Category: Aphorisms and Observations
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A Moral Paradox
Moral success can lead to pride, a form of moral failure. Moral failure can lead to humility, a form of moral success. Related articles True Detachment Moral Responsibility in Dreams The Putative Paradox of Forgiveness
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The Straws of Memory
We grasp at the straws of memory to keep from being swept away by time's flood.
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Resolution and Dissolution
What we lack the power to resolve, time has the power to dissolve. A dispute, for example. A dispute forgotten is a dispute dissolved.
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The Dignity of the King
Wherein resides the dignity of the king? At every time in every possible game, the king is on the board. He cannot be captured: he never leaves the board while the game is on. He alone is 'necessary,' all other pieces are 'contingent.' But at game's end, he too goes into the box with the lowliest…
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Arrogance and Superiority
'Arrogant' is an adjective applied by the envious to the superior.
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The Strength of a Weak Will
A will too weak to resist temptation is yet strong enough to suborn the intellect's rationalization of the misdeed.
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Outside Help
The religious realize not only that they need outside help to live aright, but also that they need outside help to achieve this realization.
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Concessions not to be Begrudged
Our incarnation is a fact, mysterious though it may be. Eating and sleeping are concessions to it. The animals we are are also social and so a bit of socializing is a necessary concession to that part of our mix. These concessions are not to be begrudged and may in moderate measure be enjoyed. Earthly…
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Dependence Day
What liberals celebrate on the 4th of July.
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Be Kind . . .
. . . but know how to reply in kind.
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A Life Prolonged
A life prolonged by playing it safe, by not living, may not be worth prolonging.
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The Company We Keep Away From
The company we keep away from is as salient for our flourishing as the company we keep.
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A Life Well Lived
A life well lived must include inquiry into the well-lived life.
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Courage and Convictions
Having the courage of one's convictions cannot be worth more than the convictions themselves.
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Tête-à-tête
Better tête-à-tête than mano a mano.