Jekyll2026-01-13T14:12:21+00:00https://jackaspinall1.github.io/feed.xmlPersonal WebsiteJack Aspinall2026-01-13T00:00:00+00:002026-01-13T00:00:00+00:00https://jackaspinall1.github.io/the-whig-revivalThere is a resurgence of a tradition which runs through British political history: an ambitious, pro-business, pro-innovation state that builds great works and enables national progress. This tradition can loosely be traced back to the Whigs.

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2025-03-10T00:00:00+00:002025-03-10T00:00:00+00:00https://jackaspinall1.github.io/scientific-publishingThis article discusses the broad history of scientific publishing and how the modern system has emerged over the past 500 years. My view is that the current system has significant flaws which act as a brake on scientific progress. Getting publishing right is important to maximise the utility of science for humanity.

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2019-06-17T00:00:00+00:002019-06-17T00:00:00+00:00https://jackaspinall1.github.io/fossil-fuel-miracleIt is tempting to demonise fossil fuels as an evil that must be ousted. To paint companies that extract them as self-interested capitalist beasts, to associate them with unjust war and environmental disaster. The conversation needs broadening and re-grounding in reality. Cheap energy is the bedrock of society. The foundation upon which modern life is built. A force that has lifted the quality of life for all.

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2018-06-25T00:00:00+00:002018-06-25T00:00:00+00:00https://jackaspinall1.github.io/mapping-the-earthJohn Harrison. The 39th most influential Brit. A title he earned, despite few knowing of him, by creating immensely accurate mechanical clocks. Accurate mechanical timekeeping was the bedrock of British map-making in the 1700s. Without it, it is unlikely Britain would have achieved the global dominance it did. Harrison’s legacy of British map-making facilitated international trade and the beginnings of globalisation.

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