In search of nuance
In an age of polarisation, we need nuanced understanding of people and issues more than ever. What does nuance mean to you? To me it… Read More »In search of nuance
history
C.S. Lewis on reading old books
Here’s more from C.S. Lewis on reading old books – this time highlighting their virtues as lenses for helping us to spot and evaluate the… Read More »C.S. Lewis on reading old books
Solon of Athens (via Herodotus) on looking to the end
Solon, the great law-giver of Athens, is visiting Croesus, the rich and poweful King of Lidya. After showing off his wealth, Croesus is disappointed when… Read More »Solon of Athens (via Herodotus) on looking to the end
Worse than this change
Change – especially change that feels beyond our control – is often unsettling. Will things ever be this good again? When people talk about change… Read More »Worse than this change
Alcuin of York on ageing and the human condition
“We poor wretches!Why do we love you, World, when you’re running away from us?You keep running away from us,and yet we still love You.” Alcuin… Read More »Alcuin of York on ageing and the human condition
Recommendation: In Our Time on Alcuin of York
Alcuin (AD735-804) turns out to be the most important Anglo-Saxon (specifically, Northumbrian) you’ve never heard of. A swerve in Western culture He was a crucial… Read More »Recommendation: In Our Time on Alcuin of York
Karl Marx on automation and job losses due to disruption
“In these spacious halls the benignant power of steam summons around him his myriads of willing menials.” Andrew Ure Marx’s rage against the machine Another… Read More »Karl Marx on automation and job losses due to disruption
What’s the story? (1)
We’re always telling stories about who we are, where we’ve come from and where we going. We tell stories about what’s good and what’s bad,… Read More »What’s the story? (1)
Prominence
Making prominence your aim is like building a skyscraper without laying foundations: you might make something tall, but it’s unlikely to last and it will… Read More »Prominence
Marcus Borg on unending conversation
Where does the drama of history get its material? From the “unending conversation”* that is going on at the point in history when we are… Read More »Marcus Borg on unending conversation