky.social hosts a terrific newsletter, "The Power of Us," and it was an honor to contribute to it, along with @madva.bsky.social and @dryan149.bsky.social.
@mitpress.bsky.social
@mitpress.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
I count 10 cities in 2025 that are on track to have the fewest murders since at least 1970. Newark is on pace to have the fewest murders since 1956 (though only have data through Oct this year) and San Francisco is on pace to have the fewest murders since 1942.
December 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
I count 10 cities in 2025 that are on track to have the fewest murders since at least 1970. Newark is on pace to have the fewest murders since 1956 (though only have data through Oct this year) and San Francisco is on pace to have the fewest murders since 1942.
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
The importance of social identity to social change in today's Power of Us newsletter!
We're also giving away 5 books to commenters over on Substack who answer the question, "What’s one thing you could do today to help create social change?"
www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/how-anyone...
We're also giving away 5 books to commenters over on Substack who answer the question, "What’s one thing you could do today to help create social change?"
www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/how-anyone...
How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change
An interview & book giveaway with Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva, and Daniel Kelly about their new book "Somebody should do something"
www.powerofusnewsletter.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The importance of social identity to social change in today's Power of Us newsletter!
We're also giving away 5 books to commenters over on Substack who answer the question, "What’s one thing you could do today to help create social change?"
www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/how-anyone...
We're also giving away 5 books to commenters over on Substack who answer the question, "What’s one thing you could do today to help create social change?"
www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/how-anyone...
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
We tend to assume that rules are mostly about maintaining order, reducing prediction errors, and generally helping people cooperate. But not all rules do that--and, as Connie Chiu and I found in our most recent paper, people will buy rules in economic games of little use osf.io/preprints/ps...
December 23, 2025 at 3:43 PM
We tend to assume that rules are mostly about maintaining order, reducing prediction errors, and generally helping people cooperate. But not all rules do that--and, as Connie Chiu and I found in our most recent paper, people will buy rules in economic games of little use osf.io/preprints/ps...
Hard to think of a more unqualified recent success
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
December 23, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Hard to think of a more unqualified recent success
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
Per NY Times’s Michael Grynbaum on X, this is Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her “60 Minutes” colleagues in full:
December 22, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Per NY Times’s Michael Grynbaum on X, this is Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her “60 Minutes” colleagues in full:
A podcast about civic action and democracy? Yes, please! Very fun conversation with @milaatmos.bsky.social on @futurehindsight.bsky.social
Your Hidden Political Power: Michael Brownstein — Future Hindsight
We discuss orienting our personal choices toward the collective in order to make the changes in the systems that organize our world.
www.futurehindsight.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:24 AM
A podcast about civic action and democracy? Yes, please! Very fun conversation with @milaatmos.bsky.social on @futurehindsight.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
Real change isn't about being perfect as an individual. No amount of separating your recyclables can solve the climate crisis.
Really, it's about using your personal choices to build collective power! Would you like to know how? 🧵(1/3)
Really, it's about using your personal choices to build collective power! Would you like to know how? 🧵(1/3)
December 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Real change isn't about being perfect as an individual. No amount of separating your recyclables can solve the climate crisis.
Really, it's about using your personal choices to build collective power! Would you like to know how? 🧵(1/3)
Really, it's about using your personal choices to build collective power! Would you like to know how? 🧵(1/3)
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
Wake up sweetie, new defense of creedal nationalism just dropped (seriously, what a fucking hero)
Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who tackled one of the Bondi killers, became an Australian citizen 3 years ago.
His deed was "his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship."
He took 5 bullets, and fears he'll lose his left arm.
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
His deed was "his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship."
He took 5 bullets, and fears he'll lose his left arm.
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
December 15, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Wake up sweetie, new defense of creedal nationalism just dropped (seriously, what a fucking hero)
It's obvious that the power of NRA of part of the reason the USA is awash in guns. It's less obvious how the NRA got so powerful. @dryan149.bsky.social and I get into a little bit with the lovely hosts of From Nowhere to Nothing.
@madva.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
@madva.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
Somebody Should Do Something | From Nowhere to Nothing
In this episode, we talk about the individual capacity for social change with authors Michael Brownstein and Daniel Kelly, as discussed in their book, Somebody Should Do Something.
jbouchard.podbean.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:17 PM
It's obvious that the power of NRA of part of the reason the USA is awash in guns. It's less obvious how the NRA got so powerful. @dryan149.bsky.social and I get into a little bit with the lovely hosts of From Nowhere to Nothing.
@madva.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
@madva.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
Here’s the clip of Ahmed el-Ahmed. What bravery.
Incredible footage out of Australia, confirmed by NEWS AU, of a brave bystander neutralizing one of the terrorists in the Bondi Beach attack which took place during a Hanukkah gathering.
Australian authorities say multiple people have been killed.
At least two suspects are in custody.
Australian authorities say multiple people have been killed.
At least two suspects are in custody.
December 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Here’s the clip of Ahmed el-Ahmed. What bravery.
