I Am An American Philosopher: Phil Oliver – Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy

https://american-philosophy.org/i-am-an-american-philosopher-interview-series/i-am-an-american-philosopher-phil-oliver/

Librarians on the front lines defending 1st amendment

RCLS library director refuses to comply with board's book restrictions; faces disciplinary action or termination on March 30

Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) director Luanne James emailed members of the RCLS board on Wednesday, March 18, stating her refusal to comply with the board's March 16 vote to restrict access to more than 100 children's books. A copy of that email was obtained through an open records request by the library advocacy group Rutherford County Library Alliance. It is included below as a PDF.

Luanne James's email to RCLS Board - 18 March 2026

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RCLS chair Cody York has scheduled a special board meeting for March 30 to discuss disciplinary action for Ms. James. The Daily News Journal reports that York said, "As chair, I believe this matter warrants serious disciplinary consideration, up to and including termination." The special-called meeting will take place at 5 p.m. at the Rutherford County Historic Courthouse. It will be open to the public.

https://open.substack.com/pub/indecentlibraries/p/rcls-library-director-refuses-to?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

“don’t die of philosophy”

"What we can be certain of in science is not its metaphysical assumptions but its physical achievements; the steamship, the airplane, and public sanitation are a little more real than this effervescence of test tubes into philosophy. Take a night flight over New York, and feel the reckless courage and power of these machines called men; accept without apology the thrill of peril and speed; rejoice over the realities of science, and smile at its transcendental theories.

There is no knowable limit to what this trousered ape will do with his multiplying discoveries; doubtless he will some day throw his engines around the stars, and deport his criminals to Betelgeuse. If you insist upon dying, undertake tasks of some danger and use in adding to these discoveries; risk yourself in medical or mechanical experiment, and give some significance to your life and death. But whatever you do, don't die of philosophy."

— On the Meaning of Life by Will Durant (1931)
https://a.co/08F4flqL

(The author was writing to a man who'd threatened suicide after reading Herbert Spencer's " mechanical philosophy… a relic of his mid-Victorian simplicity")

Santayana’s joy

"It was Spring. The warm sunshine and soft breezes were trying to lure students away from their classes. Santayana was seated at his desk reading to his students. His listeners were sitting, or reclining, in various attitudes of inattention. Santayana's voice trailed off, his eyes traveled over his students, and fixed themselves on a tree which grew outside the window. Its leaves were small and tender, and of the green green of new leaves. Santayana closed the book. A short silence elapsed. He rose, and said: "Gentlemen, it is Spring!" He took his hat and never returned.

I hope this story is true. I hope he went away, got on his one track, and has been going along happily ever since. He is (I imagine) in his restlessness seeking something, something which will explain beauty and perfection. He derives his joy (I imagine) from the ceaseless activity which goes with the quest."

— On the Meaning of Life by Will Durant
https://a.co/07VcOEJq

Peripatetic in every sense of the word

"I love to travel. I love to see new places, to discover the history, the artefacts, the culture, the back story behind so much of our world. I've often said that my favourite place in the world is the departure lounge, because then I know I'm on my way somewhere. Although equally my favourite means of transport are still my own two feet or a bicycle." — Tony Wheeler

— The Meaning of Life: Answers to Life's Biggest Questions from the World's Most Extraordinary People by James Bailey
https://a.co/03PNWchh

“The Life of the Stars”-boldly going where Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” has never gone before

"Star Trek: Starfleet Academy's first season returns to excellent form with "The Life of the Stars," an emotionally complicated hour about healing and growth in many forms. A satisfyingly layered, creative installment that sees the return of a Star Trek: Discovery fan favorite and the creation of a unique new bond for the show's Star Trek: Voyager alum, it's a love letter to the power of community, found family, and, strangely enough, Thornton Wilder. Yes, this is an episode that's targeted like a laser at theater kids everywhere…"

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-starfleet-academy-episode-8-review-the-life-of-the-stars/

Alysa

Flow on ice

EB White’s writing room with a view

Central Park snowfall

https://www.threads.com/@colettekomm/post/DVF1t8_ld-L?xmt=AQF0ZIGQUVlUGSu7V1AykGi9tjhJAz6M3YCaDr2-KHmfrag8BRHzROvO3YjJSVVy9nAVWPhN&slof=1

Live your life

"People suffer from the effects of their own unlived life. They become bitter, critical, or rigid, not because the world is cruel to them, but because they have betrayed their own inner possibilities. The artist who never makes art becomes cynical about those who do. The lover who never risks loving mocks romance. The thinker who never commits to a philosophy sneers at belief. Deep down the life they mock is the life they were meant to live." —Carl Jung