Language is a window into human nature, but it is also a fistula, an open wound through which we're exposed to an infectious world.

Feminism as a movement for political and social equity is important, but feminism as an academic clique committed to eccentric doctrines about human nature is not. Eliminating discrimination against women is important, but believing that women and men are born with indistinguishable minds is not. Freedom of choice is important, but ensuring that women make up exactly 50 percent of all professions is not. And eliminating sexual assaults is important, but advancing the theory that rapists are doing their part in a vast male conspiracy is not.

The fact that people can forget these simple truths when intellectualizing about children shows how far modern doctrines have taken us. They make it easy to think of children as lumps of putty to be shaped instead of partners in a human relationship.

I get drawn in when I feel there is something deep and mysterious going on beneath the surface of something.

My laptop has freed me to travel.

Technology, ideology, and social and cultural changes periodically throw out new forms of violence for humanity to contend with.

Anything that makes it easier to imagine trading places with someone else increases your moral consideration for that other person.