Trump is not as bad as his critics would have you believe, but he remains the antithesis of the American liberal ideal. We should use this chance to repudiate him.
Although drawing some welcome scrutiny to a fixture of modern life, the popular new documentary misses some important points as well. Especially our own responsibility in the larger mess.
Those critiquing J.K. Rowling and other luminaries for signing off on a letter about open debate don’t seem to appreciate the extent to which threats on a few have rippled out to influence the self-censoring and fearful silence of millions.
When presumptuous certainty stands in the place of a living faith, the stage is set for the shattering of one’s “faith” without typically even recognizing the hyper-fragility of what had been tightly held previously.
When we free our beliefs from the constraints and obligations of truth, we lose our greatest defense against toxic polarization.
In an orderly and just world, religion would be just a cosmic vending machine. Unpredictable suffering makes true virtue possible.
Suffering is everywhere. And yet, by the way we sometimes talk, you’d think it’s a rarity. Or at least better to avoid in polite company.
If you think life should be easy, its hardness can feel crushing. But what if this difficulty is an essential feature, rather than a disconcerting mistake?
