Despite the absolute certinty of death, why do humans continue to strive and 'run after' life?

Inflation is pinching wallets, markets are jittery, and maybe your job feels less secure. Headlines scream uncertainty. It’s totally normal to look at all this and think, "Why bother running so hard when the finish line is the same for everyone?" I get it.

But here’s the fascinating thing about us humans: even knowing the end, we just keep building. History proves it. Think about the Great Depression during Covid-19 – global unemployment hit 6.5%, reaching 220 million! Or 2008 – global GDP growth plunged to -1.7%. Brutal, right? Yet, every single time, we rebuild. The history of our cheat sheet pointed to the receipts. The IMF expects global growth to be a steady 3.2% in 2024, while the World Bank predicts it will stabilize around 2.6% by 2025, not roaring, but proof that we find a way forward.

So, why do we keep running? Because look what happens when we do!

We don't just rebuild the old; we create something better. Think about it:

Businesses Solve Real Problems: Tough times spark incredible innovation. During the 2020 slowdown, e-commerce and digital services exploded, keeping economies afloat and creating millions of new jobs. Businesses adapt, finding smarter, leaner, greener ways to operate.

Tech Builds a Brighter Tomorrow: We're not just surviving; we're actively building smarter futures. Smart cities are popping up everywhere! Places like Singapore and Barcelona use sensors and data to cut traffic jams by 20-30%, save energy, and make life smoother. That’s progress born from challenge.

Green Energy & AgTech Boom: Uncertainty about fossil fuels? Boom – renewable energy investment hit a record $1.8 TRILLION globally in 2023. Worried about food security? Vertical farms and AI-driven agriculture are producing more food with less land and water. We're literally growing solutions.

Resilience Creates Opportunity: Yeah, about 1 in 5 startups fail. But the ones that adapt? They become the Teslas, the Netflixes, the companies that change how we live for the better. Turbulence forces efficiency and breeds breakthroughs.

Image credit: Collected. 

This "running" isn't blind optimism; it's active creation. It’s millions of people – maybe including you – getting up, solving problems, building businesses, developing tech, and connecting communities despite the headlines. We run because we see the possibility of cleaner energy, smarter cities, healthier food systems, and a more connected world emerging from the chaos.

The finish line doesn't change. But the path we blaze? That’s entirely up to us. Every step forward, every innovation, every connection forged in this turbulence isn't just about surviving – it's about actively wiring a better future. And that is why we keep running. Let's build it together.

With Gratitude

Farhana Yeasmin

Stablecoins: The Promise, the Hype, and the Reality Check

Hey there, crypto-curious friend. Let’s talk about stablecoins—those “safe havens” in the wild world of crypto. You’ve probably heard the sales pitch: “All the benefits of blockchain, none of the volatility!” Sounds perfect, right? But hold up. Let’s peel back the shiny marketing and ask: Do stablecoins actually deliver on their promises? And more importantly, should you trust them?

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The Good: Why Stablecoins Should Be a Big Deal

Picture this: You want to send money across borders instantly, pay almost nothing in fees, or earn interest without a bank. That’s the dream stablecoins like USDC sell us. Backed 1:1 by cold, hard cash and U.S. Treasuries, USDC feels like the “gold standard” of crypto. Circle and Coinbase, the folks behind it, throw around words like “audited” and “regulated” to make you sleep better at night. And hey, with $30+ billion in circulation, it’s clearly working for a lot of people.

But here’s the kicker: Stablecoins aren’t all created equal. Let’s rewind to 2022. Remember TerraUSD (UST)? It was the “algorithmic darling,” pegged to $1 not by reserves but by a complex dance with its sibling token, LUNA. For a while, it worked—until it didn’t. When confidence collapsed, UST became a cautionary meme, wiping out billions overnight.

The Ugly: When “Stable” Isn’t Stable

UST’s meltdown wasn’t just bad luck—it exposed a brutal truth. Algorithmic stablecoins are like Jenga towers. Remove one block of trust, and the whole thing crumbles. UST relied on people believing the code would magically balance supply and demand. Spoiler: It didn’t.

But wait—does that mean collateralized coins like USDC are bulletproof? Not quite. Ask yourself: Who’s holding the cash? What if those reserves get frozen (hello, sanctions) or mismanaged? Even “safe” stablecoins hinge on trusting middlemen—banks, auditors, regulators. Sound familiar? It’s the same old financial system, just wrapped in blockchain paper.

The Real Talk: Why Should You Care?

Stablecoins aren’t just for crypto traders. They’re the backbone of DeFi, remittances, and even apps paying 8% APY on your savings. But here’s the critical question: Are we swapping one set of risks for another?

Centralization vs. decentralization: USDC’s reserves are controlled by companies. UST claimed decentralization but failed spectacularly. Pick your poison.

Regulation roulette: Governments are circling. What happens if stablecoins get slapped with new rules (or bans)?

The human factor: Greed, panic, hype—no algorithm can outrun these.

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Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify

Look, stablecoins are revolutionary. They’re faster, cheaper, and more accessible than traditional finance. But let’s not kid ourselves: Stability is a mirage unless it’s earned.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Do your homework. If a stablecoin’s whitepaper reads like a sci-fi plot, tread carefully.

Diversify. Don’t park your life savings in any single stablecoin.

Demand transparency. If a project can’t show real-time, audited reserves, walk away.

At the end of the day, stablecoins are tools, not magic. And like any tool, they’re only as good as the hands (and rules) guiding them. So, next time someone says “stable,” ask: “Says who?”

What do you think? Are stablecoins the future, or just another crypto experiment? Let’s chat with a cup of coffee. 

Thanks for Reading

Farhana Yeasmin