Elitism and Aristocracy

Aristo– is a word-forming element meaning “best,” or “of the aristocracy,” from Greek aristos “best of its kind, noblest, bravest, most virtuous”” (of persons, animals, things). In its Greek form, aristos denoted that which was excellent in kind, noble in bearing, virtuous in conduct. It was not yet the title of a class. The aristoi were thoseContinue reading “Elitism and Aristocracy”

From Cosmos to Multiverse

My introduction to cosmology was Carl Sagan’s Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980). What struck me was Sagan’s cadence. He spoke slowly, almost reverently, as though the subject demanded awe before explanation. He framed knowledge as a moral duty: to understand our place, to cultivate humility in the face of immensity. The series worked because itContinue reading “From Cosmos to Multiverse”

Graeber’s “Debt”

Too many books sit unread on my shelf. This weekend, I finally made my way to Debt, The First 5,000 Years by David Graeber (2011). The first chapter prepared me for disappointment. Graeber proudly announces his role in protesting the IMF and occupying Wall Street (I did not know his background before buying his books).Continue reading “Graeber’s “Debt””