Salman Rushdie’s "KNIFE" emerges not merely as a memoir following a profound personal crisis but as a meditative, philosophical exploration of violence, survival, and the indomitable spirit of the word against the sword. With "KNIFE," Rushdie again demonstrates why he remains one of our most crucial voices against the fascism of certainty.

Rushdie’s self-reflections are neither deep nor profound.  He is a much better writer than he is a thinker.  His orthodox critical theory genuflections grow tiresome.  But as a survivor on the front lines in the battle for free minds, he’s a hero.

The book’s 224 pages are not just a recounting of the horrific attack on Rushdie but introspection and interrogation of the forces that continue to shape our discourse around freedom of speech and extremism.

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
"Above all, do not lie to yourself. A man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point where he does not discern any truth either in himself or anywhere around him and thus falls into disrespect towards himself and others. Not respecting anyone, he ceases to love, and having no love, he gives himself up to passions and coarse pleasures, in order to occupy and amuse himself, and in his vices reaches complete bestiality, and it all comes from lying continually to others and to himself. A man who lies to himself is often the first to take offense. It sometimes feels very good to take offense, doesn't it? And surely he knows that no one has offended him, and that he himself has invented the offense and told lies just for the beauty of it, that he has exaggerated for the sake of effect, that he has picked on a word and made a mountain out of a pea--he knows all of that, and still he is the first to take offense, he likes feeling offended, it gives him great pleasure, and thus he reaches the point of real hostility" - Fydor Dostoevsky

• Counter narrative: China and the United States military spending are at near parity according to a new study.
• Evidence that “experts” are more confident when they are wrong than non-experts when they are wrong.
• Counter narrative: New research debunks the “studies” that claimed corporations had enhanced profitability who had enhanced “diversity” practices.
• The power of telling stories – about yourself - watch:

​“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.”
― Albert Einstein

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
“Human beings are born with different capacities; if they are free, they are not equal.  If they are equal, they are not free.” - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn​

• An interesting read on what to teach children, here. 
  
• Only 56% of Americans read "a book" last year.  It doesn't take much to be a 1% of readers. 
  
• "Race," an anti-science concept. 
  
• Parenting advice from Arthur Brooks. 
  

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
All governments suffer a recurring problem: power attracts pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts but that it is magnetic to the corruptible.  - Frank Herbert

• If accurate, a sad look behind the growing assisted suicide industry in Canada.
• Mercantilism appears alive and well.
• Correlated (not causative) data and resulting conclusions suggest that one’s learning track is fair set by the fifth grade.
• The dangerous world of state-actors – that is governments – framing the definitions of what “disinformation” is. 

Hatching an egg, Another laid
 
Fatal Discord, Erasmus, Luther, and the Fight for the Western World. | Michael Massing, HarperOne
(2018) 1008p.
 
Dense, yes. Hefty, absolutely. However, neither of these qualities should be off-putting to those curious about the world we inhabit. This is not a tome merely for the academically inclined; it is much more relevant to today’s current events than its subject matter unsuspectingly suggests. To reach this relevance, the reader must slog through amazingly detailed accounts of obscure internecine battles and absorb precise delineations of a distant time.  While this context density extends the journey, its travelers are provided an understanding previously only available to those with advanced medieval studies. 
 
The author's central thesis is that the break with the medieval world, which birthed the modern, is the fault line of disagreement between Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus. This intensely pitched divide ultimately unfolds as the division between what we now recognize as Christian humanism and Christian evangelism.   

​An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
 
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
― Marcus Aurelius

• Is the rapid rise of Autism somewhat attributable to a change in diagnostic criteria a study asks.
• Listen to a fascinating conversation about the rise of a new surveillance state as big corporations and government converge against citizens
  
• Pro-trade yet anti-China, a winning U.S. policy framework.
  
• Illegal immigrants and crime put into perspective, here.
  
• Corporate cronyism, California edition.
  
• Yet the freer the market is, the less corruption thrives, here and here.
  
