Another week. Another TWIL! I misnumbered a past one, so I fixed it. Hence, another #09. Curious about your thoughts on my writing, so feel free to share feedback! You know where to find me :)

Living in a liminal world

Right now, it feels like nothing is stable. The world is shifting beneath our feet, unraveling in ways that feel chaotic, unpredictable. Almost like an explosion. But what if we don’t see this as collapse, but as transformation? A massive shift from the old to the new, a threshold between two eras.

The world as we knew it is desperately holding on. Established powers, institutions, and entrenched ways of thinking are clinging to their authority. Yet, beneath them, a deeper transformation is unfolding. New powers are rising (India, China) challenging the old order. Economies are shifting, and young generations are finding their voice, reshaping cultural narratives in ways that those in power struggle to contain.

Within countries, this tension plays out even more acutely: the old elite (those with wealth, influence, and deeply rooted authority) are fighting to preserve their worldview. They resist diversity, feminism, and non-traditional ways of thinking, pushing back against inevitable change. But no matter how fiercely they fight, the world is moving forward. The past will not hold.

While working on a project around the Lower-Germanic Limes, a colleague and I found ourselves discussing this very idea. She pointed out something I hadn’t considered: the Latin word limes, which we use to refer to the Roman border, actually means “threshold”. And from that word, the concept of liminality emerged: a term describing the space between what was and what will be. It is the moment in transition when the old structures have begun to crumble, but the new ones have yet to take shape. A space of uncertainty, instability, and discomfort… But also a space of immense potential.

What if we are living in such a liminal space right now? Much like the Lower-Germaanse Limes, the northern border of the Roman Empire, was not just a fixed line but a zone of exchange, adaptation, and transformation, so too is our present moment. The Romans once stood at the edge of their known world, not realizing they were on the threshold of something entirely new. And so are we. The question is: what will we create on the other side?

An addictive story

Last week, I discovered the animated short Nuggets by Andreas Hykade, and I was immediately struck by its simplicity and power. In just a few minutes, it beautifully yet devastatingly illustrates how addiction takes hold. The kiwi bird experiences a blissful high after consuming a golden nugget, but as it returns for more, the highs become addictive… and increasingly difficult to achieve. Each dose enhances the moment, but the descent is inevitable.

It reminded me of this powerful New York Times interactive piece on the opioid crisis, which maps out the relentless cycle of addiction, showing how the pursuit of relief or pleasure can spiral into something inescapable. Both the animation and the article share the same stark truth: what begins as a moment of escape can quickly turn into a trap, leaving those caught in it struggling to find their way back.

Cool, but crazy gadgets

Okay, okay… I’m not always diving into serious subjects. Sometimes, I just want to indulge in the sheer ridiculousness of a good James Bond gadget. I recently stumbled upon a video showcasing some of the craziest ones.

My personal favorite? The crocodile sub from Octopussy. Imagine cruising through the Amazon in a fake croc, observing nature. Sure, I’d probably need a slightly bigger model. With just enough room for some drinks and cookies… but hey, I wouldn't complain if I actually owned one. Functional? Questionable. Cool? Absolutely.

The Ecosystem of Wicked Problems

The Ecosystem of Wicked Problems infographic is a fascinating way to look at the world's most complex challenges. Instead of seeing problems like climate change, inequality, or political instability as separate issues, it shows how they are all deeply connected. One challenge influences another, creating a web of cause and effect that makes simple solutions impossible.

What makes this infographic so interesting is how it shifts my perspective. It doesn’t just list problems. Instead it shows the patterns and relationships between them. It makes me realize that tackling one issue often means dealing with several others at the same time. It’s a reminder that solving big problems isn’t about quick fixes but about understanding how everything is intertwined.

What else?

• Egg cakes can clean your microwave - Apparently egg cake can be a clever way to clean your microwave while making a tasty treat. As it bakes, the steam from the eggs and moisture in the batter help loosen stuck-on grime, making it easier to wipe away once you're done cooking (thanks Fabiënne for the tip!)