The Six-Year Journey to 'What's Our Problem?'

Back in June 2016, as I sat contemplating future blog topics, I noticed a cloud overshadowing my usual optimism about the future. Topics like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, once exciting, now seemed tainted by a societal shift towards madness. This unease led me to attempt a mini-post on the topic, but I quickly realized it was too vast for a brief write-up.

Instead, I embarked on a journey that consumed the next six years of my life. What began as a simple blog post evolved into an extensive exploration of societal issues, driven by my perfectionism and refusal to abandon the project despite its overwhelming scope. My initial attempts to organize my thoughts resulted in a chaotic collection of documents, each more complex than the last.

As I delved deeper, the project expanded, leading me down countless rabbit holes. I struggled with the sunk cost fallacy, unable to let go of the work I'd already invested. My personal life intertwined with this endeavor, as I got engaged and married, all while promising myself and others that the end was near.

By 2019, I decided to serialize the work, launching 'The Story of Us' to break the project into manageable parts. However, the complexity of the topic and the ever-evolving societal landscape made it difficult to conclude. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social upheavals of 2020 further complicated my efforts, as real-world events continually reshaped my narrative.

Ultimately, I realized the project needed to become a book. I began writing 'What's Our Problem?' with the aim of providing a comprehensive analysis of the existential risks facing liberal societies. The book became a toolbox of concepts for understanding societal dynamics and individual psychology.

The impending birth of my child in 2023 provided the final push I needed to complete the book. After multiple revisions and the involvement of editors and designers, the book was finally ready for release. It encapsulates my best attempt to address the challenges we face and offers a path towards a future I remain hopeful about.

Available in various formats, including an audiobook with accompanying visuals, 'What's Our Problem?' is my invitation to readers to engage with these critical issues. Despite the arduous journey, I am proud of the final product and eager to share it with the world.