What a terrific essay. It prompted me to subscribe! Three cheers for epistemic humility.
Nick's essay and his mention of Ta-Nehisi Coates reminded me of Princeton professor Robert George's commentary on chattel slavery, as explained by AI: "He uses the historical context of slavery as a thought experiment and a point of comparison to discuss contemporary moral issues. He challenges his students at Princeton University to consider their stance on slavery had they lived in the American South before abolition. He suggests that many people might claim they would have been abolitionists. However, he believes this is unlikely, noting that only a small portion of the white population were abolitionists historically and faced significant costs for their beliefs. George's point in this thought experiment is not to support slavery, but rather to encourage self-reflection on one's own moral courage and willingness to stand up for justice in the face of unpopular opinions or social pressure."
Thanks, Mike! That’s very kind and it really means a lot. Funnily enough, Professor George was the first person I interviewed for my podcast back in January—very bright man very much inclined to have his own certainties challenged.
I personally love that the cavemen were using names like Clarence.
My grandpa was born in Iran and though I have never been, I love those people. My heart hurts seeing their pain and suffering and I hope for a day in which the current regime steps aside (how thoughtful of them), for a new day in Iran.
Lastly- a book recommendation for you: All the Shah's Men is one of the best books Ive read in the last year. It follows the US involvement in the 1953 Coup of Mossadegh and how that set the stage of the Middle East we have today.
Really appreciate you commenting. From what I see of the Iranian diaspora among my friends, there are a lot of people hoping for that new day, and hoping against hope it comes smoothly and peacefully. Easy, especially for those of us without any family connections to the region, to forget how lucky we are to not have to worry about stuff like that.
Mr. Hagen, my dad used to tell us, "Isaac Newton's theory of the universe was just his opinion. Just so happens he is right." I did not listen to your interview with the woman on education yet, but I hope you guys discussed how to teach the youngin's some critical thinking skils to discern between right and wrong and good and evil. It seems that few are actually seeking truth any more. The truth is there is good and there is right and there are ways to be certain about it. Take care.
Sadly the interview was just about teaching literacy, but certainly teaching critical thinking is very important. I love that quote from your dad. Thanks!
What a terrific essay. It prompted me to subscribe! Three cheers for epistemic humility.
Nick's essay and his mention of Ta-Nehisi Coates reminded me of Princeton professor Robert George's commentary on chattel slavery, as explained by AI: "He uses the historical context of slavery as a thought experiment and a point of comparison to discuss contemporary moral issues. He challenges his students at Princeton University to consider their stance on slavery had they lived in the American South before abolition. He suggests that many people might claim they would have been abolitionists. However, he believes this is unlikely, noting that only a small portion of the white population were abolitionists historically and faced significant costs for their beliefs. George's point in this thought experiment is not to support slavery, but rather to encourage self-reflection on one's own moral courage and willingness to stand up for justice in the face of unpopular opinions or social pressure."
Thanks, Mike! That’s very kind and it really means a lot. Funnily enough, Professor George was the first person I interviewed for my podcast back in January—very bright man very much inclined to have his own certainties challenged.
I personally love that the cavemen were using names like Clarence.
My grandpa was born in Iran and though I have never been, I love those people. My heart hurts seeing their pain and suffering and I hope for a day in which the current regime steps aside (how thoughtful of them), for a new day in Iran.
Lastly- a book recommendation for you: All the Shah's Men is one of the best books Ive read in the last year. It follows the US involvement in the 1953 Coup of Mossadegh and how that set the stage of the Middle East we have today.
Really appreciate you commenting. From what I see of the Iranian diaspora among my friends, there are a lot of people hoping for that new day, and hoping against hope it comes smoothly and peacefully. Easy, especially for those of us without any family connections to the region, to forget how lucky we are to not have to worry about stuff like that.
100% adding that to the list—thanks!
Mr. Hagen, my dad used to tell us, "Isaac Newton's theory of the universe was just his opinion. Just so happens he is right." I did not listen to your interview with the woman on education yet, but I hope you guys discussed how to teach the youngin's some critical thinking skils to discern between right and wrong and good and evil. It seems that few are actually seeking truth any more. The truth is there is good and there is right and there are ways to be certain about it. Take care.
Sadly the interview was just about teaching literacy, but certainly teaching critical thinking is very important. I love that quote from your dad. Thanks!