There was a version of the ultra-wealthy that at least felt some obligation — real or performative — to the world that made them rich. That version is being quietly escorted out. What’s replacing it is a cohort of ideological mercenaries who’ve convinced themselves that hoarding capital and influencing elections is philanthropy, and that Warren Buffett passing around a philanthropy pledge card was somehow the real corruption. What happens when “giving back “is no longer fashionable? I’m guessing “not good things” , and we will all soon find out.

Article Excerpt:

Peter Thiel, the tech billionaire and a frequent Gates critic, said in an interview that he had privately encouraged around a dozen Giving Pledge signers to undo it. ‘Most of the ones I’ve talked to have at least expressed regret about signing it,’ he said.

Article Summary:

In 2010, Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates launched the Giving Pledge — a moral commitment for billionaires to donate more than half their wealth to charity. It was, briefly, the fashionable thing to do. Oval Office visits happened. Fortune covers happened. Over 250 families signed on, including MacKenzie Scott, Mike Bloomberg, and Sam Altman.

The vibe was: big capitalism and big philanthropy can coexist, and being seen as a ‘good billionaire’ actually mattered. Fast forward to now, and the whole thing is being treated like an embarrassing yearbook photo.

Signups have cratered — 113 in the first five years, down to just 4 in 2024. The Trump administration views the Pledge as roughly a punchline. Peter Thiel has been actively lobbying signers to bail, calling it an ‘Epstein-adjacent, fake Boomer club’ (again — the man has his own Epstein ties, so that’s a bold rhetorical swing).

One signer actually unsigned it, which the article notes is ‘without precedent,’ which tells you something about the current climate. The new dominant ideology among ascendant tech billionaires holds that philanthropy is basically a PR scam, and that the real gift to humanity is just making more money and letting it trickle somewhere.

Elon Musk has said his “businesses are philanthropy.” That sentence exists. Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation’s causes — global health, gender equality — are being actively dismantled by the administration that many of these same billionaires helped elect. Also worth noting: the Pledge has no enforcement mechanism whatsoever. It’s a moral commitment.

Which, given the moral inventory of some of its critics, may be precisely the problem.

Read the Full Article

The post Fuck Philanthropy. Our Billionaires Want More Toys! first appeared on Sevenelles.

“Mutual hatred is a national wound that we will have to work to heal, and that will require letting go of who we’ve become. It’s the only way forward for all of us.”

Article Summary:

Esau McCaulley reflects on the dangers of consuming anger and the potential for personal and national healing through compassion and forgiveness. Drawing from his personal experience with an abusive father, he explores how rage can become a defining identity that prevents growth and understanding.

Initially, Esau harbored deep resentment towards his father, who was absent and struggled with addiction. Over time, he realized that his anger had become a form of self-definition, preventing him from moving toward a positive vision of life. When his father eventually apologized, the author was challenged to reimagine his identity beyond being a victim.

This personal journey parallels the author’s observations of current political polarization, particularly regarding issues like immigration and ICE. He suggests that many people, including those in the MAGA movement, might be trapped in cycles of anger and self-righteousness, similar to his own past experience.

Using a biblical parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector, the author illustrates the importance of humility and mercy. He argues that true healing requires acknowledging one’s own flaws and extending compassion to others, even those who have caused harm.

Read the Full Article

The post It’s So Hard Not to Be Consumed by Rage first appeared on Sevenelles.

A leaked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) security threats assessment suggests that the American public is now considered the country’s most significant threat. The document, obtained by journalist Ken Klippenstein, expands the definition of domestic terrorism to include individuals with “class-based or economic grievances,” potentially targeting a wide range of citizens.

The report indicates that domestic violent extremists have been the most active threat actors in recent years, motivated by various factors including anti-government sentiment, racial and ethnic grievances, and conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war. DHS claims the rise in potential threats has been fueled by ongoing global tensions and terrorist media.

The assessment appears to challenge constitutional protections of free speech and protest, particularly in light of recent controversial government actions. In Minnesota, for example, DHS branded protesters as “domestic terrorists” following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents.

