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Remember Bernard Williams and his criticism of utilitarianism? He said that it denies us our integrity—our sense of being a whole and undivided person—and sacrifices our individual core projects in the name of a nonspecific mass human “happiness.” Utilitarianism can sometimes deny us the things that make us “us.” Williams would find absurd the idea that I did something morally wrong by buying my son a present celebrating a moment that we lovingly shared, and which represents an integral bonding experience. Ultimately, that’s where I personally land too—aligned with Williams and Susan Wolf, who warned us against seeking moral sainthood. Our lives are our own, and we shouldn’t feel bad about filling them with experiences and even objects that give those lives shape and dimension.
How to Be Perfect
Michael Schur
When the Dutch agreed to let the British keep New York in 1667, it was in exchange for Dutch Guiana (now Suriname) and its then more valuable sugar plantations.
The Case Against Sugar
Gary Taubes
Vivian was still single because she would have the right person or no one. We had a lot in common. We both were avid readers and enjoyed plays, movies, and music. As we both very much wanted children, we also agreed on the principles for raising them. We planned to give them all the education they wanted, teach them to think for themselves rather than simply accept received wisdom from experts and authority, and encourage them to choose their own calling in life. Both somewhat introverted, I more so, we looked forward to an academic life with its collection of smart educated people, teaching, research, and travel. There wouldn’t be a lot of money but it would be enough. What was important to us was how we spent our time and the people, family, friends, and colleagues, with whom we shared it. Though we shared many interests, we also had differences that were enriching.
A Man for All Markets
Edward O. Thorp
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