• An enlightening conversation on wellness preservation, watch it here:

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
It seems almost a law of human nature that it is easier for people to agree on a negative program—on the hatred of an enemy, on the envy of those better off—than on any positive task. The contrast between “we” and “they,” the common fight against those outside the group, seems to be an essential ingredient in any creed which will solidly knit together a group for common action. It is consequently always employed by those who seek, not merely support of a policy, but the unreserved allegiance of huge masses. From their point of view it has the advantage of leaving them greater freedom of action than almost any positive program. […].  - F.A. Hayek 

• Sign of the times?  Next generation trust Chat GPT for advice more than their managers? 
• There are lots of counter-narrative data tips here: America doesn’t lead the world in obesity-related deaths. Or: “Globally, twice as many people die from suicide than from homicide. In Germany, 18x more people die from suicide than from homicide (primarily a result of low homicide rates).”
• The cooling power of trees.  Pretty cool stuff. 
• The “airplane mode” scam.
• Robots to the rescue. 
• A conversation with Bill Ackman:​

THE BOOK OF CHARLIE: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man | Donald Von Drehle, Simon & Schuster (2023), 208p.

In this book,” Donald Von Drehle presents an enriching narrative transcending conventional biography. It's a captivating exploration of Charlie's life, an American centenarian who spans over a century of significant historical events and societal changes. This book review delves into resilience, kindness, and life's transient nature, as seen through Charlie's experiences.

Von Drehle's portrayal of Charlie is not just a chronicle of a long life; it's a deep dive into human experience. The narrative beautifully intertwines the personal with the historical, shedding light on Charlie's journey against the backdrop of pivotal American epochs. From World War I to the Civil Rights Movement, Charlie's life offers an in-depth perspective on these landmark events, enriching the reader's understanding of history through someone who witnessed it firsthand.

​An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:

Quote of the Day:
"People are all alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ.”
- Moliere

• A fascinating study looking at the daily behaviors of “conservatives” and “liberals” in America.  Conservatives spend more time being social and walking, liberals more time at work and online, as well as on social media (which might explain why other studies indicate more significant depression amongst liberals).
• With all of the conversation regarding historical selective breeding practices in the ancient world, some science-based results indicate minor potential outcomes for all of the hullaballoo.
• Peter Thiel’s address at Harvard covered a variety of liberal topics:

​An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:

Quote of the Day:

“"The more things you have, the more things you have to manage. Simplicity isn't merely cheaper, it's easier." – James Clear





​

• Road to Happiness?  Forgetting news.  No really.
• War on Work: Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty was a clear failure unless its goal was increasing dependence on the government per a new study.
• Progressive damage.  A new study suggests that progressive tax schemes lower wages overall.   While another research project concludes it retards GDP.
• Confirmed biases.  A deep dive into the partisan proclivities of the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
• Devaluing “book awards.”  The Hugo Awards nosedive to ideology over quality.
• Soviet philosophy appears ascendant. Globally, education bureaucrats prioritize producing compliant citizens over literate students.  

​MARCUS AURELIUS IN LOVE: The Letters of Marcus And Fronto | Translated & edited by Amy Richlin, The Univesity of Chicago (2006) p168.
​
Marcus Aurelius in Love: The Letters of Marcus and Fronto" offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal life of one of history's most esteemed philosophers, Marcus Aurelius, through a collection of correspondence with his tutor and friend, Fronto. This edition, expertly edited and translated by Amy Richlin, provides a translation of these ancient texts and a comprehensive analysis that adds depth and context to the letters exchanged between these two Roman figures.

Amy Richlin's translation skillfully captures the nuances of the original Latin, making the letters accessible to a modern audience while preserving their historical and linguistic integrity. Richlin's ability to convey the emotional depth and intellectual exchange between Marcus Aurelius and Fronto is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the human side of the Stoic emperor and his relationship with his mentor.

The letters are a treasure trove of emotion, philosophical reflection, and rhetorical finesse. They reveal a side of Marcus Aurelius that is seldom seen in his more famous work, "Meditations." Through these letters, readers witness the development of a deep and enduring friendship characterized by mutual respect, intellectual exchange, and genuine affection. The correspondence covers various topics, from personal health and family matters to philosophical discussions and literary critiques, offering a comprehensive picture of their relationship.

