If You Are Warm Right Now, Thank Capitalism
Last night the temperature fell 3 degrees an hour. As I write this, it is negative 10 degrees outside. A “once in a generation” polar vortex has swept into the American Midwest from the Arctic. I am lucky to be alive. It would take me just a couple of hours to die...
The Joy of Football: The Super Bowl Offers a Too-Rare Celebration of Goal-Achievement
As half the nation eagerly awaits the kickoff of the Super Bowl, the other half looks on in wonderment at what could be so enthralling about grown men running up and down a field carrying an oblong ball. Football fans who cannot articulate why they feel such passion...
How To Be Profitable and Moral In 2019
The title of this post takes its cue from columnists and bloggers who offer advice for the coming year at this time, although a little tongue-in-cheek. Many columns and blogs review the past year and make suggestions for making changes for the better in the next. I...
Making Resolutions Outlast January
I love the concept of New Year’s resolutions. They’re always positive and typically involve self-improvement. I mean, whoever heard of anyone resolving, “This will be the year when I finally get fat” or “I hereby decree to spend less time...
What is the Meaning of New Year’s?
The meaning of most holidays is clear: Valentine’s Day celebrates romance; July Fourth, independence; Thanksgiving, productivity; Christmas, good will toward men. The meaning of New Year’s Day–the world’s most celebrated holiday–is not so...
Lying: What Do You Gain?
The short answer to the question is: nothing—and besides, you will lose a lot. I have written about honesty before, but a comment from a colleague prompted me to address lying again. About to start teaching a class, he claimed offhand: “Everyone lies every day.” Since...
Self-Made Men (1875)
Fortune may crowd a man’s life with fortunate circumstances and happy opportunities, but they will, as we all know, avail him nothing unless he makes a wise and vigorous use of them. The subject announced for this evening’s entertainment is not new. Man in one...
The Lure of Baseball
As half the nation eagerly awaits the next game of the World Series, the other half looks on in puzzlement at what could be so enthralling about grown men hitting a little ball and running around in circles. Baseball fans who cannot articulate why they love the game...
