The Role of Taboos in a Liberal Democracy
Plus: free expression and social justice in the book world
A Novel Doesn’t Have to Be About an Individual
James McBride’s radical approach to fiction
The Seven Social-Media Commandments
How to use social media without it using you
The Devil Inside Her
A newly published book by the novelist Susan Taubes further reveals her struggle to make herself whole.
Before a Bot Steals Your Job, It Will Steal Your Name
The future of AI looks a lot like Tessa, Ernie, and Amy.
Is Ben Wikler the Most Important Democrat in America?
The Wisconsin chair has turned around his party’s fortunes. But his winning formula faces a stern test in 2024.
Edvard Munch Lightens Up
A new exhibition offers a counterpoint to The Scream.
Photos of the Week: Foam Party, Pet Dryer, Hummingbird Care
Mountain-bike racing in Scotland, flooding in Northern Europe, missile strikes in Ukraine, wildfire damage in Hawaii, a rubber-duck derby in Chicago, and much more
We’re in an Age of Fire
Wildfires on Maui prove once again that the world must face the dawn of the “pyrocene.”
The Atlantic Joins Forces With PBS
A conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg about Washington Week With The Atlantic
The Israeli-Saudi Deal Had Better Be a Good One
Normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia would be a major breakthrough, but not at any price.
Hawaii Is a Warning
The world doesn’t need more reminders that climate change is accelerating. But we’re going to keep getting them.
An Adorable Way to Study How Kids Get Each Other Sick
Behold, the ferret day care.
A Political Rom-Com That Feels Ripped From a Bygone Era
Prime Video’s Red, White & Royal Blue is an escapist fantasy that can’t quite escape the real world, no matter how hard it tries.
Photos: Deadly Wildfires Sweep Across Maui
Early images from the disaster in Lahaina, Hawaii
The Scandal Pushing Peers Into the Abyss
An honors system that looks like harmless pageantry hides a degree of venality and cronyism no self-respecting democracy should tolerate.
My Mom Will Email Me After She Dies
It’s common now for people to linger as digital ghosts after they die, transforming the nature of loss.
Aristotle’s 10 Rules for a Good Life
An ancient Greek recipe for happiness
The Owls Are Not What They Seem
The birds possess even uncannier powers than we’ve imagined.
Can an AI Save a Life?
Michael spent years fighting isolation, depression, and despair. Then he met Sam. Then Sam changed.
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