Category Archives: Literature
What you didn’t know about positivism
In this published version of the Terry lectures, delivered at Yale University last year, the novelist Marilynne Robinson argues that positivism, the belief that science is the only reliable means to truth, has adopted a “systematically reductionist” view of human … Continue reading
Bertrand Russell at 87 – Spry, mischievous, articulate
At 89, two years after this interview, Berty Russell was arrested at an anti-nuclear sit-in in parliament square, and sentenced to 7 days in jail.
It had to be said
This Be The Verse They fuck you up, your mum and dad. They may not mean to, but they do. They fill you with the faults they had And add some extra, just for you. But they were fucked up … Continue reading
Little Brother: Don’t trust anyone over 25
I just finished reading Cory Doctorow’s “Little Brother”, and I loved it. It’s a great story, and an easy read. I chose to buy the book, but you can download it here – or from Doctorow‘s site. Don’t worry, it … Continue reading
Howl!
From Reed College @ iTunes U, here‘s “Howl” (and other poems) by Allen Ginsberg.
Hell’s Angel
Hell’s Angel: Mother Teresa; 1 of 3door metoowahchef Hell’s Angel: Mother Teresa; 2 of 3door metoowahchef Hell’s Angel: Mother Teresa; 3 of 3door metoowahchef
I can’t make the hills
I can’t make the hills The system is shot I’m living on pills For which I thank G-d I followed the course From chaos to art Desire the horse Depression the cart I sailed like a swan I sank like … Continue reading
Improper words
“A literary lady, expressing to Dr. Johnson her approbation of his Dictionary, and, in particular, her satisfaction at his not having admitted into it any improper words— ‘No, madam,’ replied he; ‘I hope I have not daubed my fingers. I … Continue reading
Ten Zen
What do you know, Dr. Susan Blackmore is coming up with a new book – one with its own blog, and a teaser! “Ten Zen”, though? Well, we’ll wait and see.
Anathem
Anathem is Neil Stephenson’s new book. Anathem on the Long Now Foundation Anathem on Amazon: Two short clips of Stephenson (reading an excerpt & talking about the book.) David Stutz