CATEGORY: EDUCATION AND CULTURE (5 min)
It’s “one of the great paradoxes of modern life,” writes Carl Trueman in First Things:
“We constantly aim to achieve individual happiness, but all around us are increased levels of anxiety and unhappiness.”
When that cycle leads to discontent, still we “double-down on the pursuit of that elusive personal contentment.“
People are yearning for a way out. And that leads us back to ancient philosophy.
Ancient philosophy in contemporary culture is the subject of Arts Vitae: The Fate of Inwardness and the Return of the Ancient Arts of Living, by Elizabeth Lasch-Quinn.
This book has a lot of wisdom to impart about our contemporary unhappiness, Trueman suggests.
That wisdom begins with one crucial observation about how modern views of human nature distort classical philosophy.
To understand how consumerism poisons classical philosophy . . . and why only Platonism offers a viable way out of this predicament read the article now.
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CATEGORY: GREAT BOOKS (10 min)
It’s been slandered as Jane Austen’s worst novel.
But, writing in the European Conservative, ISI alumnus Felix James Miller goes to the mat for Mansfield Park against those who would say it is outdated or dull.
“If it is called antiquated,” he writes, “that is only because we have forgotten that the oldest human battle is the worthiest one: the battle to achieve and maintain virtue in a fallen world.”
Drawing on the thought of Alasdair MacIntyre, Miller suggests that Mansfield Park draws a crucial distinction . . .
. . . between charm, “the skill of giving positive impressions to others” . . .
. . . and constancy, the quality “ensuring unity to one’s life such that each action shows forth one’s true character.”
Which do you think is more important in modernity?
Miller has strong opinions, and his verdict might surprise you. Read it 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.
Students Rally, Speaker Uninvited from Chapel Service in Response to Controversial Comments via the Gordon Review
UVA Paid Ibram X. Kendi $32,500 for a One Hour Virtual Talk via the Jefferson Independent
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CATEGORY: CONSERVATISM (5 min)
Pay attention long enough and you’ll notice a recurring theme in conservative conversations:
No one can agree on what we ought to conserve.
Western traditions or Founding principles? Freedom or ordered liberty?
It seems there are more questions than answers.
Why Conservatives Need to Take a Hard Look at Their Beliefs
In this week’s archive pull, we take you back to Spencer Klavan's 2020 IR article where he takes a different approach.
Klavan suggests we reconsider the questions we’re asking.
If conservatives ask the right question, we just might agree on the thing we’re trying to conserve . . .
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You may be familiar with the term "ISI magic."
We hear it all the time. It describes the energy of intelligent discussions and the vibrant community that ISI is known for. It's like nothing else...
Preserving and celebrating that magic is what ISI's annual Homecoming Weekend is all about.
You’re invited to join us as we gather at our beautiful 20-acre campus near Wilmington, Delaware on May 13—14 for our second annual Homecoming Weekend.
Highlights of Homecoming Weekend include:
- A Friday night dinner at Wilmington’s historic Hotel du Pont honoring the winner of ISI’s 2022 Conservative Book of the Year award, Victor Davis Hanson for his book The Dying Citizen
- Additional Saturday Reunion Luncheons for Graduate Fellows; Honors Scholars and Society Leaders; and Collegiate Network Editors, Interns, and Fellows past and present to reconnect with their ISI friends
- Our ISI reunion conference Saturday afternoon featuring panels on the purpose of the liberal arts and the future of higher ed
- Saturday evening reception featuring food, live music, and dancing on ISI’s campus
And, if you're under 30, tickets are only $50!
This is your chance to experience that "ISI magic" and see what ISI has to offer as the top resource for conservative education and community.
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“There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, pure, simple and useful life.”
—Booker T. Washington
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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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