Blog

Is the Founder of the Sierra Club Still Relevant to Environmentalism?

In the century since his death, John Muir’s environmental legacy has been appreciated across America. Muir is famous for founding the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society. A geologist and botanist by training, Muir extolled the virtues of leaving pristine… Read More

Will Making More Food End World Hunger?

Some people believe this “hunger crisis” (which is only expected to get worse) is due to insufficient food production. If we simply produce more food, the thinking goes, then the problem of world hunger will be solved. Not so, says… Read More

Does Net Neutrality Make The Internet A Utility?

I’ve written about the complex issue of net neutrality before. Advocates of enforcing net neutrality claim that it preserves the democratic nature of the internet and prevents monopolistic businesses from stifling startups’ access to the digital market. Critics claim that… Read More

“My Bad”: Practical Wisdom from Pick-Up Basketball

On the basketball court in the closest local park, fouls happen in every game – and there’s no ref to call them. It’s no big deal, though. Even (especially) when the foul is unintentional, the offender just owns up to… Read More

Kendrick Taylor on Doing the Right Thing

Audio engineering student and navy veteran Kendrick Taylor was on his way to the gym when he sensed something was wrong. He looked to his left and was shocked to see a man robbing an elderly woman. Kendrick could not… Read More

Does Marriage Make You Wealthier?

There are certainly psychological and social benefits to marriage. The love and support we give to and receive from our spouse helps us to grow and become better people. Society as a whole is enriched by the commitment of marriage… Read More

Growing Up Poor, Making It Big

Noe grew up poor in a neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. From a very young age, Noe worked hard to help his mom and siblings make ends meet. In this video by StoryCorps, Noe (now a college student) tells his… Read More

My Religion is Ready to Meet Some Aliens

As scientists continue to explore Mars for more signs of life, it seems almost inevitable that we will discover that we are definitely not alone in the universe. David Weintraub, author of “Religions and Extraterrestrial Life,” wonders about the impact… Read More

The Dalai Lama Thinks Well-Being Starts With Your Thoughts

This past Saturday Lhamo Dondrub, the 14th Dalai Lama, finished his tour of Boston with a public address at the TD Garden. Two of the themes he touched upon were the necessity of developing peace and happiness in the mind,… Read More

Is This How The Government Should Spend Taxpayer Money?

An expose by the Channel News4 I-team has revealed that last year, federal government workers spent $20billion on taxpayer-funded credit card purchases. The credit cards have been issued for “micropurchases” under $3000. According to Brian Miller, a former Inspector General… Read More