If You’re Not Paranoid, You’re Crazy
As government agencies and tech companies develop more and more intrusive means of watching and influencing people, how can we live free lives?
November 2015
In This Issue
The Tech Issue: Why you should be paranoid, selfie sticks in Silicon Valley, Al Gore talks investment, Bill Gates on energy, the unpreparedness of U.S. presidents, and more
Cover Story
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‘We Need an Energy Miracle’
Bill Gates has committed his fortune to moving the world beyond fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
Playing Defense Against the Drones
We’ve managed to create armies of flying robots. Can we control them?
‘Do You Fear Intelligent Robots?’
Our panel of Silicon Valley inventors, executives, and self-styled gurus weigh in on the future of tech.
The Planet-Saving, Capitalism-Subverting, Surprisingly Lucrative Investment Secrets of Al Gore
The former vice president has led his firm to financial success. But what he really wants to do is create a whole new version of capitalism.
The Exemplary Narcissism of Snoopy
Some of Charles Schulz’s fans blame the cartoon dog for ruining Peanuts. Here’s why they’re wrong.
Dispatches
Edmon de Haro Amateurs in the Oval Office
Why Americans tend more and more to want inexperienced presidential candidates
John Cuneo The Republican Party’s Favorite Artist
How Steve Penley went from an outcast painter to a GOP darling
Alvaro Dominguez Getting Ready to Move to Mars
Scientists are hard at work preparing to create humanity’s second home.
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates Kansas City, Powerhouse of American Architecture
Some of the country’s most interesting buildings are being created in the midwest.
Justin Renteria Can Google Succeed as Alphabet?
Most conglomerates fail. Will this venture be any different?
Robin Davey The Strange Origins of Urban Legends
It’s evolutionary: We’re more likely to remember tales that might help us stay alive.
Associated Press How to Make Money in Music
As CD sales plummet, pop stars are finding new ways to get paid for their tunes.
Reuters Big in Iceland: Paganism
An Ásatrú temple is opening in Reykjavik for the first time in a millennium.
Joe McKendry The Arms Race of College Athletics
A very short book excerpt
The Culture File
Barry Blitt Twilight of the Headbangers
How long can the legends of heavy metal keep on rocking?
Library of Congress How Satan Came to Salem
The real story of the witch trials
Jimmy Chin The Risky Appeal of Free Climbing
“Some people might call this crazy. I prefer to think of it as badass.”
Shonagh Rae The Tyranny of Desire
In new novels, Michel Houellebecq and Margaret Atwood wonder if sexual relationships can thrive without freedom.
A Short Review of The Unprofessionals
An anthology from The Paris Review highlights new writers—and some very famous ones, too.
Departments
The Conversation
Readers respond to The Atlantic’s October issue.
Graham Roumieu What Science-Fiction Gadget Would Be Most Valuable in Real Life?
Lightsabers, TARDIS, teleportation, and more
