In my latest Loonie Politics column I say we need to face the fact, and the implications, of large-scale pro-Hamas demonstrations in Canada and other Western nations by recent immigrants from places where horrific anti-Semitism is routine.
“‘Hermit hoar, in solemn cell,/ Wearing out life’s evening grey:/ Smite thy bosom, sage, and tell,/ What is bliss? and which the way?/ Thus I spoke; and speaking sigh’d;/ – scarce repressed the starting tear; – When the smiling sage reply’d – Come, my lad, and drink some beer.’”
Samuel Johnson, cited in D.J. Enright’s introduction to Johnson The History of Rasselas
“I personally am inclined to approach [housework] the way governments treat dissent: Ignore it until it revolts.”
“Barbara Kingsolver American novelist (1955- )” quoted as “Thought du jour” in “Social Studies” in Globe & Mail Nov. 11, 2012
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Crack-Up [according to https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/64918-the-test-of-a-first-rate-intelligence-is-the-ability-to] [and one of those I don’t agree with, but widespread elite conviction that it is true helps explain the mess we’re in today]
In my latest National Post column I say the best way to get universities to stop promoting malevolent radicalism and start teaching again, and to promote actual social justice as well, is to privatize them and see what kind of education the young adults who will supposedly benefit from it are actually willing to pay full price for.
“It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.”
Ham Gamgee quoted by his son Sam in J.R.R. Tolkien The Two Towers
“‘It is wrong to proselytize among people who have a religious faith,’ says [UofT professor emeritus of comparative religion, William] Oxtoby. ‘No one has the moral right to tell someone they can’t find salvation without Christianity.’”
Maclean’s January 20, 2003 [And approvingly, of course, about an upsurge in violence against Christian missionaries, proving once again Ronald Knox’s jibe that studying comparative religion is the best way to become comparatively religious]
“‘Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.’ Nathaniel Hawthorne American writer (1804-64)”
“Nathaniel Hawthorne American writer (1804-64)” quoted as “Thought du jour” in “Social Studies” in Globe & Mail February 6, 2013