“Enough is enough when you decide it’s enough” - Ryan Nicodemus
Hello, everyone. I’m Jack, your new newsletter writer here at Critical Edge! I’ll keep you informed about all the latest updates, including new articles on the website and episodes of the podcast.
With each passing day, the headlines we are greeted with upon unlocking our phones or flipping open our laptops seem to get even more outrageous. As shocking as this can be, we can all take a moment to step outside the chaotic swarm of current events to consider whether they are as unprecedented as they first appear, and how we can stay grounded by focusing on the smaller things in life.
This week, we have a new episode of the podcast with Ryan Nicodemus, co-founder of The Minimalists, as well as an article penned by Faris Firoozye, to help you navigate these uncertain times by thinking critically, forming your own opinions and focusing on the most important things in life.
Trump’s foreign policy isn’t “new” - Faris Firoozye
Is Trump’s foreign policy actually breaking new ground? How does it compare to previous GOP administrations? In his newest article, Faris Firoozye addresses these questions by charting the history of neoconservatism in the United States, starting with the Halloween massacre in 1975 and tracing the movement’s use of unilateral force from the early 2000s to the modern day.
While reading Faris’ article, consider the following:
Given the flurry of executive orders that Trump has signed and foreign policy changes he has implemented early on in his second term, is it likely that his output will subside somewhat after his first 100 days in office?
Does Trumpian unilateralism threaten American soft power more than the hawkish decisions made by his predecessors?
In light of Trump’s handling of Ukraine, how can we expect Europe to react this time round compared to their responses to American foreign policy in the early 2000s?
The Truth About Minimalism | Ryan Nicodemus | #46
Moving swiftly on from the all-consuming role of the US in the news cycle, we sat down with minimalism advocate Ryan Nicodemus in this week’s episode of the podcast. In the interview, Nicodemus speaks about how embracing minimalism gave him a sense of freedom and allowed him to focus on the most important things in life, namely his family and friends.
While listening, keep these questions in mind:
What’s stopping you from becoming a minimalist?
Would the world be a better place if everyone was a minimalist?
Does minimalism teach us how to be better humans? Or does it provide a means that allows us to tap into our humanity which is suppressed by the overwhelming and alienating nature of modern life?
Listen here:
Watch here:
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news, your studies or your job, it can help to reflect on the most immediate, most important things in your life to find a path through choppy waters. As always, be sure to let us know what you think by sending us a DM or leaving a comment down below.
Best,
Jack