The Great Cousin Decline. There’s a lot of talk about declining birthrates. One of the second-order consequences of this decline is that younger people today have fewer cousins than those in previous generations. I have 15 cousins; my kids have 8. In this Atlantic article from a couple years back, Faith Hill explores what it means to live in a world with fewer cousins and how the cousin relationship is such a unique one. Cousins aren’t typically burdened with the caregiving duties of parent-child bonds or the intense rivalry of siblings, but they share blood and some characteristics, and they know what it’s like to be part of your particular family. They’re family, but they’re also friends. People will have fewer of these relationships in the future, which feels like a loss.
Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden. This book, published in 1894, is one of our favorite vintage self-help books. Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison were also fans of it. This was Marden’s first book, and while he would go on to pen 50 more works, among which there are some real gems, his original outing is his best. Marden’s writing and exhortations can sometimes be a little too naively and earnestly enthusiastic and optimistic, but his lack of irony, absence of cynicism, and genuine conviction are inspiring. The book is direct and bracing and stirs you to work harder, be better, and lengthen your stride.
Filson Original Briefcase. Whenever I need to take work on the go, I grab my Filson briefcase. I’ve had mine for nearly a decade now. It’s pricey, but it’s one of those purchases that’s a worthy investment. The waxed canvas construction gives it a rugged, workmanlike look that only gets better with age. Despite being built like a tank, it’s surprisingly lightweight. And I love all the thoughtful compartments it has for organizing your stuff. Great gift to get a recent grad about to head out into the world or something to put on your Christmas wishlist.
Conan Plays Old Timey Baseball. My son Gus has gotten into watching classic late-night shows. His favorite host by far is Conan O’Brien. Of course a 14-year-old boy would find Conan hilarious! But his dad enjoys him too. Together we recently watched Conan’s classic remote segment that he did for Late Night way back in 2004, where he played old-timey baseball with a bunch of old-timey baseball re-enactors. It’s Conan at his funniest and sharpest.
On our Dying Breed newsletter, we published Sunday Firesides: Write the Last Chapter First and Dying Breed Dialogues: Kyle Chayka on Escaping Algorithmic Sameness.
Quote of the Week
The greatest feeling is to go to bed tired.
—Max Perkins
