All articles from Figs in Winter
Two meanings of truth
Protagoras the Sophist (left) vs Plato the Philosopher (right).In 5th century BCE Athens the power of speech was crucial, because in a democracy one had to convince others, by way of facts and reason, that a certain course of action was best for the community. Imagine what that meant: for the first
The battle that started western civilization
The tumulus where the Athenians who fell at Marathon are buried, photo by the Author.Civilizations do not start on a specific date, though the question is still open on whether they can end in one day (future nuclear or astronomic catastrophe, perhaps?). And yet, an argument can, and has been made t
Figs in Winter update
Dear Figs in Winter readers and subscribers (there's now about 14,000 of you!),As you might have noticed, from time to time I pause, rethink what I'm doing and why, and then adjust whatever course I may be on. As Socrates famously put it, the unexamined life ain't worth living...As part of my ongoin
On democracy
Democracy, by Midjourney.These days there is a large volume of writings, podcasts, and what not being put out concerning the general concept of democracy, particularly in the United States, where it is (allegedly) in peril. Perhaps we need to step back a little and briefly explore what democracy is,
Is Stoicism politically conservative?
Cicero, played by David Bamber, speaking to the Roman Senate in the excellent HBO series, "Rome." Image from hbo-rome.fandom.com.Do Stoicism and politics go together? And if so, how? I have recently published two essays criticizing both US President Trump and his Vice President, J.D. Vance, from a S