Paradise is such a good show! I grew up in the 80s so I remember the video for Another Day in Paradise well too. Good teachers can make such an impact on young minds.
I am yes, devastating! 🥲 But I am familiar with the occasional emotional gut punch of the writer (who also created This Is Us) - my husband was not familiar so was pretty shook!
This is a powerful reflection on how language can shape our perception of problems without addressing their root causes. It reminds us that while economic challenges and societal issues persist, we still have the power to act with empathy and responsibility.
I love everything about what you've written. First, yes, I would absolutely read your book.
Second, "You can care about suffering without pretending prosperity doesn’t exist. You can notice what’s working and build from there. The world will gladly sell you outrage all day long."
Dude. Such a huge point. So many in my generation do indeed feel strangled by unaffordable housing, student loans, etc, and maybe rightly so. But I share the same worry that too many of us are caught in a feedback loop of despair, and we outsource our agency to the "they" who "want us to be poor, fat, sick, etc". It doesn't solve anything; agency does. Unfortunately, agency isn't the sexiest message on social media.
Lastly, you should check out humanprogress.org. Really cool site dedicated to reporting statistics focused on how the world is getting better. Some of your points about extreme poverty, violent crime, medical advances--same stuff they talk about.
“Discontent in the age of Plenty” is the title of the first podcast I saw when I went to that website. So, a spot on recommendation - thanks!!! It is now on my list.
And in reading your comment something dawned on me about the impetus behind me writing that piece in the first place, that I hadn’t thought of previously: I don’t like whining or whiners.
I don’t know how much that feeling in my subconscious worked its way into the piece, but I’m sure it did. Something to unpack!!!
I follow a unique little corner of the internet on YouTube. It’s basically Fight Club for regular people who are deep thinkers. They have kind of revolutionized the community aspect of “online”. Part of their success is they resist naming whatever you call what they are doing. I’m always intrigued by the naming of things. There’s usually a lot of intention behind it and can be very telling.
A lot about meaning. A lot of unpacking of why Jordan Peterson was so impactful. Aside from that, it’s just regular people exploring their deeper thoughts and interests and rolling with whatever naturally feels interesting.
What got me roped in was when they had a lot of discussions around “what is a zeitgeist?” and “the climate” as in “you can’t say things like that in this climate today” Answers ranged from psychological, religious, evolutionary biological, to simple points like because it I feel like it.
I’m hoping the 2nd season is as good but I don’t know. That first season was so amazing. It’s hard to believe but I’m thinking the story is about to get even bigger.
As a history teacher, I have been asked which time period I would like to live in. My answer is always this one. There are so many things that are demonstrably better now, yet with progress comes a flip side.
I look forward to your book. What an unlikely story!
And btw, I don't think I got your newsletter the last few weeks.
Good stuff here, Henny. Great message, plenty of bangers in here too. Love the reflections on moments where we started to grow up and maybe didn’t even know it at the time. Bums me out about Ms Thomas. The church certainly has an inconsistent track record of accountability.
I know you read a lot of history. I’ve always found people who do have healthy perspective on whatever bitch du jour is selling out on any given news cycle. There’s a great (and uber ironic) bit during the 2008 financial crisis when Lloyd Blankfein (GS) told an aide:
“You’re getting out of a Mercedes to go to the New York Federal Reserve, you’re not getting out of a Higgins boat on Omaha Beach, so keep things in perspective.”
I think about that quote a lot, especially if I can clearly see where I’ve contributed to said shit show. History helps.
I had to google that Lloyd fella (please remember, I’m a recovering meathead), and while he sounds like the type of dude I wouldn’t be rubbing elbows with…I love that quote! Totally the vibe I was going for. Thanks!!!
Ha! Shows you how not a cat person I am. I have a few friends that have cats and a couple talk nicely about their cat by saying, it’s so chill, it’s like a dog.
I’m like just get a dog then 🤣. Different strokes right? Have some friends that are horse people as well. Now THAT sounds like a lot of work!
