Issue #8: I don't read.

So I bought a subscription to The Economist.

Remember those discussion posts you were required to do for class credit in college?

Today is January 21, 2026 - and change in my habits is still a slow burn. And, unfortunately, as AI tools have gotten faster, more available, more…everywhere - I have been doing less and less critical thinking.

A friend of mind, a 1L in law school in DC, told me he reads The Economist daily. “Doesn’t Jamie Dimon do that too?” I asked. He replied, “Who is that?”

I’m tired of only knowing quick facts like what the CEO of JPMorgan’s morning routine is. It’s time to build back some substance.

So every weekday morning for 30 days, I’m jotting down some takeaways I learn from reading The Economist like it’s for class credit. I hope I pass. Here it goes.

• Trump and MAGA = inspo for European nationalist parties, like France’s populist-right National Rally (RN). But even “France First” supporters are uncomfy with Trump’s threats to annex Greenland. This is real-life Risk.

• China wants Taiwan and to stay #1 vs the U.S. (obviously). But when America goes full “hold my beer” on the world stage (ex: Maduro in Venezuela), China starts losing friends + footing (f&f) abroad → less leverage, fewer moves → harder to protect its global interests and keep eyes on Taiwan → more Taiwan tension because now everything becomes a power flex. (Also… I read “progress on Taiwan” and immediately thought that was Alex Honnold free-soloing Taipei 101 🧗‍♂️😅)

• The beauty industry is booming. Baby boomers on average started using beauty products after age 18, but their Gen Alpha grandchildren are getting going at around age eight. I had to beg my mom to let me wear mascara when I was 15, but Stormi is rocking purple eyeshadow… and honestly, by the time these kids hit middle school they’ll have a 10-step routine, a Sephora wishlist, and the confidence of a grown woman with a credit score.

• Valentino died.

That’s all for today! Whew. I need to read faster. It’s only up from here.

See you for a shorter notes-post tomorrow.