The Failed Utopia of the Starbucks Bathroom
The end of the chain’s open-door policy highlights a tragedy of American life.
The Anti-Social Century
Americans are now spending more time alone than ever. It’s changing our personalities, our politics, and even our relationship to reality.
In This Horror Movie, You Can Look, But Not Touch
Presence locks its monster—and the viewer—behind the camera.
January 6ers Got Out of Prison—And Came to My Neighborhood
The strange new reality after Trump’s pardons
The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books
To read a book in college, it helps to have read a book in high school.
How My Struggle With Wittgenstein Can Make You Happier
Using big ideas in small doses is a great way to realize the benefits of philosophy.
The Army of God Comes Out of the Shadows
Tens of millions of American Christians are embracing a charismatic movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation, which seeks to destroy the secular state.
Dear Therapist: I Was the Other Woman
I know I sound naive, but this wasn’t like a “normal” affair.
Who Will Stop the Militias Now?
By granting blanket clemency to the January 6 insurrectionists, the president has unleashed violent, and loyal, paramilitaries.
Capitulation Is Contagious
When fear spreads in a society, powerful people who know better are often the first to show their weakness.
Reimagining the Meal
Dinner is whatever you want it to be, and that fact can be overwhelming or freeing.
Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid
It’s not just a phase.
Don’t Give Up on the Truth
Striking out against injustice is always right; it always matters.
Trump’s First Shot in His War on the ‘Deep State’
The president is punishing a group of former officials for expressing an opinion he didn’t like.
The People Who Eat the Same Meal Every Day
“Variety doesn’t really matter to me. I would be perfectly happy to eat the same Caesar salad or peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich every day.”
Trump’s Second Term Might Have Already Peaked
As far as policy accomplishments are concerned, it could very well turn out to be as underwhelming as the first.
MAGA Is Starting to Crack
Now that Trump is president again, the right’s moment of unity is over.
Bishop Budde Delivered a Truly Christian Message
Exhortations for mercy are never easy for the powerful to hear.
Please Don’t Make Me Say My Boyfriend’s Name
Why calling loved ones by their name is strangely awkward
The 12 Most Unforgettable Descriptions of Food in Literature
Haruki Murakami’s stir fry, Maurice Sendak’s chicken soup with rice—only the most gifted writers have made meals on the page worth remembering.