Welcome to Thinking Ahead (and FAQs)

What to expect, who I am, and what lies ahead.

Hello

Welcome to Thinking Ahead.

I don’t know how you ended up here, but I’m glad you did. 

Where is ‘here’ exactly? 

A newsletter. Another one. One of many in the Substack ocean. I’ll try to make this informational submarine interesting enough for you to climb aboard. Why, though? Aren’t there enough random newsletters? People who (superficially) know me might think they have the answer: “Well, you like to write, don’t you?” 

Not entirely correct, although I have to admit that I enjoy the aesthetics of a beautiful phrase and the giddiness of mischievous wordplay or typological trickery. 

The truth is I like to think. Writing is a tool I use to do so. It helps me pluck ideas and concepts from my brain’s aether and wrangle them into a more manageable shape. It’s not the only tool I use to do that, but a good one nonetheless.

Given my background (more in the FAQs below), most of the ideas in Thinking Ahead will be forward-looking and have some link to the life sciences, biotechnology, philosophy and ethics, geopolitics, mental health, and types of minds (not limited to human ones). 

There will also be short bursts of fiction (more of my fiction here) and the occasional tongue in the occasional cheek. We cannot let the laughter fade. Remember, though, that behind every clown’s grin there lives a dark cynic who comes out to play sometimes. That might happen here too. 

FAQs

Who are you anyway?

My name is Gunnar, I (currently) live in Western Europe, am thirty-something, and have fancy papers that tell me I earned advanced degrees in both biology and philosophy. Also, introvert with a capital ‘I’.

That’s the boilerplate. The reality is that I’m still figuring it out.

To find yourself, think for yourself.

- Socrates

I’m working on it, ancient philosopher dude.

Why should I subscribe?

I hope to make you think ‘huh?’ from time to time, to share interesting things I come across with a unique twist, and — who knows? — to provide an interesting thought or two.

(Plus, my fiction has made it into a few decent genre markets, so if you’re into that, there will be the occasional treat.)

Why Thinking Ahead?

Initially, I wanted to call this newsletter Rethink, but that was taken. After some thought (see what I did there?), I landed on Thinking Ahead — a tool for thinking and a forward-looking perspective. Also, the double entendre is nice. All I truly know is that there is so much that I don’t know, but at least I’ll try to think about it. 

How often will you send something?

For now, probably once or twice per week. I don’t want to spam your inbox and I do this on top of the DayJob™ and some other projects. I’d rather focus on relatively short-form quality first.

Is this a paid newsletter?

No. Depending on how Thinking Ahead evolves, I might enable Substack’s paid subscriptions option. Free subscriptions will always remain an option, but if enough people are interested, paid subscriptions might allow me to write exclusive content for paying subscribers and help me free up some time to develop Thinking Ahead more. 

Can I give you feedback?

Yes, please do. I’m still figuring out this whole Substack/newsletter thing. Leave a (kind) comment, or contact me another way. I’m not going to drop my e-mail address here, but…

Can I find you somewhere else?

Say hi on Twitter (@evolveon); I only bite sporadically. 

I really like it! What can I do to support you?

Thank you so much! See the above ‘paid newsletter’ question, but mostly: spread the word. Whatever other writers might tell you, a newsletter lives and dies by its readership (and the vicissitudes of daily life, of course). If you know other people who might enjoy my rambles, send them my way. Thanks!

I really don’t like it! Your writing style/content annoys me.

That’s not a question, to be fair. But I understand. However much I would like it to, Thinking Ahead will not appeal to everyone. Thank you for giving it a chance. 

Any other questions?

Let me know. 

See you soon.

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