THE MUSTS

World

I’m more of a dogs person myself

Is there a shortage of babies in the world?

Fewer babies than expected. For the first time in history, global fertility rates have reached the limit of the global replacement rate, which is 2.1 children per woman.

When this ratio falls below 2, the world's population begins to shrink. This is what is expected to happen to 97% of the world's countries by 2100. Looking at the whole picture, Africa seems to be the only place resisting this trend.

• What are the causes? In general, having children is more expensive, people are marrying later, having more access to contraceptives and women are more in the workforce.

• What could happen in practice? A population with fewer people of working age means less money in circulation, a shortage of labor and an increase in the social security snowball - with more retirees and fewer contributors.

So much so that several countries are already moving. One recent example is Japan, which has invested US$ 25 billion to encourage couples to have children.

Looking to the future: By 2050, 1 in 6 people will be over 65 in the world - in 2019, it was 1 in 11.

Speedy spin around the globe:

• International Criminal Court: Prosecutor's office calls for arrest of Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over Gaza war. (Read)

• Palestine: Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens. (Read)

• Iran: The country’s president died in a helicopter crash, leaving Iran’s already-tense political picture even more uncertain. (Read)

• UK: Prime Minister brings forward elections and dissolves Parliament. At the moment, the Labor Party is considered the favorite. (Read)

• Argentina: Milei will meet Tim Cook, Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai and Mark Zuckerberg in Silicon Valley this week. (Read)

• India: With no specific rules regarding AI for political purposes, the Indian elections have been plagued by deepfakes produced by the parties and candidates themselves. (Read)

  
  

Hi Tanamesers,

In this edition, I decided to do the “What About Me” session before diving into my recommendations.

You already know I traveled to Montenegro for my birthday, but originally, I wanted to attend a spiritual retreat. Turning a quarter-century was a significant milestone for me, and I needed a moment to reflect on my life so far, the Micael I am shaping every day, and to deepen my spiritual connection with the universe. Seeking a place immersed in nature where I could take this time for myself, I discovered Shambala Gatherings.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), Shambala wasn’t hosting any retreats during my actual birthday, but there was one called "Walking Each Other Home" led by Luke Bache in the beginning of May. Although it was beyond my budget, I noticed they offered scholarships for those facing financial difficulties. I wrote an email sharing my story and explaining why this retreat was important to me, and to my amazement, a few days later, I received the incredible news that I had been selected.

• In general, we practiced a lot of yoga, engaged in breathing techniques for stress management, participated in gratitude and grief rituals, explored nervous system resourcing, and enjoyed the most amazing vegan food you will ever taste.

It took me a while to write about this experience because, to be completely honest, I am still processing much of it. I’ve decided to not delve into the specifics of what we did during the four days there, since I hope some of you will take this as a sign to undergo something on this sort - and detailed spoilers might diminish your experience.

You know I use this space in the newsletter to talk about myself, but in real life, I can be quite reserved when it comes to sharing my feelings and anxieties. However, everything felt so natural there. Connection —with my newfound friends and with nature — was truly effortless. I remember my days at Shambala as a beautiful moment in time, where between lessons and sauna sessions, I fell in love with every person at the retreat and their stories, while also learning to freely accept and cherish my own. I cannot wait to come back.

If you want to know more about my experience or simply chat about the topic, feel free to reply to this email or text me on my socials. I know Luke is hosting a new retreat in August, and I couldn't recommend it more.

P.S: I did get lost in the Swedish forest for a couple of hours while I was there, which was terribly amusing, but that's a story for another edition.

With love,

Micael.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi: This is not so much a traditional book recommendation as it is an attempt to organize my thoughts after reading it. I heard about this book from my personal friend, Tim Cook, and since I wanted a meaningful read for my days at the retreat, I decided to give this one a chance.

"When Breath Becomes Air" is not just a memoir about illness; it’s a meditation on the human condition. Paul’s journey from a curious student of literature and medicine to a doctor facing his mortality is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between life and death. His reflections on the meaning of life, the pursuit of dreams, and the inevitability of death are timeless and resonate deeply as we navigate our human existence.

A very easy read for a long weekend, "When Breath Becomes Air" is infused with wise acceptance, hope, and a tenacious desire to live, work, and love normally. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the deeper questions of existence and the essence of living fully—not in a romanticized way, but in a profoundly human one. (Rating 9/10)

ps: Bill Gates also wrote a review about this book in his blog - although mine is definitively better.

Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish: I feel like this year has been like finding a complete all you can eat buffet after years of fasting for pop music lovers. After Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Anitta and Dua Lipa, this week it was Billie's turn. And what a turn! Billie's album "Hit Me Hard and Soft" is a masterclass in emotional depth and musical craftsmanship. Each song is intense with emotion, conveyed impeccably by Billie's haunting vocals and deeply relatable lyrics.

• While the album doesn't drastically deviate from their previous work, it offers more mature and expansive versions of their signature sound. The storytelling on "Hit Me Hard and Soft" explores relationship experiences with her newfound maturity, reflecting in the album's title dual nature. 

In a year dominated by releases from industry giants, Eilish's album stands out for its concise and refined production. The instrumental arrangements, vocal performances, and lyrical content are all meticulously crafted, showcasing the talents of both Billie and her brother, Finneas, who once again proves his prowess as a top-tier music producer.

Best songs: Lunch; Chihiro, The Diner and The Greatest (although the whole album should be listened as a complete piece)

For those that like Halsey; Conan Gray; The Neighbourhood; (Rating 9/10)

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