We are warned about tornadoes, poisoned tea bags, and inner emptiness. The song of sirens is everywhere! Is there anything positive left in the world—anything that gives life meaning or brings happiness? Yes, these essays argue—and in abundance. They boldly blend philosophy and pop culture, science, great literature, current events, and the mainstream, with no regard for "bad taste." In doing so, they offer surprising perspectives on what remains possible. They move nimbly—much like Montaigne—yet always keep the world’s crises in focus. Consequently, the collection features essays on figures like Walter Benjamin and Pierre Bourdieu alongside pieces on AI, Netflix series, and contemporary political theater. This collection follows the 2023 volume *Die präventive Funktion von Krisen* (The Preventive Function of Crises); like its predecessor, it seeks to brighten our view of the world through humor, irony, and a touch of mischief.
