Best of Design Matters: Lulu Miller

Lulu Miller, a Peabody Award-winning journalist and co-host of *Radiolab*, examines the tension between personal identity and the search for objective meaning in a chaotic world. Her work, particularly the book *Why Fish Don't Exist*, challenges the validity of human-imposed categories, tracing how scientific taxonomy can inadvertently fuel harmful ideologies like eugenics. Miller reflects on her transition from a nihilistic worldview to one that finds value in the "hidden and insignificant," emphasizing that naming and categorization are powerful tools that can either marginalize or dignify individuals. By integrating personal vulnerability with rigorous reporting, she highlights how the "dandelion principle"—finding value in what is often dismissed—serves as a vital moral compass. Her creative process, deeply rooted in collaboration and curiosity, underscores the necessity of embracing uncertainty to foster genuine human connection and mend societal fractures.