In the toolbox of policymakers, war is one among many. When deemed appropriate by the powers that be, war can be chosen as a means of enacting policy – no more or less legitimate than any other – albeit, crucially, not to replace, but to complement other tools of policy. When the Prussian military GeneralContinue reading “War is a mere continuation of politics with other means”
Author Archives: Markus
Our Amazing Race experience of traveling back to The Philippines during this pandemic
Micah and I made it to The Philippines! We have been here since December 1 and it honestly seems like a small miracle that it actually happened. If you have been wondering about our inactivity, this was mainly why. What follows is a recounting of our experience; if you are looking for official guidelines onContinue reading “Our Amazing Race experience of traveling back to The Philippines during this pandemic”
On putting in the work.
You’ve gotta put in the work. We’ve all heard that phrase one time or another. You want nice things? Put in the work. You want a good life? Put in the work. You want things to change? Well, you guessed it – put in the work. Rarely have I seen a phrase so deeply misunderstood.Continue reading “On putting in the work.”
Did I almost get abducted?
When I went on my semester abroad during my bachelor’s studies, I first spent about half a week in a hostel in my destination city. The year was 2013 and I arrived in Lille, France, sometime in July. The semester was to last roughly until Christmas, and I was in for an interesting time rightContinue reading “Did I almost get abducted?”
A quick thought on fear
I know this is the second “thought” post in quick succession, but while falling asleep last night I remembered something from my childhood: I could never sleep in the dark. My mind would fill it with all manner of things. The light in the hallway in front of my room would need to stay on.Continue reading “A quick thought on fear”
A quick thought on the moment
We all know how important living in the moment is – it’s not like this is news to anyone anymore. Why, then, is it still so hard to do?
A quick thought on water
Two fish pass each other in the water. The one says: “The water’s nice today.” The other replies: “What’s water?”
Easily win arguments with this simple trick
In a nutshell, the trick is: Don’t try to win, try to solve. These are the 4 components that I found are required to do this right.
A tale of misunderstanding, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This photo was taken a few months after I started traveling in 2017. In the photo, I’m sitting on the steps of the staircase leading up to the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Batu Caves are a sacred Hindu site that is incredibly popular, both with the faithful and with tourists. It isContinue reading “A tale of misunderstanding, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia”
Free as a bird?
We all know this popular turn of phrase. It seems to come so naturally. Is there anything freer than a bird? How amazing must it be not to have these challenges, obligations, emotions? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just spread our wings and fly away, our earthly tethers removed?
Markus + Micah 