Anthony Burgess began writing because he thought he had a year to live and wanted to make money for his widow-to-be. He didn't die and couldn't find a job, so he kept on writing... more »
Every perished democracy died in its own way. In 1930s Germany, what mattered most was that so many citizens were willing to allow Hitler to do what he did ... more »
In praise of “useless” knowledge. The best scientific minds — Einstein, Faraday, Planck — have been driven by curiosity and intellectual challenge, not practical applications ... more »