For a lot of people, Albert Camus remains an essential writer. His philosophy of the absurd resonates with our struggle to find meaning in life. He also wrote eloquently about national identity and terrorism. Here we reflect on Camus’ life and enduring legacy.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Sheenagh Pugh talked to Anne Strainchamps about sequels, but in her case the sequels are written by fans.
Since her creation in 1941, Wonder Woman has become one of the most popular superheroes of all time, as well as an beloved icon of second-wave feminism. It also turns out she has a fascinating origin story that intersects with the Women's movement of the early 20th century, the lie detector, and even involves the founders of Planned Parenthood. Historian Jill Lepore tells Steve Paulson about these connections, and talks about Wonder Woman's eccentric creator.
Historian Theodore Zeldin, author of “Conversation: How Talk Can Change Our Lives,” tells Steve Paulson that the old model of conversation was about hierarchy — one person laying down the law while others listened.
Writer Terry Tempest Williams recommends the novel "Tracks" by Louise Erdrich. Erdrich, one of the great writers of the Native American Renaissance, is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
Frank Schaeffer grew up in a Swiss Evangelical commune, the son of a fundamentalist theologian. He and his father helped found the Religious Right and were part of its power structure for many years, Then Schaeffer recanted. Today he's a liberal democrat who describes himself as "an atheist who believes in God." He outlines his disenchantment with Evangelical politics.
Want kids to love learning? Get rid of the emphasis on grades and test scores. That's according to Alfie Kohn, one of America's most passionate advocates for progressive education. Kohn is the author of numerous articles and books, including "Feel Bad Education."
Whose America is it? Writer Thomas King has strong feelings about that. He says Native Americans have been many things to white people. Slaves, stereotypes, savages. And always inconvenient.
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