Essays

I write blog posts and essays about ethics, philosophy, politics, culture, and technology.

Social Media and Anti-Social Pluralism

Social Media and Anti-Social Pluralism

Communities are different online and off, and pluralism that thrives in the real world can turn toxic in the digital world.

Aaron Ross Powell

The Anti-Social Life of the Unapologetic Man

The Anti-Social Life of the Unapologetic Man

On the fantasy of masculinity without accountability.

Aaron Ross Powell

We Needn't Have a One True Platform

We Needn't Have a One True Platform

On Bluesky, user numbers, and the silliness of endless growth.

Aaron Ross Powell
2

Distinguishing Labor from Work

Distinguishing Labor from Work

We should get rid of the former, if we can, but we should absolutely keep the latter.

Aaron Ross Powell

Your Internet Doesn't Need to Be Big

Your Internet Doesn't Need to Be Big

But it definitely can be better.

Aaron Ross Powell
2

NIMBYism's Slow Cancellation of the Future

NIMBYism's Slow Cancellation of the Future

How the cost of housing undermines creative dynamism

Aaron Ross Powell

A Couple of What They Call Media Hits

A Couple of What They Call Media Hits

Liberal virtues and right-wing vices.

Aaron Ross Powell

Skillful and Unskillful Politics

Skillful and Unskillful Politics

Skill is a combination of good intent and sufficient knowledge to act well.

Aaron Ross Powell

The Ambiguity of "Growth"

The Ambiguity of "Growth"

Anti-growth rhetoric sounds appealing, but it privileges the present over the future.

Aaron Ross Powell

American History as Fandom Lore

American History as Fandom Lore

On MAGA canon and cosplay.

Aaron Ross Powell

Two Helpful Essays Illuminating Liberal Practice

Two Helpful Essays Illuminating Liberal Practice

Two short Buddhist essays from Thanissaro Bhikkhu on karma as feedback loop, identity as inheritance, and intention as a skill you can practice.

Aaron Ross Powell