About this newsletter
Why does Coffee & Complexity exist?
This is a newsletter about complexity, written over a cup or two of really good coffee.
Here's why.
Life's revealed complexity
I may be drifting towards a mid-life crisis, I admit it. I'm in my early 50s, and somewhat dissatisfied with the state of my life. Oh, the heart of it is fine: I have a wife I adore and two incredible daughters I love spending time with.
But — somehow — the rest of my life isn't quite right. The surrounding aspects are not what I want them to be. My life is too cluttered, the food we're easting too poor, and the way I'm spending my time is less than ideal.
Beyond that, things that used to bring me joy have turned sour: social media and online communities used to bring me delight and companionship. Now, I often find they depress me. Polarisation and tribalism are rife. People routinely "other" those that disagree with them.
This is not the internet we were promised.
It's no secret that we're living in a polarised age, and some of that is driven by people reacting to a complex world by seeking simple, yet polarising, solutions. And far too many politicians are willing to pander to that to get their talons deep into power.
At least part of the reponse to that has to be a more considered, thoughtful way of engaging with ideas; one that embraces the complexity of the world and seeks insight in that.
All of which is a long way of saying that I have things I want to say - and I'm in search of a new place to say them.
And this newsletter is it.
So, here I am. Drinking coffee. Exploring complexity.
I hope you'll join me on this journey.