The Australian philosophers Michael and Caldwell make a pragmatic case for optimism in, “The Consolations of Optimism.” (This relates to my previous post, “Hope: A Defense.”)They argue that the optimist and pessimist may agree on the facts, but not on their attitude toward those facts Continue reading Optimism
Pandora trying to close the box that she had opened out of curiosity. At left, the evils of the world taunt her as they escape. The engraving is based on a painting by F. S. Church.
Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torment of men. Continue reading Should We Have Hope?
by Lawrence Rifkin MD
When I, mild-mannered guy, journeyed to wild remote Africa, I made sure my mind was revved up with knowledge of evolution, and my body was revved up with vaccinations of typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A, tetanus, polio, meningococcus, and measles. Continue reading My Ancestors Slept Here
The good advice (original title: Le bon conseil), by Jean-Baptiste Madou.
There are many considerations here: one’s age, occupation, income, family status, foreign language abilities, potential destination, etc. Clearly moving to Central Africa would be unwise but what about moving to a country notably better than the US in terms of happiness? Continue reading Should You Move Out of the USA if Possible?
“Hegel and Napoleon in Jena” (illustration from Harper’s Magazine, 1895)
Lately, I have felt conflicted as I start to write a post. Should I write about timeless topics like the meaning of life and death, cosmic evolution, truth, beauty, goodness, justice, love, etc. or should I pen a short essay about current events, especially political ones? Continue reading Writing About Timeless Themes
