Arts & Entertainment

War and Peace is rooted in Tolstoy’s longing for the infinite and universal. Yet, it reveals our need to focus on the concrete and mundane.

("The Battle of Austerlitz" by François Gérard, 1810)

History Isn’t Made by Great Men

August 12, 2021December 27, 2021 14 min read Henriikka Hannula Essential Reading, History, Literature

War and Peace is rooted in Tolstoy’s longing for the infinite and universal. Yet, it reveals our need to focus on the concrete and mundane.

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)

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.

Sacred Consecrated Spaces Waiting Rooms Places Erraticus

(Martin Lostak)

Consecrated Waiting Rooms

April 19, 2021December 27, 2021 12 min read Derek Parsons Architecture, Emotional Well-being, Essential Reading

Whether we are religious or claim no sense of the spiritual, sacred spaces help us to better confront the transient nature of existence.

(Jeffrey Howard)

Letters to You

May 7, 2020May 19, 2021 8 min read Melanie Han Family, Identity, Racism

In this epistolary, Melanie Han reflects on her experiences with racism, intergenerational family dynamics, and tensions surrounding identity.

(Jeffrey Howard)

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.

Hope in the time of corona COVID-19 Melanie Han Erraticus

(Lei Jiang)

‘Corona, Corona’: In the Cycle of Grief

April 23, 2020May 19, 2021 14 min read Melanie Han Emotions, Family, Racism, Travel

Finding herself abroad during the early days of corona, a traveler recounts the uncertainties and grief that followed her home.

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