Henceforth, there is to be no testing oneself against the best, with the possibility, even the likelihood, of failure: instead, one is perpetually to immerse oneself in the tepid bath of self-esteem, mutual congratulation, and benevolence toward all.

For the sake of democracy, vigorous, civilized debate must replace the law of silence that political correctness has imposed.

The real and most pressing question raised by any social problem is: 'How do I appear concerned and compassionate to all my friends, colleagues, and peers?'

Nationalism is fraught with dangers, of course, but so is the blind refusal to recognize that attachment to one's own culture, traditions, and history is a cre…