How We Escape It: An Essay
September 6, 2017
Escape is an ancient word, escapism, a modern one, and the designation of a genre—“escape literature”—dates to the 1930s.
The New Nomads of #VanLife Reflect an Enduring Divide
August 14, 2019
A distinctly American restlessness is inspiring some to abandon the idea of a permanent home, while others are displaced by harsh realities.
Go West, You Nervous Men
May 1, 2019
The "Rest Cure" for women is notorious. But the "West Cure" for men, though little known today, is a fundamental part of American mythology.
The 4 Questions to Ask before You Unplug
April 16, 2019
If you're concerned about the internet's effects on the world and on yourself, unplugging might not be the answer.
When Cemeteries Became Natural Sanctuaries
April 11, 2019
In the 19th century, bucolic, park-like cemeteries started cropping up on the outskirts of American cities.
The Flight of Inky the Octopus
May 6, 2016
Inky the Octopus made one of the natural world's most daring escapes when he somehow breached his tank to get to the Pacific. But how did he do it?
The D-I-Y Fallout Shelter
January 13, 2020
In the 1950s and 1960s, families planning for the apocalypse often took a homespun approach.
The Man Who Pulled the First Houdini
March 24, 2017
Harry Houdini wasn't always famous for his daring escapes. A look at how the humble Hungarian immigrant became the world's most famous magician.
The Craziest Ways Animals Escape Their Predators
March 10, 2017
From shedding skin to making slime to shooting blood out of their eyes, these animals have defense mechanisms that are convincing, to say the least.
Why Blue Is Better Than Green At Beating the Blues
May 20, 2016
There might be a reason why being out in nature can put you in a naturally better mood. A new study researched the psychological benefits of ocean views.
The Utopian Roots of the Artists’ Retreat
June 7, 2016
The modern artist's retreat has roots in industrial-era utopian communes.
Summer Camp Has Always Been About Escaping Modern Life
April 26, 2016
The first summer camps presented themselves as an natural alternative to encroaching industrial society.
