Blaming Bolsonaro for Brazil's current situation is a tempting narrative, but it doesn't withstand rigorous historical scrutiny.
Each actor in history is responsible for their own actions, and voters are accountable for the consequences of their choices.
The future of Brazil depends on the attitude of individuals and the political class, with opportunities for both prosperity and strengthening the legal system.
The Nazca Lines in Peru are ancient drawings that are best appreciated from above, with intricate designs of humans and animals. The purpose behind creating these geoglyphs remains a mystery for modern humans.
One interpretation suggests that walking the Nazca Lines was a journey to find oneself and become an adult in the community, showing the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Another explanation proposes that the Nazca Lines were created to maintain a sense of unity and excellence among people, sparking a collective effort towards achieving a timeless and awe-inspiring legacy.
Jacobean playwrights focused heavily on violence in their works. They included gruesome details in their plots and often depicted murders, reflecting a fascination with horror rather than just sadness.
Barnabe Barnes, a playwright, attempted poisoning in real life, which adds a dark twist to his violent plays. His own history of violence helped shape the themes in his writing.
Many writers from the Renaissance period were involved in violent acts, whether as victims or perpetrators. This era was marked by brawls and rivalries, contributing to a more dangerous literary world compared to today.
Philadelphia has a significant stray cat problem, with about 400,000 cats living outdoors. These cats often face dangers like disease, abuse, and harsh weather.
Organizations like The Cat Collaborative are using trap-neuter-return (TNR) methods to help manage the cat population. This technique aims to reduce the number of stray cats over time.
Despite some success, TNR has its challenges and critics. A large number of cats need to be trapped and fixed for it to be effective, and public awareness is key to improving the situation.
There's a special monument in Seattle that shows the shortest route to its sister city, Galway, Ireland. It's made of granite and has a sloped side that points to the direct path between the two cities.
If you dig a hole straight down in most parts of the U.S., you won't land in China. For example, if you dig from Seattle, you'll end up deep in the Indian Ocean.
The distance you can see from a higher place, like a lighthouse, is important for navigation. You can predict how far you can see using simple math, which has helped sailors for a long time.
The classification and cultural appropriation of historical figures can be misleading and can lead to misconceptions about their identities.
We must be cautious about labeling ancient civilizations as 'white guys' because it overlooks their true identities, leading to missed opportunities for learning and growth.
It's important to recognize the alien nature of classical Greeks and Romans and not project modern ideologies onto them, acknowledging the differences to gain a deeper understanding.
William Godwin was an 18th-century philosopher known for his influential political and moral philosophy, as well as his pioneering work in creating engaging fiction like the page-turner 'The Adventures of Caleb Williams'.
Godwin's legacy includes his complicated relationships with his daughter Mary Shelley and his controversial views on topics like parenting, which influenced Mary Shelley's writing of 'Frankenstein'.
Godwin's critiques of pseudosciences like phrenology and astronomy highlight his skepticism of simply accepting scientific claims, while emphasizing the enduring value of humanity and the importance of self-complacency.
Warren Buffett expanded his investment philosophy following advice from Munger, which led to adding wonderful businesses purchased at fair prices
Stock pundits have faced criticism for underperformance and being influenced by popular views, impacting small and mid-capitalisation stocks
Berkshire Hathaway Energy's financial stability in the face of climate change contrasts with utilities like PG&E and Hawaiian Electric facing bankruptcy
Devil's club is a spiny plant found in moist areas, and it has used for centuries by Indigenous peoples for various medicinal purposes.
Bears play a significant role in spreading devil’s club seeds by consuming its berries, which helps maintain its growth in certain ecosystems.
The names of plants like devil’s club reflect both their characteristics and the cultures that named them, showing how language and nature are closely connected.
The concept of time travel explored in a novel influences the type of people interested in it, showcasing different motivations and expectations.
Reflections on identity and roots highlight the importance of knowing one's origin and history in a rapidly changing world.
Contrasting cultural practices of asking 'what do you do?' versus 'where are you from?' showcase the shift from personal connections to professional identities.
Responding to negative reviews can seem petty, but sometimes it's necessary to clear up misunderstandings. It's important to address when someone's critique misses the point of your work.
Understanding the tone and context of writing is crucial for meaningful critiques. Misinterpreting jokes or irony can lead to completely off-base reviews.
Critics should be careful when making claims about an author's political views or arguments. Misreading can reveal more about the critic's biases than the author's actual stance.
Hawker culture in Singapore was built on individual craft and diversity but is facing challenges due to modernization and standardization.
Government initiatives are in place to preserve the hawker trade in Singapore, seen as a key part of the social safety net.
While new hawker-inspired businesses have emerged, true hawker culture is deeply rooted in the authentic, independent stalls found in traditional hawker centers.
Bud Smith will start two weekly series on his newsletter: 'Reviews of My Life' on Tuesdays, which is free for all readers, and 'Good Luck' on Thursdays, which is a paid series about his memories and creative life.
He discussed the musical rivalry between Brian Wilson and The Beatles, clarifying that Wilson was inspired to create 'Pet Sounds' after the American version of 'Rubber Soul'.
After reading several Stephen King novels, he decided to take a break, feeling that they were entertaining but not challenging enough, and instead chose to read more classic literature like Flaubert's 'Sentimental Education'.
John von Neumann was pondering the idea of the simulation hypothesis back in the years just after World War II, earlier than commonly thought.
Margaret Mead discussed the 'prehistory of AI' in a 1968 interview, touching on topics such as self-improving AI systems and the fear of computers.
The conversation between John von Neumann and Margaret Mead offers insights into early considerations of global AI policy and cultural attitudes towards technology.
Fred Sargeant played a key role in the modern gay liberation movement. He helped push for more rights and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
His statement highlights the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by the community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for equal rights.
Sargeant's perspective is valuable for understanding the history and evolution of LGBTQ+ activism. Learning from pioneers can inspire and guide future movements.
Paul Graham's 2004 essay showcases Silicon Valley culture before the emergence of techbros.
The cultural shift in Silicon Valley was influenced by migration waves from the financial industry in the 90s and after the 2008 global financial crisis.
Tech culture has evolved to value charisma and charm over traditional intelligence, as seen in YCombinator's focus on popularity and connections.
Social movements are built on a New Tactic, Contagious Mood, and the Right Time - only the last one is out of activists' control.
Unlike past activism focused on averting catastrophe, today's post-failure activism is after the failure has occurred - this impacts strategies and targets.
New era activism will emphasize social mobilization, rely on cryptocurrencies and AI, and target meta-political issues like space exploration and redefining existence.