CATEGORY: COMEDY (7 min)
You’ve probably heard about the untimely passing of Norm Macdonald.
Norm will be remembered as one of the greatest comedians of all time.
But we should also remember the secret to his comedic brilliance.
At heart, Norm Macdonald was a philosopher.
In this touching tribute for Athwart, Greg McBrayer explains how Norm’s love of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, his Christian piety, and the obligation he felt to the art of comedy resulted in jokes that were as thought-provoking as they were hysterical.
McBrayer believes Norm’s comedy might be one of the best paths to philosophy. Read his article and let us know if you agree.
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CATEGORY: HISTORY (17 min)
How should we think about history?
Should we see it as a series of facts from the past or as a subject to be studied?
Today, many progressives try to use history to reduce all concepts and institutions to mere social constructs.
But what if there’s another way to approach history…
An approach that’s part science, part art, and thoroughly human.
In his keynote address to ISI’s 2021 Honors class, transcribed by Law & Liberty, Bill McClay explores the ways history has been understood and misunderstood from antiquity to modernity and how utterly odd—and humane—it can be.
Read the article now. If you’re currently a student and want to learn more about ISI’s Honors program, click here.
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Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.
How Partisanship Seeped into the Media via the Texas Horn
Virginia Tech Features Socialism at Student Org Fair via the Freedom Feather
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CATEGORY: ECONOMICS (4 min)
The Road to Serfdom is one of the books we require every ISI staff member to read.
If you haven’t read it yet, well, you should.
In the meantime, this careful selection of the most important passages is a good primer.
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What did Tocqueville and his greatest American student Robert Nisbet have to say about associations and the conception of political power that makes them work?
Current undergraduate students in the Pittsburgh area are invited to attend this intimate seminar led by Dr. Luke Sheahan.
Students will read and discuss:
- The Social Philosophers: Community and Conflict in Western Thought, Robert Nisbet (selections)
- Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville (selections)
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“Most men would rather die than think. Many do.”
—Bertrand Russell
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Thank you for reading. Share with a friend!
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Who We Are, What We Do
Too many college students feel isolated or attacked for questioning the ever-narrowing range of debate on campus.
We introduce you to the American tradition of liberty and to a vibrant community of students and scholars so that you get the collegiate experience you hunger for.
Get the college experience you deserve—before you graduate.
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