In his dissent in Abrams v. United States, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. writes, regarding freedom of speech, that “the ultimate good desired is better reached by free trade in ideas – that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market.” He also writes that “we should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of opinions,” even (and perhaps especially) those we disagree with.
The vast majority of popular non-fiction writing is opinion writing, in which the writer advocates for or against a particular point of view. While such writing is important as raw material for this “free trade in ideas,” this newsletter is a little different and a lot more experimental. Everyone has heard of “the death of the author,” but fewer are aware that it does not occur alone; the death of the author is necessary for “the birth of the reader.” As such, these guidelines may assist in better reading and understanding.
My goal with this newsletter is not to advocate for preconceived notions and ideas, nor to create echo chambers of praise and criticism, but to intellectually explore complex topics and examine them through a wide and diverse range of perspectives. When I’ve explored, researched, and analyzed a topic, and my thoughts are more well-formed, I pledge to share them with you, without fear of criticism or controversy. Throughout these essays and ensuing conversations, we will explore, experiment, and build the foundation stones of the Evolutionary Age.
As we’re engaging in intellectual exploration, any perspectives presented in an essay are those of the essay itself, not of its author, and are entirely unrelated to and unreflective of any personal or professional opinions I may hold, or of those of anyone else I may engage with. Similarly, nothing I write is intended as or constitutes praise or criticism from my part – the all-too-common desire to assign moral valence is an impediment to deeper thinking – and the linking or citation of a source does not represent approval or endorsement. Indeed, separate essays can and will explore different or even opposite perspectives: for instance, a panoply of far-left, far-right, and far out. A quote attributed to Aristotle goes “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it,” and I trust that you are an educated reader. (Formal schooling is not necessary or even relevant here. Curiosity and open-mindedness serve as better guides.)
You can reach me at geraldrogue@protonmail.com. I will read all incoming e-mails, but I cannot guarantee a response. For more on this, please see Neal Stephenson’s “Why I Am a Bad Correspondent.”
I plan to publish new essays roughly on a monthly basis. The best way to stay up-to-date with my work is to sign up for free e-mails directly to your inbox.
