Essay Name: To converse well
By: Paula Marantz Cohen (Edited by Pam Weintraub)
Above is my definition of an activity central to my wellbeing. I trace my penchant for good conversation to my family of origin.
Read the full essay here: https://aeon.co/essays/a-good-conversation-relaxes-the-mind-and-opens-the-heart
The article reflects on the essence of good conversation as a blend of opinions, feelings, facts, and ideas exchanged in an improvisational manner that fosters mutual insight, respect, and joy. It emphasizes the role of conversation in relaxing the mind, opening the heart, and authentically connecting with others. Drawing from personal experiences and historical perspectives, the author considers the psychological and philosophical significance of conversation, its therapeutic effects, and its potential to bridge societal divides. The piece also touches on the concept of transference and the enduring nature of friendships enriched by conversation, contrasting it with the finality of consummated romantic relationships. The article advocates for the art of conversation as a means to embrace uncertainty, challenge rigid beliefs, and foster a more generous and flexible worldview.
Essay Name: The empty basket
By: Ha-Joon Chang (Edited by Sam Haselby)
In 1986, I left my native South Korea and came to Britain to study economics as a graduate student at the University of Cambridge.
Read the full essay here: https://aeon.co/essays/why-everyone-needs-to-learn-some-economics
The article discusses the importance of understanding economics in a world where it has become the language of power. The author draws an analogy between the evolution of British food culture from conservative to diverse and the need for a similar diversity in economic thought. The dominance of neoclassical economics is critiqued for its limitations and for creating a narrow scope within the field. The author argues that a variety of economic schools of thought, like the diverse cuisines in Britain today, can enrich the field and better equip society to address complex issues. The piece underscores the impact of economic theories on everyday life, shaping cultural norms, personal behaviors, and societal structures. It concludes by emphasizing the necessity for all citizens to gain some understanding of economics to participate effectively in democracy and to shape a more equitable and sustainable future.
Essay Name: Be what you hope for
By: Michael Lamb (Edited by Nigel Warburton)
Russia’s war on Ukraine has left many thousands dead and millions displaced, and the threat of nuclear war has only exacerbated fear.
Read the full essay here: https://aeon.co/essays/what-can-augustine-of-hippos-philosophy-teach-us-about-hope
The article explores Augustine of Hippo's philosophy on hope, presenting it as a middle ground between the extremes of pessimism and optimism. In a world facing numerous challenges such as war, climate change, and social injustices, the article suggests that Augustine's concept of hope can offer a more balanced and realistic approach.
It discusses the psychological and political tendencies towards pessimism, the unjustified nature of such a worldview, and the need for a virtue of hope that navigates between the despair of pessimism and the naivety of optimism. Augustine's critique of evil and domination, his understanding of hope as a virtue that directs our desires towards the right objects, and his rhetorical strategies are highlighted as tools to cultivate a realistic hope that can motivate action against contemporary challenges.
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