Language Erodes

19 July, 202226 July, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 5 Comments

Saying that "language evolves" is no enough to dismiss complaints about the misuse of words, since "language erodes" is just as valid, but without the suggestion of progress. Read more (9 min, 2300 words).

The Political Is Personal

24 May, 20224 May, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 13 Comments

People experience the nature of their wants, needs and desires very differently, and when they generalize the specifics of their own psychology onto everyone else it has a profound effect on their political beliefs. Read more (13 min, 3200 words).

It’s a Book!

20 April, 202226 July, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 6 Comments

In which I announce that I'm going to write a book. Read more (3 min, 700 words).

7 Unworkable Projects

9 April, 202226 July, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 21 Comments

I discuss seven overly ambitious projects I idly fantasize about being able to complete. Read more(20 min, 4900 words).

7 Swedish Words to Import

16 March, 202222 March, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 15 Comments

I describe a few words in Swedish i find myself wanting to use in English, for example when blogging.
Read more (8 min, 2000 words).

7 Hang-ups To Hang Up On

23 February, 20222 February, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 2 Comments

I discuss the seven facets of perfectionism I need to get under control if I want to become a more productive writer. Read more (12 min, 3000 words).

Toxic Emissions

27 January, 202227 January, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 2 Comments

We often say things we don't really mean, which is fine as long as what we say doesn't make its way to where it looks like we do mean it. Avoiding that is getting more and more difficult and the consequences are quite serious.
Read more (8 min, 2000 words).

Looking Back on ’21 and Forward to the Rest

6 January, 20224 January, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 7 Comments

I sum up last year, look back on six years of blogging, and decide that it's probably time for some crisis and change. But how, and what? Read more (11 min, 2800 words.)

Thank The Machine

20 December, 202117 January, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 3 Comments

There are many secular versions of mealtime prayers for when you want to express gratitude but don't believe in any gods. I'm not satisfied with what they choose to thank. Read more (12 min, 3100 words).

The Importance of Being a Slog

19 November, 202117 January, 2022 ~ John Nerst ~ 8 Comments

Why are supposedly serious and profound fiction often difficult and boring to read? Is there a necessary connection between the two? I argue yes, a bit, but it's hard to tell when the connection is illusory and fake.
Read more (23 min, 5700 words).