The share of adults who say they regularly have friends over has declined dramatically since 1975.
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The Great Depopulation
Why is the birth rate declining in every country on Earth?
The Orality Theory of Everything
The decline of reading and the rise of social media are again transforming what it feels like to be a thinking person.
The Affordability Curse
Politics isn’t just about the words you put on your bumper stickers. It’s about what you do if the bumper stickers work.
The Era of Step-on-a-Rake Capitalism
Trumponomics isn’t about economics. It’s about creating pain and demanding tribute.
The No. 1 Rule for Understanding Trump
A lot happens under this administration, but a lot un-happens, too.
The Disturbing Rise of MAGA Maoism
Trump seems to be ceding the future to China while emulating its past.
Something Alarming Is Happening to the Job Market
A new sign that AI is competing with college grads
A Trade War With China Is a Very Bad Idea
Yes, the U.S. has the larger consumer economy. No, that won’t be enough to avoid major (and majorly self-inflicted) pain.
Trump Is Burning Down the House
His tariff plan looks like an abject disaster for America, even judged against the benchmarks the administration has set for itself.
There Is Only One Way to Make Sense of the Tariffs
The policy is absurd. It’s also an extension of Trump’s chaotic personality.
The Story of the Gilded Age Wasn’t Wealth. It Was Corruption.
Richard White, the historian and author of The Republic for Which It Stands, explains what made the late 19th century gilded.
The Political Fight of the Century
For the first time in decades, America has a chance to define its next political order. Trump offers fear, retribution, and scarcity. Liberals can stand for abundance.
How the British Broke Their Own Economy
With the best intentions, the United Kingdom engineered a housing and energy shortage.
DOGE’s Reign of Ineptitude
Slashing and burning won’t help with efficiency.
How COVID Pushed a Generation of Young People to the Right
Research suggests that pandemics are more likely to reduce rather than build trust in scientific and political authorities.
Why Tom Brady Could Be Worth $375 Million in the Booth
Applying any normal ROI analysis to Brady’s broadcaster contract is difficult for at least four reasons.
America’s ‘Marriage Material’ Shortage
Adults are significantly less likely to be married or to live with a partner than they used to be.
Is Moderate Drinking Okay?
“Every drink takes five minutes off your life.” Maybe the thought scares you. Personally, I find comfort in it.
The Anti-Social Century
Americans are now spending more time alone than ever. It’s changing our personalities, our politics, and even our relationship to reality.
The Most Important Breakthroughs of 2024
This year saw several advancements across medicine, space technology, and AI that extend our knowledge in consequential ways.
A Mysterious Health Wave Is Breaking Out Across the U.S.
America is suddenly getting healthier. No one knows why.
RFK Jr. Is a Bellwether
Kennedy embodies several trends across politics, science, and society, which require careful attention to understand how America is changing
How Donald Trump Won Everywhere
This was the second COVID election.
Three Tips for Following Election Results Without Losing Your Mind
How to watch the election without falling for conspiracy theories
The New Law of Electoral Politics
Can Kamala Harris break the global incumbency curse?