Philosopher George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I believe that’s true. But right now it seems we’re not just repeating history—we’re remixing it and speeding it up.

Also (in my mind) adding a soundtrack by Leonard Cohen, who wrote in his song “The Future”: “Things are gonna slide, slide in all directions.” 

I think this is actually an understatement. But before you panic, breathe with me. Because sliding is not the same as falling apart, and chaos is not just destructive. 

If we can respond to our fears by acting wisely, and not [...]

A while ago, I made a video called “The Pyramid and the Pool” to describe what I think about changes in society. I updated that video today because it helps me feel a bit more relaxed and hopeful. Actually, a LOT more relaxed and hopeful.

For centuries, powerful and wealthy societies have taken the general shape of a pyramid. At the top, you’ve got a few powerful, wealthy people. At the bottom, the majority of people work, struggle, create value, and pass most of what they’ve made up to the privileged. This mirrors the self-centered, materialistic, judgmental aspects of [...]