Extreme Virtue 2: The Courage of Our Convictions

The Courage of Our Convictions Randall E. Auxier “Commitment” probably isn’t the first word that would come to your mind looking at this image. Or if it does, perhaps only in the way we think of older married people. Things are not always as they seem. These two are lovers alright, but it’s not what…

Extreme Virtue 1: The Watergate Syndrome

The Watergate Syndrome Randall Auxier   Some of you will recognize this picture. It’s famous in some circles. But for those who don’t, please think along with me for a few hundred words. I am reading through a book on virtue by Crispin Sartwell. He wanted to talk about five virtues that are not often…

Self Esteem and Other Nonsense

One of the curious notions that permeates education circles these days, especially in the lower grades, is the idea that children should be told they are wonderful when they aren’t the least bit remarkable. This notion has expanded beyond the schools and now permeates the culture as a whole; it was recently questioned by a…

Histrionics and Honesty

The tennis player breaks serve to even the match and drops to one knee, pumps his fist four times and turns to his player’s box and gives out a primal scream that makes the birds for hundreds of feet around leave their trees in a panic. The defensive end makes a routine tackle, leaps up,…

Of Veils – and Their Provenance

Of Veils – and Their Provenance Section One. Introduction What follows are my thoughts on the issue of Veils worn by Women in societies predominantly Muslim – and as a self-ascribed practice. The note was crafted in response to an invitation elsewhere and has been edited to fit a general readership among friends on this wall.…