There is something comforting in knowing we are tiny specs in a vast universe. When you understand that, you can recognize the overblown egos of the Trumps and Musks of this world for what they are: desperate tantrums of fearful children who are kicking against the knowledge of their mortality.

There is something comforting in knowing we are tiny specs in a vast universe. When you understand that, you can recognize the overblown egos of the Trumps and Musks of this world for what they are: desperate tantrums of fearful children who are kicking against the knowledge of their mortality.

"I remember when the phantom Kamala ad hit me. It drew me in with a photo of Vice-President Harris and a positive and appealing summary of her policies. Then the ad exposed me, to a policy that I would not like – and which the candidate did not in fact advocate."
snyder.substack.com/p/the-phanto...

This is how you become a writer: just pick one of the things that is deeply wrong with you. Make it a character. Now send it on a self-help journey or try to kill it. Now call it a book.

Shakespeare knew.

Not sure who did this. But it seems pretty apt for what's happening in much of the world today.

NEW: The great Trump-Musk crackdown is coming. And it will hit hard & fast. Journalists will be first. But everyone else is next.

I urge you to read my 20 lessons in How to Survive the Broligarchy, inspired by & featuring the great @timothysnyder.bsky.social
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www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Happy to see #bluesky.

The balloons of Cappadocia. One of the most unforgettable sights in the world.