In my latest Epoch Times column I warn against chasing trends in fashion, food or public policy.
“remember that neither scientists nor laymen learn to see the world piecemeal or item by item. Except when all the conceptual and manipulative categories are prepared in advance – e.g., for the discovery of an additional transuranic element or for catching sight of a new house – both scientists and laymen sort out whole areas together from the flux of experience. The child who transfers the word ‘mama’ from all humans to all females to his mother is not just learning what ‘mama’ means or who his mother is. Simultaneously he is learning some of the differences between males and females as well as something about the ways in which all but one female will behave toward him. His reactions, expectations, and beliefs – indeed comma much of his perceived world – change accordingly.”
Thomas S. Kuhn The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: 50th Anniversary Edition
“But though Kidd knew a great deal about Sir Claude – a great deal more, in fact, than there was to know…”
G.K. Chesterton “The Strange Crime of John Boulnois” in The Wisdom of Father Brown https://gutenberg.ca/ebooks/chestertongk-wisdomoffatherbrown/chestertongk-wisdomoffatherbrown-00-h.html
“I may have some natural talent, but I don’t rely on it. That’s why I work 18 hours a day.”
Edward Greenspan quoted in Maclean’s Jan. 17, 2000
“The creation of a new creature, not ourselves, of a new conscious center, of a new and independent focus of experience and enjoyment, is an immeasurably more grand and godlike act even than a real love affair; how much more superior to a momentary physical satisfaction. If creating another self is not noble, why is pure self-indulgence nobler?”
G.K. Chesterton in G.K.’s Weekly Sept. 27, 1930, quoted in “Why Do You Keep Asking Me Rhetorical Questions?” in Gilbert! The Magazine of the Society of G.K. Chesterton Vol. 27 #5 (May/June 2024)
“If you spell ‘absolutely nothing’ backwards, you get gnihton yletulosba which means absolutely nothing.”
Emailed by a friend without attribution; it seems to be widely available online.
In my latest Epoch Times column I unearth and reprint a set of principles I outlined when the 21st century was young and fresh to guide is through an uncertain future, and claim that I have been largely vindicated. I also challenge my fellow pundits to do likewise (and scoff at politicians’ forecasts) because I say you should listen to the person who gets it right not the one who offers soothing but inaccurate platitudes.
“he is a self-styled public-relations counselor – one of the various modern activities that are an insult to the dignity of man.”
Nero Wolfe to Inspector Cramer about Floyd Vance in Rex Stout The Father Hunt