There should come a point in any man’s life where he is willing and able to commit an act of violence. Our soft and decadent culture recoils at the thought, but only because most men won’t encounter a situation where they must be violent. But as political divisions widen and crime in major Western cities
READ MOREFor millions of Americans, the start of the new year brings a familiar ritual as we pledge to be fitter, happier, wealthier, or more disciplined versions of ourselves. A recent YouGov poll found that roughly 25% of Americans want to exercise more in 2026, whereas 23% want more happiness and 22% want to eat healthier.
READ MOREIn my early morning internet meanderings, an article occasionally snatches me up and wipes the sleep from my mind. “Everything Is Melodrama Now: How We Lost the Tragic Thread,” by Jamie K. Wilson recently provided that cup of word coffee. Wilson explains the considerable gulf between tragedy as depicted by playwrights like Sophocles and Shakespeare,
READ MOREIt’s that time of year again when everyone from columnists to friends on Facebook proudly post the books they’ve read in the last year, and the ones they hope to tackle in the next. As an avid reader, I’m always intrigued by said lists. But in recent years I’ve noticed a recurring theme, namely, many
READ MORERecently I moved from a four-bedroom house on 2.5 acres in a rural neighborhood into a two-bedroom apartment in an older home in the middle of town. The apartment offers a dramatic change from the house. Here, for instance, a constant stream of traffic flows within 15 feet of my living room windows. I’m within
READ MOREOne of the fun features of the lull between Christmas and New Year’s is recalling all the highs, lows, bests, and worsts that hit us throughout the preceding year. A recent example of this, specifically in the fashion arena, graced CNN’s pages the other day, sporting the provocative headline, “2025: The year of the naked
READ MOREFor those of us who enjoy exploring history, looking over the shoulder into the past provides pleasures and new insights. The sensation is like opening some dusty trunk in Grandma’s attic and playing detective without leaving the comfort of your living room. For instance, while researching Harriet Beecher Stowe, I was recently surprised to learn
READ MOREIn his beautiful essay “A Remaining Christmas,” author Hilaire Belloc reminds us of the importance of intergenerational traditions that surround and adorn holy days like a wreath. Christmas traditions keep us grounded in our bodily human nature, Belloc explains. “Man has a body as well as a soul, and the whole of man, soul and
READ MORESince the annual flood of Christmas-flavored consumerism appears in stores and online as early as September, it’s no secret that Christmas is becoming a more superficial holiday by the year. You see it in stores as Christmas decorations favor gingerbread houses and candy canes over nativity scenes. You hear it on the radio when “Silent
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