Incredible heroism
7News Australia reports that the hero who jumped and disarmed one of the terrorist shooters
His name is Ahmed el-Ahmed
A 43 year old married father of two
He owns a fruit shop in Sutherland
No experience with guns
He was walking past
He has two bullets in his arm
His name is Ahmed el-Ahmed
A 43 year old married father of two
He owns a fruit shop in Sutherland
No experience with guns
He was walking past
He has two bullets in his arm
December 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Incredible heroism
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
Stuff those stockings with ideas. 🎁✨
Our latest roundup features new books by Graduate Center authors — perfect for the thinkers, readers, and revolutionaries on your list www.gc.cuny.edu/news/brighte...
Our latest roundup features new books by Graduate Center authors — perfect for the thinkers, readers, and revolutionaries on your list www.gc.cuny.edu/news/brighte...
Brighten the Season With New Books by Graduate Center Authors
From new takes on World War II and the revolutionary roles of Black-owned bookstores to bilingual poetry collections, books by our faculty and alumni make great gifts for readers of all tastes.
www.gc.cuny.edu
December 12, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Stuff those stockings with ideas. 🎁✨
Our latest roundup features new books by Graduate Center authors — perfect for the thinkers, readers, and revolutionaries on your list www.gc.cuny.edu/news/brighte...
Our latest roundup features new books by Graduate Center authors — perfect for the thinkers, readers, and revolutionaries on your list www.gc.cuny.edu/news/brighte...
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
One of the most blatantly authoritarian threats in a Trump term full of them
December 11, 2025 at 4:51 PM
One of the most blatantly authoritarian threats in a Trump term full of them
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
In addition to all of the other benefits already reported about NYC congestion pricing, "In the first six months of the program, air pollution – in the form of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller – dropped by 22% in the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ)"
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Congestion pricing improved air quality in NYC and suburbs | Cornell Chronicle
Cornell researchers tallied the environmental benefits of New York City’s congestion pricing program and found air pollution dropped by 22% in Manhattan, with additional declines across the city’s fiv...
news.cornell.edu
December 9, 2025 at 2:19 AM
In addition to all of the other benefits already reported about NYC congestion pricing, "In the first six months of the program, air pollution – in the form of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller – dropped by 22% in the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ)"
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
"In 14 short, lucid chapters, their new book offers a framework and examples designed to activate the agency most people don’t realise they have."
@theconversation.com reviews Somebody Should Do Something.
@madva.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
@theconversation.com reviews Somebody Should Do Something.
@madva.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
Can you be the change you’d like to see? Three US philosophers aim to offer hope
Can one person change the world? At a time of pessimism and populism, a new book suggests how we can achieve social change.
theconversation.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
"In 14 short, lucid chapters, their new book offers a framework and examples designed to activate the agency most people don’t realise they have."
@theconversation.com reviews Somebody Should Do Something.
@madva.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
@theconversation.com reviews Somebody Should Do Something.
@madva.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social @mitpress.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
“This irresponsible and purposely misleading guidance will lead to more hepatitis B infections in infants and children.” Read our full statement by AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly:
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
December 5, 2025 at 7:15 PM
“This irresponsible and purposely misleading guidance will lead to more hepatitis B infections in infants and children.” Read our full statement by AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly:
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
New Jersey's legislature is considering clarifying E-bikes as motorized vehicles requiring license, registration and insurance. That is nuts and would deny a huge range of people an ideal and affordable mobility solution. A terrible idea. share.google/HGvRZ77w9SqE... 🔌💡
Critics oppose plan for new e-bike regulations in NJ • New Jersey Monitor
Bike enthusiasts oppose a bill that would do away with the state's three-tier system for classifying electric and motorized bikes.
share.google
December 5, 2025 at 10:34 PM
New Jersey's legislature is considering clarifying E-bikes as motorized vehicles requiring license, registration and insurance. That is nuts and would deny a huge range of people an ideal and affordable mobility solution. A terrible idea. share.google/HGvRZ77w9SqE... 🔌💡
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
Is anyone in the Republican Party ever going to hold anyone accountable for anything?
December 4, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Is anyone in the Republican Party ever going to hold anyone accountable for anything?
I appreciate my publicist's snark
December 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I appreciate my publicist's snark
Talking about playing our roles to make positive change, @adamconover.net is doing it as a comedian. Super fun conversation.
Audio only version linked too.
@mitpress.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social
Audio only version linked too.
@mitpress.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Talking about playing our roles to make positive change, @adamconover.net is doing it as a comedian. Super fun conversation.
Audio only version linked too.
@mitpress.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social
Audio only version linked too.
@mitpress.bsky.social @dryan149.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Brownstein
Important fascinating piece about this monumental public health breakthrough. 100 million miles, autonomous cars vs human drivers in the same locations, 91% fewer fatal or serious-injury crashes and 80% fewer causing any injury. We need a national policy to encourage autonomous vehicles.
December 3, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Important fascinating piece about this monumental public health breakthrough. 100 million miles, autonomous cars vs human drivers in the same locations, 91% fewer fatal or serious-injury crashes and 80% fewer causing any injury. We need a national policy to encourage autonomous vehicles.
I was really excited when I learned about the Mississippi Miracle. Less excited now.
Very interesting Gelman blog suggesting that a good amount of the "Mississippi Miracle" is selection bias (holding back lowest performers, who then don't take the 4th grade test) rather than improved learning
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2025/12/01/h...
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2025/12/01/h...
How much of “Mississippi’s education miracle” is an artifact of selection bias? | Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu
December 2, 2025 at 1:36 AM
I was really excited when I learned about the Mississippi Miracle. Less excited now.