“Ask a better question.” As a lifetime subscriber, I find that approach true from “Never Retire” to following your writing on this new adventure—so do the systems you explore exist because they “answered” a particular question at a particular time—or are the “questions” themselves universal? But the answers depend on the system? ☕️
Such a good comment. I've thought about it a lot since you asked the question.
I think it’s both—and you’ve articulated something I want to explore. There are universal questions—how people get around, age in a place, "integrate," or use public space—but every place deals with these things differently. With different systems. Then those systems start shaping the questions people ask, or at least they should. I mean look at Paris - it went from being dominated by cars. The leadership made the decision that that doesn't work for a whole host of reasons. So they turned it on its ear. Now they have an entirely new baseline to work from and have a whole set of new questions as they further their agenda. That word agenda can have negative connotations, but I think cities need "agendas" to accomplish big things.
So, there's nuance and no black or white answer to your questions. That's why this stuff is interesting and I want to do more of it here and elsewhere. You learn a lot by having a different places to compare and a growing pool of experience and knowledge.
I love the journalism aspect of this as it’s distinctly lacking in the places we used to find it (looking at you, old news sources🧐). Very much looking forward to reading the evolution, especially because I’m developing my own journey as a nomad and possibly a future immigrant to Europe. Reading your work has already been illuminating and thought provoking…ask a better question couldn’t resonate more to me!
“Ask a better question.” As a lifetime subscriber, I find that approach true from “Never Retire” to following your writing on this new adventure—so do the systems you explore exist because they “answered” a particular question at a particular time—or are the “questions” themselves universal? But the answers depend on the system? ☕️
Such a good comment. I've thought about it a lot since you asked the question.
I think it’s both—and you’ve articulated something I want to explore. There are universal questions—how people get around, age in a place, "integrate," or use public space—but every place deals with these things differently. With different systems. Then those systems start shaping the questions people ask, or at least they should. I mean look at Paris - it went from being dominated by cars. The leadership made the decision that that doesn't work for a whole host of reasons. So they turned it on its ear. Now they have an entirely new baseline to work from and have a whole set of new questions as they further their agenda. That word agenda can have negative connotations, but I think cities need "agendas" to accomplish big things.
So, there's nuance and no black or white answer to your questions. That's why this stuff is interesting and I want to do more of it here and elsewhere. You learn a lot by having a different places to compare and a growing pool of experience and knowledge.
This sounds really cool, Rocco. 👌
I love the journalism aspect of this as it’s distinctly lacking in the places we used to find it (looking at you, old news sources🧐). Very much looking forward to reading the evolution, especially because I’m developing my own journey as a nomad and possibly a future immigrant to Europe. Reading your work has already been illuminating and thought provoking…ask a better question couldn’t resonate more to me!