Moral Panic About ChessThe ancient game of chess has a storied history, dating back centuries to its origins in India. Over time, it has become known as one of…Jan 11, 2023Jan 11, 2023
The Pessimists Archive Podcast Is Now Called “Build For Tomorrow”Pessimists Archive has always been a brand about change. We look at why people fear change, how they resisted change, and what causes…Jan 28, 2021Jan 28, 2021
We Checked Watches Obsessively Before PhonesObsessively checking information on a pocket device is seen as a very 21st century dysfunction, but a 1665 diary entry hints it isn’t…Oct 21, 2020Oct 21, 2020
Printed Photos Got Blamed for Narcissism Before Instagram.They called it “photographic mania”, and it sounded just like today’s social media critiques.Apr 29, 2020Apr 29, 2020
Pessimists Archive PodcastEpisode 1: the WalkmanOct 3, 2016A response icon2Oct 3, 2016A response icon2
Published inTimelineEarly, Cynical Reactions to Electronic MailWith the passing of Ray Tomlinson, ‘the father of email’, we wanted to look back at some early, cynical reactions to electronic mail in his…Mar 8, 2016Mar 8, 2016
Published inTimelineToday’s hoverboard hysteria isn’t so different from the early panic around bicyclesA bizarre two-wheeled vehicle is sweeping the world. It’s being met with ridicule, fear and legislative action. That pretty much sums up…Feb 29, 2016A response icon24Feb 29, 2016A response icon24
