A virtue is an acquired human quality. We can all make ourselves virtuous.

The post MacIntyre’s Definition Of Virtue appeared first on emptywheel.

I'd rather praise those who deserve it anyway.

Leaders are simply better—more effective, more popular at their peaks, more trusted in the moments that matter—precisely when they refuse to pretend they are better than the rest of us.

I’ve been reflecting about resilience recently. I’ve learnt that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable, it’s about learning how to bend, recover, and keep moving when life doesn’t go to plan. Stay Ready: Resilience begins with realism. Life rarely unfolds according to plan, and the shock of disruption often hurts more than the disruption itself. Staying … Continue reading Finding Strength When…

Each Sunday throughout Lent, my church has prayed The Great Litany, a liturgy formed by petitions. As a follower of Christ working in national security, this petition has arrested my soul every week:

To make wars to cease in all the world, and to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord:

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

The problem of war is the motivating question of…

Faith is one of the Bible’s most quietly powerful gifts. It isn’t loud, or showy, or always certain of the next step. More often, faith is the steady courage to keep walking when the road ahead is hidden by mist. Scripture doesn’t present faith as a flawless emotional confidence, but as a deep trust rooted … Continue reading Bible 40 Themes 04 Faith →

There’s something disingenuous about liberal Western media rediscovering that the term “imperialism” also applies to the US. Donald Trump is no radical departure from his predecessors; he simply abandons the pretense of exporting democracy.

Donald Trump has always prided himself on being a “tough guy” who won’t hesitate to strike when necessary. (Celal Gunes / Anadolu via Getty…

Kindness is a good policy.

Kindness is a good policy.