In Praise of Savagery

The Law and Lawyers – Robot Wars for Pedants

It is my impression that making a career out of the intricacies of the law has less to do with wisdom and compassion and more to do with having a somewhat legalistic mindset. And it is my impression that to work in litigation in particular you have to be up for something of a scrap as well. Because litigation, when you look at it, is a form of Robot Wars for pedants.

Read more →

Nice Day For A White Wedding

We were talking, in this mud hut, about the lives and customs of the places in which we lived. The two Turkana were particularly keen to learn about marriage customs in England, one of them having recently married for the second time; and they were amazed to hear that we could have only one wife where we came from. Amazement turned to frank disbelief when the matter of bride-price arose. Or rather, the lack of bride-price.

Read more →

Elsewhere

And how while you’re doing what you’re doing now, and while you’re thinking what you’re thinking now there are whole other lives going on in which you are nothing, and whole other places where you are not, and which you will never see, from the home of the man you pass each morning on the way to work furthermost depths of empty space.

Read more →

Nobody Likes A Quitter

There are people who seem to go out of their way not to have pleasure, or who seem to think that pleasure is somehow frivolous or unworthy while there are more important things to be done.

Read more →

Age, Death, Revenge – and Kenny Rogers

When I was younger, I’d hear all the old people come out with the most extraordinary things – things you aren’t meant even to think these days, much less come out with in polite company. But actually, I’m beginning to see the point of it now. Beginning to see the attraction, as it were.

Read more →