War is a Failure of Imagination

I’ve been reading St. Teresa of Ávila’s The Interior Castle, not because I’m a Catholic but because I’m always looking for perspectives on how to lead a meaningful life. She was a mystic with a lot to say on the subject and she had a lively mind. She didn’t put it exactly this way, but… Continue reading War is a Failure of Imagination

Reading the News with a Gelid Eye

  Sam: Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt. That’s the first thing they teach you. Vincent: Who taught you? Sam: I don’t remember. That’s the second thing they teach you. — Ronin (1998) If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, guess what? For all intents and purposes, it’s a duck. Constructively, it should… Continue reading Reading the News with a Gelid Eye

Regarding the Phenomenon of Political Lying

With idle tales this fills our empty ears; The next reports what from the first he hears; The rolling fictions grow in strength and size, Each author adding to the former lies. Here vain credulity, with new desires, Leads us astray, and groundless joy inspires; The dubious whispers, tumults fresh designed, And chilling fears astound… Continue reading Regarding the Phenomenon of Political Lying