Our existence on this planet is statistically insignificant when compared with the history of the universe. So take advantage of it! Charge your spouse six dollars and fifty cents on Venmo for “supplemental groceries.”
You get to choose the life you live. And, every minute, you have the opportunity to make a different choice. Every minute, you could say, “Today, I will eat defrosted turnip soup and think about the time I felt left out at my friend’s wedding.”
What you really want to do right now is call an office-supply store’s customer service number. So why not do that? What’s holding you back? Who would you be if you stopped limiting yourself and really let yourself experience the hold music, interrupted every twenty-three seconds with “All representatives are currently assisting other callers”?
This story is from the January 23, 2023 edition of The New Yorker.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 23, 2023 edition of The New Yorker.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Our Local Correspondents – Trash, Trash Revolution
What would it take to really clean up New York City?
Fiction – Bozo
The man stood in front of an arrangement of bottles and glasses.
Profiles – Mr. Vengeance
The director of "Oldboy” and "The Handmaiden” brings his gift for spectacle to American television.
A Reporter at Large – The Assault
One of Ukraine's most skilled fighting units battles beneath a canopy of drones.
SNAP JUDGMENTS
Is it the end of the world if Kirsten Dunst isn’t around to witness it? I’m beginning to wonder.
BLEEDING HEART
Olivia Rodrigo’s exuberant yearning.
WARP SPEED
Anni Albers helped establish weaving as art—then left it behind.
THE MISSING LINK
How Delmore Schwartz tried to change poetry.
LOVE MACHINES
Why stories about robotic romance push our buttons.
HOW GULLIBLE ARE YOU?
Dont believe what theyre telling you about misinformation.