Aristotle said there are three kinds of friendships: those based on utility, those based on pleasure, and those based on a shared commitment to the good—wisdom and other moral virtues. Most of our friendships fall into the first two categories. … Continued
In his 2009 song “I Feel a Change Coming On,” Bob Dylan sings, “I’m listening to Billy Joe Shaver and I’m reading James Joyce.” When I first heard that line I didn’t know who Billy Joe Shaver was. Since then, … Continued
The Academy Awards garnered by Slumdog Millionaire last week were well-deserved, to say the least. Amy and I went to see the film a few weeks ago, after multiple recommendations by friends. Even going in with high expectations, the film … Continued
“It just isn’t fair.” How often we hear those words, or utter them ourselves, and in so many contexts, ranging from NCAA football rankings to the problem of evil. When our sense of justice is offended, we sometimes express our … Continued
One of the most embarrassing moments of my life happened several years ago when I was supposed to be meeting a friend at a local night spot. (Okay, it was a club. There are you satisfied? I used to go … Continued