For the Sake of Nuance and Progress

Nuance and Progress are both vital components of a healthy society that moves forward and adapts effectively to the changing world while remaining true to its roots and quintessence. However, they are both being actively compromised in today’s discourses. Nuance is lost the moment one side of the argument pushes to censor, silence, de-platform or “cancel” the other, and the loss of nuance hurts progress (true progress) by extension. And I say true progress because calling yourself “progressive” (or at least “in favour of progress”) and going about life trying to impose your values over others without dialogue, openness and self-criticism is not progress — it is just another flavour of authoritarianism. Paraphrasing former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson: “good policy requires good public debate”.

For the Sake of Nuance and Progress aims to help fill the gap created by the ever-increasing polarisation of the public discourse, with a mix of science, politics, and philosophy, mainly but not exclusively focused on Australia. This, with hopefully the best writing and thinking my years as a professional scientist can offer you. After all, the other side of any argument is also a vital part of the country, and we need each other for the future of our collective experience. This is what inclusivity should mean: everyone, not just those who we agree with or those who share the values we espouse. Diversity of thought, not just the diversity of races and genders that conceals ideological conformity.

For the Sake of Nuance and Progress is a sporadic newsletter, and I say sporadic because I do not write simply for the sake of writing, and therefore I do not want to commit to a schedule that will force me put out pieces I am not invested in, or publishing rushed articles for the sake of a deadline. I also juggle parenthood, a full time scientific job, and other social commitments on the side, so I write only when I feel there is something that is worth saying, with as much care as possible.

That being said, if you want alternative views on relevant topics presented in a nuanced and respectful manner, make sure you subscribe so every edition of this newsletter goes straight to your inbox!