Category Archives: Philosophy

No Second Term

Posted on December 29, 2016 by nicholas.richardson

“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” The words of William Shakespeare which, as a guide to life, seems as good as any. Of course, not everybody agrees with the Bard, perhaps none less than some Polish politicians … Continue reading →

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Constitution

Posted on November 8, 2016 by nicholas.richardson

“It is a general popular error to suppose the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.” The words of Edmund Burke, as relevant this week as ever before when in the UK the judgment … Continue reading →

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History

Posted on August 3, 2016 by nicholas.richardson

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” The words of Thomas Jefferson. To be contrasted, of course, with the well-known dictum that those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat … Continue reading →

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Salary

Posted on July 20, 2016 by nicholas.richardson

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” So thought Cicero, and it’s hard to disagree. But, according to Poland’s governing Law and Justice (PiS) party, who so far has been silent on gardens and … Continue reading →

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Abortion

Posted on April 5, 2016 by nicholas.richardson

“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. The teaching of the Church is clear, and I am a son of the Church, but it is not necessary to talk about … Continue reading →

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Family

Posted on February 2, 2016 by nicholas.richardson

“You don’t chose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” The words of Desmond Tutu. Or, if you prefer, there is George Bernard Shaw, “a happy family is but an earlier heaven.” And, although … Continue reading →

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Friends

Posted on January 13, 2016 by nicholas.richardson

“The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant; it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.” The words of Ronald Reagan. Or, for those of a more classical disposition, there’s Euripides, “Friends show their love … Continue reading →

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Change of Mind

Posted on December 23, 2015 by nicholas.richardson

“For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions, even on important subjects, which I once thought right but found to be otherwise.” So thought Benjamin Franklin. And … Continue reading →

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Zero Tolerance

Posted on December 8, 2015 by nicholas.richardson

“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others”. So said John F. Kennedy. For the late Christopher Hitchens, “I learned that very often the most intolerant and narrow-minded people … Continue reading →

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Free Expression

Posted on November 24, 2015 by nicholas.richardson

“Freedom of speech means freedom for those you despise, and freedom to express the most despicable views. It also means that the government cannot pick and choose which expressions to authorize and which to prevent.” Wise words from US lawyer, … Continue reading →

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