One of our leading experts on the ethics and public policy of scientific innovation, Yuval Levin has written a searching and philosophically deep book on the complicated relationship between science and politics in America. He addresses the divergent ways in which the right and the left typically . . . . Continue Reading »
The tragedy of my career as a political(-ish) blogger is that, at the end of the day, I’m a captive to my interests; I don’t spend my time wondering whether ideas can ever affect politics because, relevant or not, they’re the only thing that can get my blood moving. That’s . . . . Continue Reading »
I have a book review in the November issue of The New Oxford Review of Niall Williams’s novel, John (Bloomsbury USA, 288 pgs., $24.95). I’d link to it but I’m a computer challenged Luddite. UPDATE: here it is [scroll down]. I bring this book to your attention because it is . . . . Continue Reading »
Bill Kauffman is one of the best writers pounding the keyboard today. Consequently, when he publishes a book, I review it, because (1) the man can write history, (2) he’s the funniest political theorist around, and (3) I get a copy free (the "f" word!). . . . . Continue Reading »
My own attempt to define the conservatism I believe in - the antithesis of much of the current Bush-Cheney-Palin GOP - is in my book, " The Conservative Soul ." If you’re interested in a more abstract and academic account of the philosophical roots of my take on post-modern . . . . Continue Reading »
Much of the early modern project of mass Enlightenment was based on the dogmatic rejection of religious belief as the benighted detritus of pre-scientific consciousness. Similarly, even those who offered foundational critiques of Enlightenment principles during what Philipe Beneton and Chantal . . . . Continue Reading »
Francis-Noël Thomas has written an aces piece on A. J. Liebling’s World War II reporting. It does not happen to include my own passage from Liebling’s army travels, so I reproduce it here: . . . the instant of that day that recurs to me most often has been that when I sat with . . . . Continue Reading »
If you’re as impressed as I am that so many non-insane people are not only willing to identify themselves publicly as Pomocons but cogently explain how and why, you may enjoy a trip to your local library or Vastly Anonymous But Clean and Convenient Megachain Bookstore. If so, add these to the . . . . Continue Reading »
I really think learning should be optional, ma’am.” This statement comes from one of my ninth graders in response to yet another lecture of mine on how important it is for students to bring their literature books to class—a particular hurdle in my case because I teach at a military school. . . . . Continue Reading »
The Morality of Laughter by F.H. Buckley University of Michigan Press. 239 pp. $29.95 Football, a famously dour Scotsman once remarked, is not a question of life and death: “It’s more important than that.” The same might be said, with greater justice, of humor. A vast literature, growing by . . . . Continue Reading »
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