The Monday Mix (03/10/2022)
Hi friends,
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, autumn is setting in and winter isn’t too far away. I have mixed feelings about this time of the year. On the hand, it’s a signal that summer is over and the lovely warm weather is gone for another year. While on the other hand, I love the changing colours, the cosy nature of autumn and the sort of damp and wet atmosphere that takes over the UK at this time of the year.
I’ve always enjoyed this part of the year going back to when I was at school. It’s hard to put my finger on why. Maybe it’s because it’s the run-up to Christmas and I love that time of the year or maybe it’s just the fact I love the obvious changing of the season that’s visible everywhere. I’m going to think this over in the next few days, as it’s something I’ve realised recently that I’ve never really thought about before.
Everyone has different views on this time of the year but there’s no doubt it’s a beautiful time, especially if you’re lucky enough to live in a country where the scenery changes so drastically.
Here’s what I want to share with you this week:
Catan
When I did my road trip around Europe with two of my friends back in 2019, (which feels like a lifetime ago after all that’s happened since) we played this board game a lot. By a lot, I mean a LOT. It got so out of hand at one point we were playing it in a launderette in Munich! It’s an addictive and fun game that’s slightly similar to Monopoly but more strategic. You can play an online version and that’s what I and a few friends have been doing for parts of the past week. If you’ve played Catan or you haven’t, it’s worth checking out and giving it a go! You need a bit of fun in life every now and again!
We Need More Public Spaces
I read this article the other in a political magazine, The New Statesman, that I sometimes buy. It struck a chord with me because it’s something I’ve thought about too. As someone who is self-employed, If I want to work outside my home, that normally means I’ll have to go to a coffee shop, as public spaces are thin on the ground. Thankfully, where I live there is a public space I can go to and work without the obligation to purchase something. The space serves as a restaurant, cinema, library, theatre and co-working area, which is probably a bit more than the author envisioned but captures part of the idea.
Still, this space is often very busy and although I live in a small city, there’s definitely room for another space. We don’t tend to think of ideas like this when it comes to public spaces but these sorts of spaces can be a blessing. Libraries are one option, but they are singularly focused. Having a multi-functional space where anyone can go to work, relax, socialise and even get help from public services should be the norm in most cities.
How Philanthropy Benefits the Super Rich
Philanthropists have been around for centuries. One of the most famous is Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-born American steel magnate who poured his money into numerous civic schemes during his life and following his death. The reason there are so many buildings that have Carnegie in the name in America is due to his philanthropy. While this sounds fantastic, and in many ways it is, there is an inherent with philanthropy which is vast sums of money are donated by rich people to causes they’re passionate about or even their own philanthropic foundation.
Who does this benefit more? Us or the rich philanthropists? This article argues it’s the philanthropists. What’s important to remember is that the money donated by philanthropists is money that’s not going into government coffers where it could improve public services, build more houses, tackle climate change and contribute to many other problems. Of course, philanthropy has its place but as this article in the first few paragraphs, that money isn’t exactly going to what many would deem worthy causes. Far from it.
Book I’m reading - What Makes Civilization? by David Wengrow
Just finishing this fascinating book on early civilizations and what they can teach us about the modern world. It’s an intriguing look at ancient societies such as the Sumerians and Mesopotamians that’s easy to read and follow. I don’t know much about this period of history so it’s been great to find out more. This book is also a primer before I read The Dawn of Everything, which Wengrow wrote with David Graeber.
Quote I’m pondering: – "One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation, compassion." – Simone de Beauvoir
That’s all for this week.
Until next time,
Tom