We tend to think of the problems of globalization and cultural identity as peculiar to our times. In fact they are rooted in ancient problems of civic belonging.

Tyranny is abhorrent, freedom benefits all, whereas violence benefits no one for long.

If anyone is tweeting right now, I'm not pulling a knife on David Cronenberg!

For every apparent gain, in short, we now observe a balancing danger. This is the world we have created.

Our desires are never wholly transparent, even to ourselves.

Friendship requires a leap, not of faith but of regard.

Socrates was likewise right that pissing people off is how we first, and maybe best, go about the business of provoking thought.