Book Reviews and More
What does it take to forgive the unforgivable? To see beyond the worst mistake someone has made? Today, the New York Times highlighted an article about Brian Dorsey, a man facing execution in Missouri on April 9th, 2024, for murder. In a powerful display of solidarity, over 70 former correctional officers and prison employees have voiced their opposition to this sentence, urging the governor to...
The post explores intriguing information from Wikipedia. Nuclear Semiotics seeks ways to warn future generations about nuclear waste, considering language and symbology changes over time. The Rapid Intensification of Hurricanes, due to climate change, prompts tropical storms to escalate unexpectedly. Lastly, the Phoebus Cartel in the early 20th century manipulated the lifespan of light bulbs...
Guy Gavriel Kay's bestselling book "Under Heaven" introduced the concept of the Heavenly Horses to me, but my true fascination was sparked when I delved into their historical roots within the pages of Kenneth W. Harl's "Empires of the Steppes." The real life Ferghana Heavenly Horses played an interesting role throughout ancient Chinese history and I detail both the War of Heavenly Horses and the...
I love reading and engaging with stories within the fantasy genre because they all provide a unique twist on the way in which the world and society operates. The fantasy and sci-fi genres provide an outlet for authors to consider how the world would be different in an unlimited number of scenarios with the best worlds feeling as real and alive as our own. Fantasy worlds are typically defined by...
Today I want to discuss the Veil of Ignorance thought experiment proposed by John Rawls. The Veil of Ignorance serves to explore the idea of justice and equality by helping remove one’s personal biases and inclinations from the larger equation. The Veil of Ignorance encourages us to imagine the most equitable and just society that we can and in doing so I believe it encourages compassion...
The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle seeks to demonstrate that skills are meritocratic, they don’t care who you are or how you were born. Skills develop based on biological imperatives that allow anyone with dedication and consistent effort to become talented. Although talent feels and looks predestined, in fact we have a good deal of control over what skills we develop, and we have more potential...
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink sets out to provide a summary of the recent findings in the fields of positive and motivational psychology and how modern business practices have failed to take modern science into account. I loved how Pink analyzed the shift in worker needs as worker tasks have changed, his discussion of real motivational psychology, and the...
Book Reviews and More
Hey there! I'm Wyatt McGillen, a 26-year-old book enthusiast from Wisconsin. My background includes a bachelors of arts with majors in Philosophy, History, and Politics and Government and a national finalist in impromptu speaking.
I love learning about our world and how we fit into it. This blog is an accumulation of philosophy, sociology, and impromptu speaking. These topics are all filled with captivating stories, interesting facts, and profound ideas. All of which enrich my life and hopefully yours.
