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”
Category Archives: Commentary
Getting vaccinated… again
Last week, I had my first jab of Biontech, which is great, except I have been fully vaccinated with Sinovac before leaving The Philippines. But as the politics of Covid-19 vaccines goes, I am legally unvaccinated here, since Germany, like most European countries, does not recognize the China-made vaccine. Some physicians and majority of theContinue reading “Getting vaccinated… again”
Tell me I am wrong
In a recent post on handling arguments, Ed mentioned that nobody likes being told they are wrong. I thought it was an interesting perspective because I do not mind others pointing out my mistakes. In fact, I welcome it, if not actively seek it. The input helps me improve whatever it is I am tryingContinue reading “Tell me I am wrong”
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.”
Strong women
Happy belated International Women’s Day everyone! I know it’s quite a bit late but better late than never.
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”
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 quick thought on our pandemic response
Here is something I’ve been wondering about since the start of this pandemic: Why aren’t we testing more? Vaccines are definitely a crucial component of overcoming the pandemic. The problem with vaccines, however, is that they are complicated.
Fuck your feelings?
The phrase has seen a bit of a resurgence lately. You will be forgiven for immediately linking it to American politics. But populist hypocrisy aside, I have struggled with this phrase a lot in the past days for entirely different reasons.
A quick thought on living in tune with nature
It gets pointed out a lot that we humans are the only beings on the planet who don’t live in tune with nature. Instead, we exploit, destroy, and otherwise undermine nature’s systems for our own short-term gain.
Markus + Micah 