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Welcome to The Unrefined
Welcome to The Unrefined, where you’ll find various writing on numerous topics in an array of genres. Anyone who’s been following me for a while knows that I like to dive deep into a wide range of topics. In short, this is a place where I can be myself without pretenses.1
It’s unrefined because the works you’ll find here aren’t tightly controlled. Much of the Internet has gatekeepers that only allow for a very narrow set of viewpoints. While I’m not entirely against this, and think the rampant spread of absurd noise is a huge problem, I often think many platforms and outlets have course-corrected too far, throwing out the bad with the good.
The Unrefined will be a multimedia experience, expanding beyond than just the written word. I’ve created most of the artwork. Some of these themes go beyond a surface-level topic or genre—they’re ideas, stylistically and conceptually, that will hopefully yield unorthodox perspectives. Here are the sections along with explanations.
Flip Focus
Flip Focus is where you’ll experience a different kind of writing presenting different ideas in different lights. Here you’ll find twisted, slow-burn writing with unique and unusual perspectives and off-the-beaten path articles that try to understand everyday subjects with depth and nuance. It’s where the usual will become unusual, and the humdrum will become bewitching, shedding light on the invisible intellectual darkness of information-age noise.
Technography
Technography is where technology meets philosophy in a thought-provoking exploration of how the tools we create shape—and are shaped by—our values, ethics, and humanity itself. A blend of the Greek “tech” and “writing,” here’s where you’ll find often-unorthodox takes relating to technology. We’ll dive beyond the surface of technological advancements to question their deeper implications. How does technology influence our perception of reality? What are the ethical considerations of an increasingly automated world?
From AI to bioengineering, we’ll examine technology not just as a tool, but as a reflection of our collective aspirations and challenges. Let’s explore the intersection of human thought and innovation.
Politikos
Political dialogue is an absolute mess these days, and the political media sphere is in shambles. Politikos offers nuanced political perspective and opinion. I worked in politics for years before becoming a full-time writer in 2018. Greek for “Political,” (Πολιτικός) here’s where I’ll be offering informed takes. I’ll draw on my decade-and-a-half of experience working in the political machine, in both boots-on-the-ground campaigns for various causes, to major U.S. political parties and PACs and SPACs.
Philosophy
Philosophy is where we dive deep into the timeless questions that have shaped human thought for centuries. From the intricacies of ethics to the mysteries of the human mind, we'll explore ideas that challenge our perceptions and broaden our understanding of the world. Whether it's pondering the nature of reality, debating what it means to live a good life, or examining the ways our minds shape—and are shaped by—society, this space is dedicated to thoughtful exploration and discussion.
Let’s journey together through the vast and fascinating terrain of philosophy. Here, you’ll explore the profound questions and curious phenomena of this strange Universe. Drawing on philosophy, we’ll discuss today’s world through different perspectives, asking the hard questions, and, hopefully, coming up with some enlightening answers.
Science Savvy
Science Savvy is a space dedicated to reigniting our collective curiosity about the natural world. In a time when scientific literacy is waning, it’s more important than ever to embrace the power of knowledge. Science remains one of the most effective tools we have for illuminating the unknown, dispelling misconceptions, and guiding us toward progress. Here, we’ll delve into the wonders of the universe, from the microscopic to the cosmic, with the goal of better understanding the world around us and empowering ourselves with the insights science provides. Let’s embark on this journey to bring light to the darkness of ignorance.
The Lost Lexicon
The Lost Lexicon unearths dead and forgotten tongues. This isn’t your typical linguistics deep dive—it’s a wild ride through time, where dead languages get resurrected, ancient words get fresh spins, and we dig up the dusty roots of speech to see how they still shape the modern world. It blends etymology with culture in ways that make you laugh, think, and maybe question the way you speak. This is more than just a nod to the past—it’s a linguistic revolution. We unearth the long-buried secrets of language, and serve them up with a side of wit, charm, and a splash of the bizarre. If you’ve ever wondered how a medieval curse word might fit into today’s pop culture or why a 2,000-year-old phrase still influences your daily lingo, this is your new home.
Quaint? Sure. Maybe? Perhaps bizarre? Absolutely. But relevant and filled with stories that stretch the limits of what language can be, helping us to understand ourselves and our histories.
The History of Drugs
The History of Drugs is where we unravel the fascinating, often controversial story of humanity's relationship with mind-altering substances. From ancient rituals to modern medicine, drugs have played a pivotal role in shaping cultures, societies, and even entire epochs. Drugs helped facilitate the creation of the modern world we currently enjoy, influencing early psychologists and philosophers more than they’re given credit for, thanks to the War on Drugs. Here, we’ll explore how substances have influenced everything from religious experiences to political movements, and how they continue to impact our lives today. By understanding the past, we can better navigate the present and future of this complex and evolving subject.
Essays
Sometimes, a point needs to be made without a long-winded deep dive. Essays is a section for articles that tackle important and timely topics in a concise, thought-provoking format. These pieces won’t be exhaustive deep dives but will cut straight to the heart of pressing issues that deserve attention. Each essay is designed to spark conversation, provide clarity, and engage readers with fresh perspectives on subjects that matter. Expect sharp insights, pertinent discussions, and a space where complex ideas meet accessible, engaging works.
Drum and Bass
Music is an essential part of my creative process and an indispensable part of everyone’s lives. While Drum and Bass certainly isn’t the most popular form of music, it is, in my view, the most exquisite, the peak of musical excellence alongside Bebop Jazz, so I’ve included some in The Unrefined for subscribers who enjoy Drum and Bass. You’ll find DJ mixes in the hidden Drum and Bass section, hosted by Neurofunk Worldwide on YouTube. All DJ mixes were created by Joe Duncan, for now, but we may feature more going forward.
Poke around, hopefully you find something that tickles your fancy, and don’t forget to subscribe. The Unrefined is completely reader, viewer, and listener supported and wouldn’t be possible without subscribers like yourself.
The Unrefined video created by the author and creator, Joe Duncan, in Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, with the audio score created in FL-Studio.