The wilderness right outside our doors

Scott Sampson’s How to Raise a Wild Child affirms what I have long felt but couldn’t explain: All of us, especially kids, need to connect with nature in all sorts of ways, large and small. He lays out the arguments for connecting children with the natural...

If the people lead . . .

Bartletts, or else my search technique, has failed me. The quote I am looking for is, “If the people lead, the leaders will follow,” and it came to mind yesterday when Parents Forum board and friends gathered yesterday to mark Respect for Parents Day. I...

Why do we so often think . . .

that economic justice is a problem only for poor people? that gender equity, along with sexual assault and sex trafficking, are concerns only for women? that intimate partner violence can be resolved by helping only the victims? that racial equality is an issue only...

Today’s the day for donuts …and discussions

What’s more important, treats or talk? Both are of course and I am a big fan of chatting. I hope to see some of the readers of this (very occasional) blog at Davis Square in Somerville (Mass.) this afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. The address is 250 Elm Street,...

Report from Tunis, and FIEP

Steven Pinker … a quote I read on a Chipotle bag, of all places … said, “We will never have a perfect world, but it is not romantic or naive to work toward a better one.” I am in Tunis this week for the 50th anniversary conference of the...