What Gen Z's Nostalgia Is Really Telling Us

A new NBC News poll finding that nearly half of young Americans would choose to live in the past is getting a lot of attention.

May 1 • Clay Routledge

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April 2026

Live Music Makes Life Feel More Meaningful

The live music industry is booming.

Apr 24 • Clay Routledge

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Digital and Real Life Don’t Have to Be at War

Much of the current conversation about social media treats the digital world and the real world as if they are locked in a zero sum battle.

Apr 17 • Clay Routledge

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Inspiring Stories Reduce Stress (and More)

I recently saw Project Hail Mary and loved it.

Apr 10 • Clay Routledge

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Batman and the Power of Prosocial Cues

I read a lot of research papers as part of my job at the Archbridge Institute and in preparation for this newsletter.

Apr 3 • Clay Routledge

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March 2026

Nostalgia Gets A Bad Rap

Nostalgia is often portrayed as an enemy of progress.

Mar 27 • Clay Routledge

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People Are Better Than AI at Reducing Loneliness

I consider myself an AI optimist.

Mar 20 • Clay Routledge

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Hope Builds Meaning Through Action

In this newsletter, I frequently write about how central meaning is to a fulfilling life.

Mar 13 • Clay Routledge

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The Social Nature of Agency

When I was writing my most recent book, Past Forward, there was a point at which I was ready to give up.

Mar 6 • Clay Routledge

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February 2026

The Moral Path to Meaning

In previous newsletters, I’ve discussed what science tells us about living a meaningful life.

Feb 27 • Clay Routledge

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Exercise May Be the Best Medicine for Mental Health

I am not a great athlete and never have been.

Feb 20 • Clay Routledge

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What We Get Wrong About Online Toxicity

Spend enough time on social media and it is easy to walk away with a discouraging view of your fellow humans.

Feb 13 • Clay Routledge

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