Are nations just a myth?

An examination of how industrialization and propaganda created nationalism—and how the resulting borders came to dictate so much of our lives. Are countries just stories we’ve been sold, or something more?

Johnny Harris on YouTube

The rise of gamified “daka tourism”

Chinese app Xiaohongshu is turning obscure sites into must-see attractions with a punch card-like travel passport requiring selfies at each spot. But the game is not without its risks: a young woman recently fell into an acidic volcanic lake while playing…

Zhaoyin Feng on Rest of World

Known as America’s greatest biographer, Robert Caro’s methods are a masterclass in converting our notes from chaos to clarity.

Jillian Hess for Every

A new six-day train journey showcases the best of Scandinavian design, next-level amenities (hello, onboard gym 😍), and natural beauty – from the fjords to the Northern Lights.

Eleanor Kittle for Vogue

How scientists are decoding birdsong

An examination of the communication and social structures of birds—from unique calls, to vocal learning, to family dialects. What can we learn from their elaborate conversations?

Rivka Glatchen for The New Yorker