Woot woot! Spot on. The news headlines are more about fear mongering and are now predictable. Barring a couple of rabbit holes that I try not to fall into.
Solid ruminations and completely accurate. We can't afford to look away at any of it nor could we then, but the voices getting through on that front were fewer. Pour one out for Mr. Collins of this tune AND Land of Confusion. And GIVE ME THE SLOTH BOOK IMMEDIATELY!! Take my money. I can't wait.
This is a surprisingly inspiring read from a self-proclaimed curmudgeon. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼
What a lovely comment to read first thing in the morning, thanks Jennie!!!
And don’t worry, I’ll be bitching about something again real soon 🤣
Yeah, you gotta’ stay inside the Bible, man! Otherwise the nuns will get you.
Nuns will 100% get you!!!
Paradise is such a good show! I grew up in the 80s so I remember the video for Another Day in Paradise well too. Good teachers can make such an impact on young minds.
They sure do!
Are you caught up on this season of Paradise? If yes, what did you think of the latest episode?
I am yes, devastating! 🥲 But I am familiar with the occasional emotional gut punch of the writer (who also created This Is Us) - my husband was not familiar so was pretty shook!
Count me in your husband’s camp!
This is a powerful reflection on how language can shape our perception of problems without addressing their root causes. It reminds us that while economic challenges and societal issues persist, we still have the power to act with empathy and responsibility.
Thanks for reading Aaliya, and glad it resonated with you!!
I’d definitely buy that book (maybe with a signature…)
I had no idea Sloth had a side hustle! 😂
Thanks!
Most people don’t apparently, which is one of the reasons I think it’s so cool. He has a crazy story.
Oooh, I love a good backstory!
I love everything about what you've written. First, yes, I would absolutely read your book.
Second, "You can care about suffering without pretending prosperity doesn’t exist. You can notice what’s working and build from there. The world will gladly sell you outrage all day long."
Dude. Such a huge point. So many in my generation do indeed feel strangled by unaffordable housing, student loans, etc, and maybe rightly so. But I share the same worry that too many of us are caught in a feedback loop of despair, and we outsource our agency to the "they" who "want us to be poor, fat, sick, etc". It doesn't solve anything; agency does. Unfortunately, agency isn't the sexiest message on social media.
Lastly, you should check out humanprogress.org. Really cool site dedicated to reporting statistics focused on how the world is getting better. Some of your points about extreme poverty, violent crime, medical advances--same stuff they talk about.
“Discontent in the age of Plenty” is the title of the first podcast I saw when I went to that website. So, a spot on recommendation - thanks!!! It is now on my list.
And in reading your comment something dawned on me about the impetus behind me writing that piece in the first place, that I hadn’t thought of previously: I don’t like whining or whiners.
I don’t know how much that feeling in my subconscious worked its way into the piece, but I’m sure it did. Something to unpack!!!
The adverbial cat enthusiastically appreciated this thoughtful piece, Henny.
Ha, thanks! 👊🏼
Oh man! Now I want an interview with Ms. Thomas. I bet that conversation with the nuns behind closed doors was EPIC!
I’m sure it was quite the tongue lashing, those nuns didn’t f around.
These days she’d probably just get a sternly worded email.
I follow a unique little corner of the internet on YouTube. It’s basically Fight Club for regular people who are deep thinkers. They have kind of revolutionized the community aspect of “online”. Part of their success is they resist naming whatever you call what they are doing. I’m always intrigued by the naming of things. There’s usually a lot of intention behind it and can be very telling.
Interesting. What do they talk about?
A lot about meaning. A lot of unpacking of why Jordan Peterson was so impactful. Aside from that, it’s just regular people exploring their deeper thoughts and interests and rolling with whatever naturally feels interesting.
What got me roped in was when they had a lot of discussions around “what is a zeitgeist?” and “the climate” as in “you can’t say things like that in this climate today” Answers ranged from psychological, religious, evolutionary biological, to simple points like because it I feel like it.
