I appreciated Mark Bauerlein’s recent essay “System’s Failure” (November 2023) on some of the many flaws in “systemic bias.” There is, however, a much easier way to dismiss the whole enterprise out of hand: when proponents are unwilling to start with the government’s K–12 education . . . . Continue Reading »
When my wife and I moved away from the Midwest some fifteen years ago, we began an age of perpetual homesickness. I’d tear up at the sight of Notre Dame’s stadium on Saturday football broadcasts, recalling our years in South Bend where I did my graduate studies, only just ended. I watched every . . . . Continue Reading »
Signs in the Dust is hugely stimulating and cuts a tantalizing path that leads toward the reintegration of science, philosophy, and theology. Continue Reading »
“The religious instinct in us is so great that, even if we do not worship the true God, we will always endeavor to worship something.” Continue Reading »
I do hope you’ll find at least one title I mention worth looking into. Books about Trump and current politics? Nah, not interested. Continue Reading »
I chop wood because I choose to do it. By deciding not to call in the woodchipper, I manufactured an obligation, and it had to be met. It’s as simple as that. Continue Reading »
I don’t walk as much (or as quickly) as I have for most of my life. Still, Wendy and I take a walk every day, weather and other circumstances permitting. I treasure these times. But I also like to read about walking. Continue Reading »
This world is a homeless one. Perhaps this is why, in order to return to a house and make it a home, I first needed to tear away everything else and simply stand outside, beneath the stars. Continue Reading »
On days when the world to me is desolation; when I cannot sit in my seat, or do any productive labor; when I have a terrible desire to be free, and my responsibilities seem not worth the effort, I console myself by walking in Central Park. As I enter by the Lagoon at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue and . . . . Continue Reading »
Happy reading, and all best wishes for the new year. Continue Reading »
Subscribe
Latest Issue
Support First Things