Readers might be shocked - as I was - to read of Aurelius complaining of an “anxious heart, shackled by worry.”  Or when he is about to experience something he longed for - return to Italy - he is nearly goofy and describes his conduct as “giddy.”

Reviving this lesser-known collection of Aurelius’ writings helps round out the image of a genuinely human man of action wrestling to align his conduct with his stated moral objectives.

Moreover, Richlin's introduction and commentary throughout the book are invaluable for understanding the historical and cultural context of the Roman Empire during the 2nd century. She provides detailed backgrounds on both correspondents, shedding light on their personal lives, roles within Roman society, and the philosophical and rhetorical themes pervading their letters. This context enriches the reader's appreciation of the correspondence, offering insights into the period’s education, politics, and daily life.

In conclusion, this edition is a remarkable achievement that combines scholarly rigor with engaging storytelling. Amy Richlin has not only provided an accessible translation of these important historical documents but has also illuminated the complex relationship between two significant figures of the Roman Empire. Her contributions make "Marcus Aurelius in Love" an essential read for those interested in ancient history, philosophy, and the art of letter writing.

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:

"In this age, the mere example of nonconformity, the mere refusal to bend the knee to custom, is itself a service. Precisely because the tyranny of opinion is such as to make eccentricity a reproach, it is desirable to break through that tyranny that people should be eccentric. Eccentricity has always abounded when and where the strength of character has abounded, and the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor, and moral courage that it contained. That so few now dare to be eccentric, marks the chief danger of the time."  - John Stuart Mill

• The Devil’s Playground:  Social media is an apt tool for America’s enemies to divide us.
• Fake News:  The reality of CNN & Fox News studied.
• No surprise:  Self-check-out dampens customer loyalty.
• Common sense confirmed that voters expect politicians to deliver policy changes.
• Disrupting a narrative:  No evidence found of voter racism in state legislative campaigns:
• More evidence against direct democracy.
• Trees in cities – more, please.
• Expect more, get more.  Tougher grading teachers produce more extraordinary learning advancements in students, per the data.

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Therefore, since there is no doubt that free enterprise capitalism is superior in productive terms, the left-wing doxa has attacked capitalism, alleging matters of morality, saying – that the detractors claim – that it’s unjust. They say that capitalism is evil because it’s individualistic and that collectivism is good because it’s altruistic. Of course, with the money of others.
 
So, they therefore advocate for social justice. But this concept, which in the developed world became fashionable in recent times, in my country has been a constant in political discourse for over 80 years. The problem is that social justice is not just, and it doesn’t contribute to general well-being." - Javier Milei

• Ranking American cities by wealth back in 1949.
• Radically more liberal than most of America:  Attorneys.
• Not your parent’s hippies:  Research indicates that environmental activists are prone to the “darker” side of personality traits.
• Say it Ain’t so!  Young people are more tolerant of … tyrants. 
• Big begets bigger?  Suggestive data indicates that community population size (also a function of density) correlates to the support of larger governments.
• Gender matters.  Women in congress get higher approvals, period.  However, when the woman is from an opposing party, their favorability skyrockets.
• Some common sense for what ails us.

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
QUOTE OF THE DAY
 
“To whom do you award the right to decide which speech is harmful or who is the harmful speaker? To whom would you delegate the task of deciding for you what you could read?”  Bonus quote:  “I learned that very often the most intolerant and narrow-minded people are the ones who congratulate themselves on their tolerance and open-mindedness.”  Both from the late Christopher Hitchens.

•  Study finds that both liberals and conservatives are conspiracy-theory prone (at some point, it just becomes a human proclivity, no?).
• Relaxing regulations on commercial real estate correlated with commercial and consumer gains.
• Wise words on what it takes to achieve from a former Spartan football coach:
• Unsworn school security officers will likely positively impact student behavior.
• Per the research, fostering “individualism” amongst students is positive for academic performance.  Agency begets accountability, is what common sense might suggest.

