My middle-school visit to the LIGO facility to learn about gravitational waves from across the universe. — Southern bumpkin middle schoolers are on a field trip to see one of the most advanced scientific endeavors in human history. It’s called LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory). These sensors are trying to detect gravitational waves from the other side of the universe. By the time they get to us…

Perceiving every place as a temple is a life-changing skill. — My most beautiful memories take place around a worn-out formica countertop holding up a greasy steel box of light-bulb-warmed fried chicken, flickering fluorescent lighting over cans of beer on ice, or a nighttime drive past the distant industrial flames of “Cancer Alley” while listening to the wistful indie music I…

Eric Weinstein calls for a return to dreaming to make the next big breakthrough in physics. — I drove up the beautiful winding coast from LA to San Francisco to attend a conference with some Silicon Valley bigwigs. I, of course, am not a Silicon Valley bigwig. But my friend invited me along, and so we drove up together. This is not an uncommon view along that…

The short-sightedness of wanting more. — My brother and I played The Sims on a computer running Windows 95.

Spiritual self-help is a parasite adapted to our religious instincts. — I spent thousands to go to a Joe Dispenza meditation retreat. Part of me thought of it as a fun experiment — a lark. But I also probably believed (hoped) there was a chance that I could unlock something… more. Go here to get these posts in your inbox on…

What does “real” even mean online? — It took me 5 minutes to prompt on ChatGPT to make the post. This was this prompt: “Make a post for AITA that is likely to go viral on Reddit.” In less than 12 hours, it got half a million views, thousands of upvotes, and hundreds of passionate comments:

Or how to make a pen disappear. — Do me a favor. Grab a pen and a coffee mug. Tap the mug with the pen. Try to keep your eyes on these words. Don’t look at the mug if you can help it. Just tap and picture the mug in your mind. Now, move your attention to the…

From politics and bullshit to embodiment and meaning. — You learned a strange trick when you were young. You may not remember, but there was a time before you knew it. Let me tell you about the moment I learned it — see if it sounds familiar to you. I’m nine years old in a law firm with drop…

A surprising parallel between AI images and addiction. — You’d be surprised how deep insanity runs. Maybe even all the way down to bare mathematics. I tried a new diner in town with my cousin, who I know is in recovery from his drug addiction. Hipsters apparently measure the healthiness of a sandwich by the volume of seeds per…