Dear Readers

An announcement to make

I launched Alata in January and felt animated by your feedback. As a small team based in Europe, we didn’t start with endorsements from prestigious newspapers or magazines. I didn’t want any of it, precisely because I was so accustomed to that credentialed environment in journalism.

I was seeking something radically different, something that met our needs for transcendence. By metaphysical journalism, the intention was to create journalism rooted in philosophy.

Your reception of Revolt Against Stoicism, the magazine’s first piece, moved me. I remember my nervousness after publishing, concerned that my first contribution to the project would be met with blowback. Instead, it went viral with many of you relating to its controversial premise. We surpassed the most popular publications on this platform. Your engagement gave me the signal I needed to know I was moving in the right direction.

We hosted original writers along the way. All of the images accompanying the pieces were crafted by an exceptionally talented graphic designer with our mission in mind.

We took a break not to retreat, but to recalibrate. We are eager to keep exploring the philosophical ideas that help us navigate modern life. Our team is small, but our dream is big: To create avant-garde, bold journalism for a brighter future in the West. One beholden to no special group or interests, but only to our people.

The grind culture wants us to believe that we should work hard by the rules of a system that has failed us. Hedonistic escapes give us the false illusion of rebellion. Da Vinci once noted that great minds sometimes need to sit around and do nothing. That’s where the greatest inspiration comes. That’s how we feel now.

In the first few months, we ran an experiment. Based on your feedback, I will be writing most of the pieces moving forward, with occasional guest writers chosen to deliver the highest quality of philosophical journalism to you. Brick by brick, we’re building on this foundation to create more content for our readers.

I was asked by some of you to create drawings for the images in the articles. I realized that my art and writing didn’t need to be separate, but could be fused into one, coherent vision. That’s why, as I prepare my first exhibition, my paintings will also be inspired by my work here.

As a free subscriber, you will have access to half of the content. As a paid subscriber, you will have access to the full articles and archives, to comment, and to join the private group chat. Founding members will be sent an original, handmade drawing by me from an article of their choice, signed and shipped to their address.

Our civilization feels increasingly adrift. Change is becoming inevitable, but the shape of that change is still to be determined. That is why creating during this time of uncertainty feels so invigorating. I wish to bring that enthusiasm to you and to enrich your life with meaning.

All the best,

Alessandra