Sounds super interesting. Next time you watch a good one text me a link if you think of it.
Well said sir!
Thanks man!!!
It's interesting that you mentioned the show Paradise. My wife and I just binged the 1st season over this last week.
I’m hoping the 2nd season is as good but I don’t know. That first season was so amazing. It’s hard to believe but I’m thinking the story is about to get even bigger.
Yeah we watched the first episode last night. That was pretty good.
Yeah, different, but very good. They do a really good job of leaving you wanting the next one I think.
As a history teacher, I have been asked which time period I would like to live in. My answer is always this one. There are so many things that are demonstrably better now, yet with progress comes a flip side.
I look forward to your book. What an unlikely story!
And btw, I don't think I got your newsletter the last few weeks.
Thanks Paul!
It’s weird, that non-delivery thing happens to my wife from time to time as well. She asks if I’ve unsubscribed her 🤣
Seriously though, it makes me wonder how many other people this is happening to.
Good stuff here, Henny. Great message, plenty of bangers in here too. Love the reflections on moments where we started to grow up and maybe didn’t even know it at the time. Bums me out about Ms Thomas. The church certainly has an inconsistent track record of accountability.
I know you read a lot of history. I’ve always found people who do have healthy perspective on whatever bitch du jour is selling out on any given news cycle. There’s a great (and uber ironic) bit during the 2008 financial crisis when Lloyd Blankfein (GS) told an aide:
“You’re getting out of a Mercedes to go to the New York Federal Reserve, you’re not getting out of a Higgins boat on Omaha Beach, so keep things in perspective.”
I think about that quote a lot, especially if I can clearly see where I’ve contributed to said shit show. History helps.
Inconsistent is putting it nicely.
I had to google that Lloyd fella (please remember, I’m a recovering meathead), and while he sounds like the type of dude I wouldn’t be rubbing elbows with…I love that quote! Totally the vibe I was going for. Thanks!!!
Exactly! I don’t always quote investment bank CEOs but when I do, that one usually lands.
Stay crispy my friend
or cats.
Love this, Henny.
Cats??
And thanks!!
I was just adding to your “And we mostly use it to argue with strangers and look at cute dogs. Or monkeys.”
Ha! Shows you how not a cat person I am. I have a few friends that have cats and a couple talk nicely about their cat by saying, it’s so chill, it’s like a dog.
I’m like just get a dog then 🤣. Different strokes right? Have some friends that are horse people as well. Now THAT sounds like a lot of work!
OMG, I've had colleagues who had horses. So much work. I don't know how they managed.
I'm the same way about small dogs, only in reverse. People are like, "He's as small as a cat!" And I'm like, "I'd much prefer a cat than a small dog."
Different strokes indeed. 😆
I had no idea Sloth played in the NFL and that is so awesome that you get to write that book! Can't wait to read it.
Thanks Nicole! His story is crazy and sad and so unknown to many at this point.
Woot woot! Spot on. The news headlines are more about fear mongering and are now predictable. Barring a couple of rabbit holes that I try not to fall into.
Your project sounds exciting!
Thanks Carissa!
Yes, we all have those types of stories / issues.
Solid ruminations and completely accurate. We can't afford to look away at any of it nor could we then, but the voices getting through on that front were fewer. Pour one out for Mr. Collins of this tune AND Land of Confusion. And GIVE ME THE SLOTH BOOK IMMEDIATELY!! Take my money. I can't wait.
Aw shucks, thanks She!
Collins is truly a massively underrated artist. If all he had ever done was the Tarzan soundtrack that would’ve been enough.
I agree! You forget so much of his monster hits both with Genesis and solo!
I saw a video recently where he talks about becoming the lead singer of Genesis, really cool story.
I think he’s one of the most fascinating and underrated musicians in rock
In The Air Tonight is my favorite though. So much so that even some of its covers are my favorites of all time.