This essay begins with a simple Instagram message about how to make an AI video, but gradually opens into a larger question about learning, judgment, and how we navigate an age of overwhelming information. AI can make answers easier to… Continue reading

This essay begins with the recent flooding in my hometown of Linhai and a conversation with Chris about why a city that has managed floods for centuries can still be overwhelmed by them. It reflects on childhood memories, ancient and… Continue reading

This essay looks at the Middle East through the deeper structures of power, dependency, history, and the real cost of resistance. It returns to the Chinese idea of *zhǐ gē wéi wǔ*（止戈为武）: true strength is not about expanding conflict, but… Continue reading

The essay explores why removing a leader or dismantling an old system does not automatically create a better future. Through a long conversation about Iran, it reflects on the importance of a society’s ability to rebuild from within—and how the… Continue reading

The essay explores how “prepackaged childhoods” and ever-rising academic demands can erode children’s curiosity, joy, and ability to discover what they truly love. It argues that while education matters, children also need time to play and explore, especially in a… Continue reading

This essay explores the contradiction at the heart of Germany’s labour market: companies say they cannot find workers, while many capable people remain excluded by rigid qualification requirements and inefficient training paths. It argues that Germany often lacks not people,… Continue reading

This essay examines the growing number of deceptive “work from home packaging” ads aimed at mothers seeking flexible income. It shows how these schemes exploit the desire for financial independence, while often serving as a gateway to identity theft, advance-fee… Continue reading