We should always be leery of laws passed “for our own good,” as if the state knows better. The history of compulsory schooling statutes is rife with paternalism, triggered by anti-immigrant sentiments in the mid-nineteenth century and fueled by a desire to shape people into a standard mold. History books detailing the “common school movement”
READ MORE
Autumn vibes reign supreme at this time of year. Pumpkin spice lattes, “hygge” trends, sweaters, back-to-school shopping, and crisp clear days do their best to enchant even the most resistant of us. And of course, there’s always the option of curling up with a good book. It is this latter pastime that Dorothy Sayers, an
READ MORE
The student union at the University of Manchester (UK) has banned clapping at its meetings, “on the basis that the loud noise may be a problem for those with sensory issues”. Whooping is also under a ban, to be substituted by “jazz hands” – waving hands in the air, the British sign language expression for applause, is
READ MORE
Like many of us, G. K. Chesterton was once called upon for jury duty, and like any good writer, he turned that experience into an essay. But he didn’t turn the essay into a detailed account of his experience. Instead, he simply let his readers know that he had “never stood so close to pain
READ MORE
Matthew Schmitz posted this comment from Solzhenitsyn to Twitter just now: Well. In Madison, Wisconsin, the city council has voted overwhelmingly to remove a cemetery marker noting the names of about 140 Confederates, most of whom died in a prisoner of war camp in the town. More: You don’t have discussion in a cemetery. You have reflection,
READ MORE
In America, we celebrate democracy and are justifiably proud that this nation was founded on the idea that the people should rule. That’s why it is so important that Americans be informed about their government. They are partakers in it. In fact, they control it. Under tyrannical systems, it matters little if the people are
READ MORE
Most Read from past 7 days
Most Read from past 30 days
Most Read of All Time
Most Read of All Time
