Talk to strangers

I will ask you what might sound as a very strange question. When was the last time you talked to a stranger? Not out of necessity but, spontaneously, or out of curiosity?

In an age defined by digital convenience and efficiency, genuine curiosity and interest in others seem to be quietly slipping away from everyday life. Automated checkouts, messaging apps, and virtual interactions (all wonderful tools, that were supposed to get us closer to distant friends) are steadily reducing the chance for spontaneous conversations, the kind that demand our attention and openness, and let us see life beyond our own bubble – after all, how can you engage in a conversation in a simple shopping queue, if everyone is instantly neck down, looking at a screen? Society increasingly prioritizes efficiency (and simple, instant dopamine rewards, let me tell you) over connection, and the art of engaging with someone purely out of sincere curiosity is becoming rarer.​

Yet, this authentic curiosity is a powerful force for growth and understanding. When we pause and show real interest in another person’s story, we open ourselves to experiences that would otherwise remain inaccessible. By listening deeply (and this is an art that demands concentration and attention), we momentarily step into a different reality and allow ourselves to marvel at new perspectives, traditions, and ideas; it’s like glimpsing the world’s richness through a fresh lens. My father is a (not-very-self-aware) master of this, as he is genuinely interested in talking with all kinds of persons, and is able to listen and have meaningful conversations with board members, astrophysics and country-shepherds alike – the richness of conversation that would then flood our family dinners (also because my mother was and is his match on them) shaped me and my brother’s minds forever. ​

Each time we connect with someone and truly engage with their story, we’re reminded of how remarkable and diverse human experience really is – and we build up the way we think, to become more open, considerate of other’s experiences and lives. These exchanges encourage empathy, foster inclusion, and broaden our understanding of what it means to belong to a community – or, actually, even simpler, to be human. In a time when disconnection and incuriosity are on the rise, making space for these conversations brings back wonder, mutual respect, and the joy of discovery, breaking society bubbles that imprison us – setting us free to understand the diversity of human thoughts and lives.

Let’s Remember Free Press Is Essential - And Faces a Historic Crisis

The health of any democracy depends on informed citizens, robust debate, and accountability - values sustained above all by a free and independent press (what is traditionally called “the fourth estate”). Media outlets, from national to local, enable the “public sphere” where voices can be heard and decisions scrutinized, creating the foundation for public trust and responsive leadership.​

Today, however, the business model that supports quality journalism is under severe threat. Rapid digitalization has transformed how news is produced and consumed, funneling ad revenue away from media organizations and toward tech giants. In the past five years alone, global newspaper advertising revenue has halved, while Google and Meta now capture about half of all digital ad spend.​

As audiences shift to social media and algorithm-driven news feeds, the industry faces cutthroat competition from instant content and viral misinformation—often prioritizing clicks over depth or accuracy. This forces even established publishers to chase engagement metrics and paywalls, with 77% now relying most on subscriptions instead of traditional advertising.​ But still, let’s be clear, media’s business model has not been evolving fast enough to match the transformation of society.

And the challenge doesn’t stop here – actually, it is even deepening. The rise of large language models and generative AI is reshaping the news ecosystem yet again. AI tools routinely summarize and repackage journalistic work, sometimes siphoning readers away from the original sources - and with them, crucial traffic and revenue. While 82% of newsrooms now leverage AI, the threat is real – if media cannot adapt their business model fast enough, the well of reliable information will soon dry up.​

The risk is greatest for smaller and local outlets, which often serve as the backbone of community engagement and accountability. As the media market concentrates further, democratic dialogue and pluralism could suffer, undermining public oversight and civic participation.​

The path forward demands bold thinking within the media sector itself. Media organizations must urgently rethink and reinvent their business models, forging innovative partnerships, embracing emerging technologies, and placing renewed emphasis on value-driven journalism that resonates with modern audiences. The stakes are clear: if the press does not adapt swiftly to the realities of the digital age and the pressures of AI-driven content, it risks losing its foundational role in defending democracy and serving the public good. The challenge is formidable - but so is the opportunity for those willing to lead the way. The survival of independent journalism now rests on the media's ability to evolve and innovate new business models. By embracing technology, diversifying revenue streams, and prioritizing value and trust for their audiences, media organizations can reclaim their indispensable role in society. The urgency is real - those who resist adaptation risk irrelevance, while those who rise to the challenge will shape not just the future of their industry, but the future of democracy itself.

And, by the way, for each one of us – let’s all remember that the cost of ignorance is always greater than the cost of education and information. Support independent media.

Prémio Camões 2025

Ana Paula Tavares. Prémio Camóes 2025. Congratulations!!!

Sagan

“I promise to question everything my leaders tell me. I promise to use my critical faculties. I promise to develop my independence of thought. I promise to educate myself so I can make my own judgements.”

-- Carl Sagan

Rich people

Only 6% of Portuguese family declares earnings over €50Ks annually. Those 6% of Portuguese families (that are thus premised to be "rich", while most of them are just middle class, period), pay 53% of the whole collected "individual earnings tax" (IRS). 42% of the total number of families doesn't pay any IRS.

This is a reflection from António Nogueira Leite, and is worth to keep on our head every time we discuss Portuguese society and taxation. 

This is an opportunity for Europe

Climate change is a reality. The attempt from some government to deny this is and cut funding into its investigation is a tremendous opportunity for Europe, both scientifically, in terms of innovation and economically. So shall we take advantage of it.

Mobility policy

There aren't that many things that threaten a mobility strategy as much as a supressed suburban train.