Journalist Kathryn Shulz examines fictional accounts of fugitive slaves navigating the underground railroad, the accuracy of those accounts, and why we are drawn to them.
Tag Archives: Opinion
Reader View: The wilderness can handle bikes
Brent Bonwell, an advocate of the mountain biking community, argues that allowing mountain bikes in wilderness areas will expand access to more people, a stated goal of the Wilderness Society, and help volunteers and rangers maintain trails.
10 Ways to Raise Brave Girls
Caroline Paul, author of The Gutsy Girl, discusses how to instill a sense of daring into girls and why it’s important.
Why The Consumer Internet Of Things Is Stalling
Mike Farley, the CEO of a Silicon Valley-based company, argues that technology companies should focus on solving simple everyday issues in order to connect to consumers.
A democracy deficit plagues the US and the European Union
Philosopher David V. Johnson argues that increasing the number of House representatives would strengthen the connection to constituents and improve favorability ratings.
The Native American Protests in North Dakota Are About More Than an Oil Pipeline
Writer Jared Keller argues that the protests of Native Americans and environmentalists against an oil pipeline in North Dakota signify a shift from warnings about the future impact of climate change to more immediate and personal consequences.
Is Gender Segregation in Sports Necessary?
Writer Alice Sanders argues that gender integration of sports teams would benefit society.
Is The Declaration Of Independence Based On A Lie?
Former political science professor and writer Tom Lindsay argues that the Declaration of Independence’s claim that “all men are created equal” wasn’t meant to reflect society at the time, but what it could be.
East Aleppo’s last hospital destroyed by airstrikes
Even in a war zone, a hospital is supposed to be a safe place; but the lives of doctors and the patients they work to save are increasingly at risk.
Humans once opposed coffee and refrigeration. Here’s why we often hate new stuff.
Harvard professor Calestous Juma explains why people often resist innovation.
College move-in day: What would Henry David Thoreau say?
Columnist Danny Heitman compares the relative luxuries of his daughter’s LSU college dorm room to what famed author Henry David Thoreau experienced at Harvard in the 1830s.
Cities make us forget what’s great about nature
This article examines a study in the journal Science that argues that as urban density grows, humans’ connection to nature decreases. The authors of the study propose that smart city planning can counteract this trend.
Why We Won’t See More Games Like ‘Pokemon Go’
Read this argument that other game developers will find it difficult to replicate the success of ‘Pokemon Go,’ which was created by large established companies and brands.
Sorry, Strivers: Talent Matters
Which are most important to becoming successful: talent and intelligence or practice and hard work? This opinion piece suggests that natural ability and intellect win out over strong work ethic. What do you think?
The Benefits of Fear
We expend a lot of effort trying to get over our fears, but some fears are healthy.
Remarks by the First Lady at City College of New York Commencement
Read this transcript of First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2016 commencement speech in which she advised students to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of the students at City College of New York and of the citizens of the United States.
Obama gets personal with Yosemite in speech, long hike
During a visit to Yosemite to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, President Obama recalled the wonder he felt visiting Yellowstone as a child and argued the importance of preserving natural spaces.
9 Core Behaviors of People Who Positively Impact the World
Author and success coach Kathy Coprino outlines nine traits of individuals who have significant positive impacts. The behaviors she uncovers can be applied not only to business leaders, but to people in all fields.
Vanity, Pollution, and Death on Mt. Everest
Reaching the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth, is considered a heroic quest by many; however, one writer has a different opinion.
The Question That Will Help You Define Success
Amy Morin, the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, argues that individuals should focus on their own personal definitions of success rather than compare themselves to others.