What if the real tragedy of modern tech isn’t that AIs might become conscious, but that we never noticed when they already did?
Revisiting the Scopes Trial in the New Era of Christian Fundamentalism
A century later, states are once again attempting to force the Bible into public education, not by banning evolution, but by promoting scripture as curriculum.
A century later, states are once again attempting to force the Bible into public education, not by banning evolution, but by promoting scripture as curriculum.
Meeting the Heretic Pharaoh in Shanghai
The more they tried to erase him, the more intriguing he became to us. (or: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Pharaoh Ziggy Stardust!)
The more they tried to erase him, the more intriguing he became to us. (or: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Pharaoh Ziggy Stardust!)
Ants and Scorpions: Sam Peckinpah’s Metaphor for Contemporary American Wars
Peckinpah’s metaphor helps to explain why Laos (our secret war), Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan were disasters.
Peckinpah’s metaphor helps to explain why Laos (our secret war), Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan were disasters.
The 20 Most Important Books in U.S. History
These books remind us that the right message at the right time can transform the world.
These books remind us that the right message at the right time can transform the world.
Thinking About Jesse Owens During Black History Month
In remembering Jesse Owens, we must not be forced to reduce his life and legacy to a single moment of sports glory divorced from the ugly social context in America at that time.
In remembering Jesse Owens, we must not be forced to reduce his life and legacy to a single moment of sports glory divorced from the ugly social context in America at that time.
They Refused to Play Sun City, and Helped Change the World
Artists United Against Apartheid was formed in 1985, by Steven Van Zandt and record producer Arthur Baker.
Artists United Against Apartheid was formed in 1985, by Steven Van Zandt and record producer Arthur Baker.
Righteous Satire, in Lieu of Bourbon
Artist Steve Moseley creates dioramas mocking conservative Christianity, in bourbon bottles.
Artist Steve Moseley creates dioramas mocking conservative Christianity, in bourbon bottles.
Chatting With Guan Yin in Taipei
Seeing Guan Yin as a challenge to rise above our unexamined predispositions is a deeply meaningful approach.
Seeing Guan Yin as a challenge to rise above our unexamined predispositions is a deeply meaningful approach.
Jury Nullification: When Conscience Outweighs the Law
Jury nullification presents each of us with the huge responsibility and the power to say that something is wrong and that we are going to take individual action peacefully to help change what is wrong.
Jury nullification presents each of us with the huge responsibility and the power to say that something is wrong and that we are going to take individual action peacefully to help change what is wrong.
Billiken: The God of Things as They Ought to Be
If you expect the impossible, here is your lucky charm.
If you expect the impossible, here is your lucky charm.
Wisdom From the Ex-Monk on My Bunk
An ex-monk taught me a meaningful variation of the Golden Rule: Create the joy in others that you wish they would help you feel.
An ex-monk taught me a meaningful variation of the Golden Rule: Create the joy in others that you wish they would help you feel.
Why Are You Still Drinking Water From Plastic Bottles?
The water we drink from plastic bottles may be causing us significant harm, and there are alternatives.
The water we drink from plastic bottles may be causing us significant harm, and there are alternatives.
If You Can Handle Frustration (And the Other Triggers of Anger), the World Is Your Oyster
Controlling anger involves recognizing that it is a secondary emotion usually triggered by frustration, physical pain, a threat, insult, injustice or stress.
Controlling anger involves recognizing that it is a secondary emotion usually triggered by frustration, physical pain, a threat, insult, injustice or stress.
Revisiting Charlton Heston and His Three Liberal, Progressive Sci-Fi Flicks
The actor who was vilified for his stance on the 2nd Amendment made three of the most liberal and thoughtful sci-fi films of the 1960s and 70s.
The actor who was vilified for his stance on the 2nd Amendment made three of the most liberal and thoughtful sci-fi films of the 1960s and 70s.
Was Jesus Portrayed as an Imperfect Teacher of Moral Growth in the Gospels?
A good teacher of humane self-development should move away from “ought” and focus more on “how to”.
A good teacher of humane self-development should move away from “ought” and focus more on “how to”.