Tag Archives: Africa

A Novel about the Maghreb

Posted on July 30, 2020 by

It’s hard, for those who have not experienced it, to imagine the desolation of the Sahara. The great sand sea, the size of America, where only the Tuareg ride. Even to this day the vastness is daunting, but 80 years … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

To Whom Do You Compare Yourself?

Posted on February 16, 2020 by

Do you ever ponder, you who rage in self-pity, against whom your measuring rod is fixed? When I was in Africa, one of the many times, I had a driver for my wife and my family. We had only one … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Liberty, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Heart of Darkness

Posted on August 22, 2019 by

There is something magical about Joseph Conrad’s writing – enrapturing, eloquent, filled with spirit and yearning. Full of humanity; lost people in lost places doing terrible and wonderful things. And “Heart of Darkness”? His arguably most famous work – written … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Literature, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Event Horizon of Africa

Posted on June 22, 2019 by

Last night I sat with friends in a run-down rooftop restaurant overlooking pockmarked streets and balding hills watching the sun set – again – over Africa. The smell of wood smoke lightly scented with beans wafted on high as we … Continue reading →

Posted in International Affairs, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

I Will Write More of Africa

Posted on June 6, 2019 by

I will be writing more about Africa. For I am to leave this place, and proximately she will exist only in my memories; in my hopes for a better tomorrow and in my sadness at things unchanged, at suffering unstemmed … Continue reading →

Posted in International Affairs, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 7 Comments

The Wave Held

Posted on March 22, 2019 by

The children over the walls and the concertina wire are in school. The chattering of recess which belies the poverty, reminding we who live in Elysium that all people are the same; the same, equality – that wicked word, harsh … Continue reading →

Posted in Liberty, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged

Do You Consider the Lost Places?

Posted on January 16, 2019 by

Do you consider the lost places? Of course why would you, you who read this. You are probably American, from Seattle or Miami or Biloxi. If its early morning, before your day starts you have a fresh cappuccino steaming in … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Liberty, philosophy, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Africa’s Consolation Philosophy

Posted on December 19, 2018 by

Socrates once said “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” Western philosophy has always been motivated by wonder at the world around us and our quest to know it using our minds, our reason, and our experiences. The focus on reason … Continue reading →

Posted in philosophy, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“Defeating Dictators” – A Book Review

Posted on November 24, 2018 by

There are many kinds of books. Yes, I know, I am stating the obvious of course. However for me its always helpful when I read a book to try and place it within the panoply of other books seeking to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

On Gratitude

Posted on October 14, 2018 by

What are you thankful for? I find sometimes that asking myself this question is a helpful exercise as I sit on my front porch in the early African morning with my coffee, looking out over the mists which still cling … Continue reading →

Posted in Liberty, philosophy, Uncategorized | Tagged | 3 Comments