A conversation about consumer behaviors with WGVSU.  Listen here. 

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
“The reward for conformity was that everyone liked you except yourself.” – Rita Mae Brown

• Free Speech is always worth the fight. 
• More research notes the abysmal dysfunction of “nonprofit” boards.
• Estimates on fraud amongst publicly traded firms.
• A good primer on Lithium – which, of course, begs the question: Are we witnessing another unscientific herd mentality?  One thing is clear: Driving a lithium-fueled vehicle signals your lack of respect for the environment as conventionally defined.

By Edgar Albert Guest

Gettin’ together to smile an’ rejoice,
An’ eatin’ an’ laughin’ with folks of your choice;
An’ kissin’ the girls an’ declarin’ that they
Are growin’ more beautiful day after day;
Chattin’ an’ braggin’ a bit with the men,
Buildin’ the old family circle again;
Livin’ the wholesome an’ old-fashioned cheer,
Just for awhile at the end of the year.

Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door
And under the old roof we gather once more
Just as we did when the youngsters were small;
Mother’s a little bit grayer, that’s all.
Father’s a little bit older, but still
Ready to romp an’ to laugh with a will.
Here we are back at the table again
Tellin’ our stories as women an’ men.

THE FINDING OF THE “MAYFLOWER” | Rendel Harris, Read & Co. (1920), 58p

"The Discovery of the Mayflower" by Rendel Harris is a captivating account of how the remains of the famous ship that transported the Pilgrims to America were discovered in a quiet corner of England. As a historian and lecturer, Harris weaves a fascinating tale of detection, intrigue, and revelation that keeps readers engaged until the end.

The book’s preface lifts an infamous essay from G.K. Chesterton titled “They Myth of the Mayflower,” where he notes that the Puritan Pilgrims were religiously intolerant and fled to American shores to establish a more rigid commune of intolerance.  Within short order, it clashed violently with the Quakers.

In 1920, Harris stumbled upon an old barn in Jordans, Buckinghamshire, which locals claimed contained timbers from the Mayflower. Intrigued, Harris began investigating the claim, using his extensive knowledge of maritime history and the Pilgrims' journey. His research led him to believe that parts of the barn were constructed using wood from the Mayflower.

"The Wisdom of the Bullfrog" is a unique and compelling guide to leadership that draws upon the lessons of the natural world to provide practical advice for leaders in any field. Author William H. McRaven is a retired Navy SEAL and former chancellor of the University of Texas system.

In the Navy SEAL tradition, a "bullfrog" refers to a senior enlisted member of a SEAL team, typically the Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMC) or the Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA). The term "bullfrog" is used to signify the individual's position as the leader of the enlisted personnel within the team, much like a bullfrog's role as the dominant male in a group of frogs.

The title of bullfrog is earned through experience, leadership ability, and dedication to duty and is considered a mark of distinction and respect within the Navy SEAL community. It is not uncommon for a bullfrog to have served multiple tours of duty and received numerous awards and decorations for their service.

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
"[H]is education had had the curious effect of making things that he read and wrote more real to him than the things he saw. Statistics about agricultural laborers were the substance: any real ditcher, plowman, or farmer’s boy was the shadow…he had a great reluctance, in his work, to ever use such words as “man” or “woman.” He preferred to write about “vocational groups,” “elements,” “classes,” and “populations” for, in his own way, he believed as firmly as any mystic in the superior reality of the things that are not seen." - C.S. Lewis. 

• Facts not spin on income inequality. 
• Another sign of India eclipsing China.
• Another state bar declines in stature, making the legal profession freer.
• More evidence that higher mandatory minimum wages hurt workers.

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
Quote of the Day:
“How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.”  Adam Smith, Theory of Moral Sentiments

• Fascinating review of 800 state-based public policies: Durable (long-lasting) policy appears to be those enacted via direct democracy.
• Intergenerational social mobility is directly correlated with economic freedom.  No surprise but always affirming to see the evidence match the worldview. 
• A primer on ESG “investing.”​ ​