The new broad definition of domestic terrorism could potentially criminalize these acts of civic resistance, placing a more severe target on citizens challenging government actions. The report suggests a concerning shift in how the government perceives and responds to public dissent, potentially undermining fundamental rights to free expression and protest.

Link to the DHS document leak: https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/leaked-doc-homeland-securitys-domestic

Read the Full Article

The post DHS Thinks You Are Biggest Threat to America first appeared on Sevenelles.

Dana Milbank discovers hope for reversing social media’s societal damage: A group of tech entrepreneurs from companies like Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are developing West Co., a new platform called “Tangle” that aims to help people live more meaningful lives through AI technology. Founders Christopher “Biz” Stone and Evan Sharp, who acknowledge their previous contributions to potentially harmful social media platforms, are seeking redemption by creating a purpose-discovery tool.

Tangle uses AI to help users define their life purposes by analyzing their calendars, photos, and personal information. The platform encourages users to set intentions, receive support from a community, and reflect on meaningful experiences. Unlike traditional tech products, West Co. focuses on human flourishing rather than maximizing screen time.

The company’s approach differs from typical Silicon Valley culture by incorporating rituals, moments of silence, and a focus on personal growth. Their goal is to use technology to help people live more intentionally and connect with causes greater than themselves.

Early testing shows promising results, with employees experiencing significant personal transformations. For instance, the COO quit her job to spend more time with her daughter, and Stone committed to being more present for his son.

While the platform is still in development and lacks a clear revenue model, the founders are self-funded and have received $29 million in seed funding. They aim to create a tool that helps people turn off “autopilot” and discover more meaningful life purposes.

The project represents a potential alternative approach to technology that prioritizes human well-being over engagement metrics and seeks to address the negative impacts of previous digital innovations.

Read the Full Article

The post Social Media for People Who Hate Social Media first appeared on Sevenelles.

Despite widespread perceptions of moral decline, research suggests that human values and behavior remain fundamentally positive across different cultures and demographics. Multiple studies indicate that people consistently rank loyalty, honesty, and helpfulness as their highest values, while power and wealth rank lowest.

Contrary to popular belief, empirical evidence shows that most people tend to behave morally. For instance, in public conflicts, bystanders intervene in nine out of ten cases. Studies across various countries demonstrate prosocial behaviors like returning lost wallets with money and spending significant amounts on others or charitable causes.

The perception of moral decline can be attributed to several factors, including media’s focus on negative events and social media’s amplification of extreme views. News outlets often highlight negative incidents, creating a skewed representation of human behavior. Additionally, people with extreme political views and online bots are more likely to post inflammatory content.

Research suggests that misperceiving others’ values can have negative consequences. People who believe society is becoming more selfish are less likely to volunteer or participate in civic activities. Conversely, understanding that most people share similar compassionate values can increase trust and hope.

The evidence does not deny that some harmful behaviors exist, but it challenges the narrative of widespread moral deterioration. By promoting positive interactions, volunteering, and focusing on kindness, individuals can contribute to maintaining a cooperative and empathetic society.

Ultimately, the research suggests that moral decline is not inevitable, and people have the power to shape societal outcomes through their collective actions and perceptions.

Read the Full Article

The post Think The World Is Getting Worse? Science Has Some Surprising Good News first appeared on Sevenelles.

“The right to assemble and protest is enshrined in American law, but it can still be dangerous to hit the streets to make your voice heard. Your devices are a treasure trove of information about you, and you may not always know who’s collecting that data. Take a few minutes before you go to assess your digital and physical safety.”

Article Summary:

The right to protest is protected in American law, but digital devices can compromise personal safety and privacy. Phones are particularly vulnerable to tracking and surveillance by law enforcement and government agencies.

Key digital risks during protests include:

• Cellular, GPS, and Wi-Fi tracking
• Stingray devices that intercept phone signals
• Potential data sharing by tech companies
• Location tracking through smart devices
• Facial recognition technologies
• Social media information exposure

To minimize digital risks, protesters should:

• Device Preparation:
• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Disable location services
• Consider leaving personal phones at home
• Use a “burner” phone if possible

Communication:

• Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal
• Set messages to automatically delete
• Be cautious about taking/sharing photos
• Avoid showing identifiable features in images

The Electronic Frontier Foundation recommends using passcodes instead of biometric authentication and being strategic about digital presence during protests. While digital tools can help coordinate and document events, they can also expose participants to potential tracking and legal complications.

