For many years I wrote about fiction, story, belief, ordinary life, and the questions that shaped my work. More than two thousand essays remain here—not because every one represents my current thinking, but because together they tell the story of a writer learning over time.
Search for a subject, browse by month and year, or begin with the most recent writing below.
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The archive begins with the most recent writing. Use the numbered pages below to move backward through time.
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Science of Genesis Paradise Lost – Part 9 Science of Genesis Paradise Lost – Part 9 ‘Dem Soft Bones (feat. Dr. Mary Schweitzer)
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Sam Harris on the Paradox of Meditation and How to Stretch Our Capacity for Everyday Self-Transcendence
Here’s the link to this essay. “Positive emotions, such as compassion and patience, are teachable skills; and the way we think directly influences our experience of the world.”…
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Mr. Hume: Tear. Down. This. Wall. A Response to George Ellis’s Critique of My Defense of Moral Realism
Another great article by Michael Shermer. Download and read.
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The Final Lecture
Here’s the link to this article. Definitely worth a read. Ten lessons on living a good life and being resilient in the teeth of entropy, problems, setbacks &…
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Science of Genesis Paradise Lost – Part 8 Dating Problems (feat. Genetically Modified Skeptic)
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Anaïs Nin on the Meaning of Life and the Dangers of the Internet, Before the Internet
Here’s the link to this article. “We believe we are in touch with a greater amount of people… This is the illusion which might cheat us of being…
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05/16/23 Biking & Listening
Biking is something else I both love and hate. It takes a lot of effort but does provide good exercise and most days over an hour to listen…
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Questions for Christians and Other Religious Believers
Here’s the link to this article. Why Oliver Cromwell was right to beseech you to think it possible you may be mistaken MICHAEL SHERMER Very much not in the spirit…
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Character Voice Versus Author Voice
Here’s the link to this article. May 16, 2023 by MICHELLE BARKER – Resident Writing Coach We’ve all heard about the importance of finding your voice as a writer. Maybe…
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Loving the Tree of Life: Annie Dillard on How to Bear Your Mortality
Here’s the link to this essay. “We live and move by splitting the light of the present, as a canoe’s bow parts water.” BY MARIA POPOVA “To die…
Richard L. Fricks 