“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see."
Arthur Schopenhauer, quoted in ”Social Studies" in Globe & Mail October 4, 2006
“The question which moral system was the best depends principally on the question whether the heathen philosophers or the Christian preachers were right in their estimate of the facts. To suppose that Christian morals can ever survive the downfall of the great Christian doctrine is as absurd as to suppose that a yearly tenant will feel towards his property like a tenant in fee simple.”
James Fitzjames Stephen, “Note on Utilitarianism” postscript to Stephen's book Liberty Equality Fraternity
In my latest Loonie Politics column I praise John McCain's willingness to rock the boat politically even on some issues where I think he was wrong, because we need more mavericks and less partisanship.
“the atmosphere of alarm, of being scotched, of being up a tree of incredible height...”
Arnold Bennett in "Lo! ‘Twas a Gala Night!" in Rivals of Sherlock Holmes
If you're in the Ottawa area and think true gender equality means compassion and services for men and boys as well as women and girls, please attend the Canadian Centre for Men and Families - Ottawa gala luncheon two weeks this Sunday, on September 16 from 1-4. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ccmf-ottawa-gala-lunch-fundraiser-tickets-48985700549 and if you think it's worthwhile please help share it on social media and with friends and family.
Thanks, and I hope to see you there.
“That’s true enough, but we must go and work in the garden.”
Candide (when reminded by Pangloss that all is for the best) in Voltaire Candide
“Without memory we are a society suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, tackling each day like a baby with its finger stuck out before the flames…. our self-imposed Alzheimer’s.”
John Ralston Saul in the inaugural LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture, reprinted in Globe & Mail March 24, 2000