CULTURE

Why Most Civilizations Fail, Part 3: The Choice Between Stasis and Infinity

What separates societies that generate knowledge from those that suppress it, and what does this mean for our future?

Riots in France: The Barbarians at the Gates of Paris

Riots in France: The Barbarians at the Gates of Paris

Riots that began on the outskirts of Paris have spread into the center of the French capital and to other communities in other parts of the country. Thousands of cars have been set on fire and the police and even medical personnel have been shot at. Like many other...

Reading vs. Ritalin

Reading vs. Ritalin

There's so much talk of "attention deficit disorder" in children today. The unquestioned, never disputed premise is that brain chemistry causes young people not to pay attention. Yet attention deficits were never such problems in earlier eras. What gives? A major...

Freedom of Religion?

Freedom of Religion?

There is no “freedom of religion” to do what it pleases. The only type of freedom relevant to religion is the right to practice religion privately, without imposing force on other people.

Do We Really Care About Children?

Do We Really Care About Children?

I cringe with disgust when I hear politicians say, "We're doing it for the children." What's worse is so many Americans mindlessly fall hook, line and sinker for the hype. Judging by our actions, Americans could not care less for future generations, and future...

Greek Honor: A Monumental Achievement

Greek Honor: A Monumental Achievement

I’ve been reading some of the Greek historians, and am struck by how different the general attitude of the Greeks was compared to that of the modern world’s. What stands out most is the pride they show in living morally. I suppose the contrast is so stark because,...

The Dangers of “Having Faith”

The Dangers of “Having Faith”

Does it make sense to "have faith" as a way of coping with life? Literally speaking, to "have faith" means to suspend reason. Reason includes looking at facts, logic and using simple common sense. Reason is our means of coping and, ultimately, survival. Reason is...

The War Against Excellence

The War Against Excellence

By attempting to make all students equal, middle-school progressives have given all students subject to their poisonous methods something in common — none can achieve their potential.

Dealing with Rumors

Dealing with Rumors

Q: How should one deal with rumors (especially false ones) about oneself? Should one spend her time chasing them down and trying to explain their false nature, or ignore them? Is there some other alternative? A: The first task is psychological: treat the rumors for...

The Terrorists’ Motivation: From the Camel’s Mouth

The Terrorists’ Motivation: From the Camel’s Mouth

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, President Bush declared: "These acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith." But the Muslim murderer of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh knows better than our president, and recently...

Books: Understanding Jihad

Books: Understanding Jihad

Cook’s achievement lies in tracing the evolution of jihad from Muhammad to Osama, following how the concept has changed through fourteen centuries.

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