Sir Gawain and the Renewal of Light
An ageless tale of trial, redemption, and the New Year from the late fourteenth century. An inspiration for these darker times.
Read More
Author: Joseph Crane
Malcolm X and the Arc of History
First social activist in this “Exemplaries” series. Malcolm X has had not only a large cultural influence but demonstrated an ability to change and to accommodate new horizons of thought.
Read More
Dmitri Shostakovich: Music for Interesting Times
Produced works of genius in the midst of unbelievable obstacles, or did the obstacles produce his work of genius? Part of “Exemplary Individuals” series.
Read More
The Past Darkly: Divine Comedy’s Historical Background
What follows is an overview and timeline I wish I had when I first started reading the Divine Comedy. Because the poem relates closely to its cultural, political, and spiritual background, it’s good to have some broad strokes.
Read More
Hannah Arendt: Political Life (and its Demise) in the Modern Era
Latest in the series on exemplary people relevant to our times, here’s Hannah Arendt – political philosopher, essayist, and teacher — and witness to dark times during her lifetime. She left us with tools to help us to do better now.
Read More