Ultimately, the goal is to balance effective communication and organizing with personal digital safety and privacy protection.

Read the Full Article

The post Protest-Proof Your Phone in Minutes first appeared on Sevenelles.

“People consistently underestimate how much they would enjoy just thinking.“

Article Summary:

In today’s digital age, people frequently turn to their phones during moments of downtime, checking them up to 50 times daily. However, research suggests that allowing one’s mind to wander instead could offer significant benefits for personal well-being, problem-solving, and relationships.

Contrary to popular belief, daydreaming can be more enjoyable than anticipated. A 2022 study revealed that people consistently underestimate the pleasure of simply thinking, often overestimating boredom. This mental wandering is uniquely human, helping us learn, imagine scenarios, and develop empathy.

Daydreaming is particularly effective for problem-solving. Researchers found that people are more likely to resolve complex issues after periods of mind-wandering, even when not consciously focusing on the problem. Neuroscience research shows that the brain remains active during these seemingly idle moments, with different regions continuing to work.

Additionally, daydreaming can enhance social connections. Studies demonstrate that imagining pleasant interactions with loved ones can increase emotional closeness and help individuals simulate and prepare for future social situations. This mental “time travel” allows people to explore potential scenarios and learn from past experiences.

Experts recommend deliberately creating opportunities for mind-wandering by engaging in simple, automatic activities like walking or puzzles. They also suggest focusing on positive, meaningful thoughts to make daydreaming more constructive.

Ultimately, resisting the urge to constantly check phones and instead allowing the mind to wander can be refreshing, providing a sense of thought ownership and potentially leading to more meaningful experiences.

Read the Full Article

The post Put Down Your Phone and Daydream Instead first appeared on Sevenelles.

The post Why People Are So Confident When They’re Wrong first appeared on Sevenelles.

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the human brain undergoes four significant structural changes throughout a person’s lifetime, dividing the lifespan into five distinct developmental phases based on analysis of 4,000 brain scans from people aged 0 to 90.

The five phases are:

1. Childhood (0-9 years):
2. Adolescence (9-32 years):
3. Adulthood (32-66 years):
4. Early Aging (66-83 years):
5. Late Aging (83+ years):

Researchers emphasize that brain development is a continuous process throughout life, not limited to childhood. Factors like diet, exercise, and social connections can influence brain development and aging.

The study challenges the notion of a “good” or “bad” brain structure and highlights the dynamic nature of human brain development.

Read the Full Article

The post Your Brain Changes at Age 9, 32, 66 and 83 first appeared on Sevenelles.

An insightful observation from the Washington Post Editorial Board: The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s recent campus survey reveals a troubling trend: nearly half of undergraduate students believe that “words can be violence,” highlighting a growing challenge in academic discourse. This perspective has been developing for years, creating an environment that discourages difficult conversations and promotes cancelation of controversial viewpoints.

The survey’s findings are particularly poignant in light of recent events, such as the Hamas attacks and the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, which underscored the critical difference between speech and action. Kirk had consistently warned that suppressing dialogue can lead to violence and urged people to avoid seeing opposing views as inherently evil.

University administrators face the significant challenge of promoting open dialogue and protecting diverse perspectives. This requires a commitment to:

1. Normalizing difficult conversations
2. Maintaining viewpoint neutrality when approving campus speakers
3. Providing necessary security for controversial events

The problem extends to students across the political spectrum. Conservative students report feeling particularly uncomfortable expressing their views, while some progressives have demonstrated inconsistent standards in supporting free speech.

The core issue is a growing tendency to equate disagreeable ideas with actual violence, which can paradoxically justify violent responses. Universities must teach students that intellectual disagreement is not inherently threatening and that robust, respectful dialogue is essential to academic and democratic processes.

The goal should be creating an environment where diverse perspectives can be shared without fear, where students learn to engage with different ideas critically and compassionately, and where free expression is protected and valued.

Read the Full Article

The post What College Students Clearly Haven’t Learned About Free Speech first appeared on Sevenelles.