Optimism

The culture of Europe, and the civilization that has sprung from it, are not yet dead. The opportunity remains to give our best to them, and to receive, in reward, the experience of belonging.—Roger Scruton, The Philosopher on Dover Beach

Six hundred million years ago, the great explosion

Of life we now call the Cambrian laid the foundations of our world,

And that radiation, science says, was based on feces,*

Yes, shit. So if you feel we’re up to the neck in it now,

Consider: this, too, may well do its bit.

* https://phys.org/news/2026-08-fecal-revolution-earth-ecosystems.html

Tuesday, October 27, 2026