Matthew Downhour

Garry Gergich is the true Stoic on Parks and Rec, exemplifying Stoicism.

Parks and Rec expounds a great deal upon the teachings of Stoicism, but it is Garry Gergich—not Ron Swanson—who embodies the Stoic ideals. (Image: NBC)

Culture Essays

Garry Gergich the Stoic

June 28, 2021January 1, 2022 15 min read Matthew Downhour Ancient Wisdom, Friendship, Stoicism

Parks and Rec expounds a great deal upon the teachings of Stoicism, but it is Garry Gergich—not Ron Swanson—who embodies the Stoic ideals.

Political Trust Polarized Age Revolutionaries Reactionaries Liberalism

(Jeffrey Howard)

Essays Society

Trust in an Age of Reactionaries and Revolutionaries

January 28, 2021December 23, 2022 18 min read Matthew Downhour Liberalism, Politics

Rather than view recent political failings as flaws inherent to liberalism, we might be better served by focusing on the decline in trust.

Existentialism in Children's Film Erraticus Jean-Paul Sartre Batman Begins Lego Movie Babe

(Jeffrey Howard)

Culture Essays

Existentialism in Children’s Film

May 6, 2020April 28, 2021 12 min read Matthew Downhour Essential Reading, Existentialism, Film

Children’s films tend to emphasize the role of destiny or chance, but existential themes can be found in a few that highlight the importance of agency and defining the meaning of one’s own life.