Essays, aphorisms, quotes and poems

The Two Meanings of Institution

Some institutions nurture us in our freedom; others kill our capacity for freedom and replace it with death-like certainty.

Why is Pride the Greatest Sin?

Dante put Pride at the foot of Mount Purgatory for a good reason; pride is almost impossible to defeat and the root of all evil.

Control First, Plan Later

More planning always seems like a good idea, but unless you are really in control planning can easily become corrupted.

Justice Requires Liberty

Justice should include liberty. Our right to live a life that makes sense and is rooted in our own desires, gifts and capacities requires the exercise of personal freedom. The state cannot live our life for us.

Love Needs Reality

It is not God, love, personhood or the soul that are imaginary. These are the real things.

Love is Born

A Christmas poem by Michael Leunig - with thanks to John O'Brien for sharing

Friendship and Love

Love comes in many forms, but the story of Peter reminds us that God will accept even our weakest love.

But, What Can We Do?

How can we bring about positive social change when the forces ranged against us seem so strong?

Why Austerity is a Lie (updated)

Austerity is a lie. Not the cuts - they are real enough - but they idea that any of this is about tightening our belts or managing within newly straightened citicumstances - that's a lie.