The Layman’s Lantern


Reflections on Fiction, Philosophy, and the Purpose of Man

We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

– Alfred, Lord Tennyson
  • Jerry: Learning About Love, Loss, and Purpose.

    Jerry: Learning About Love, Loss, and Purpose.

    I’m tempted every year to through-hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. While I never took the trip, I used to frequent the archway, which is the starting point for thousands of people who start their attempts in the spring. The last time I went was in the middle of April. The last time…

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  • You are Losing Your Freedom: Brave New World.

    You are Losing Your Freedom: Brave New World.

    You Aren’t As Free As You Think We all have our share of trials. We all have burdens. But thankfully, we don’t have nearly as many as our ancestors did. Most of our problems are small ones— first-world problems. We have more access to good food, clean water, shelter, and entertainment than anyone else. If…

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  • Don’t Be Yourself, Be Better.

    Don’t Be Yourself, Be Better.

    A Common Problem I used to have a friend named Jonah, whom I met at a training camp. Jonah, when I first met him, was one of the funniest people I’ve met. He did impeccable impressions of Homer Simpson, Carl Wheezer, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Four or five times a day, he doubled us over with…

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