Society must collide with error one way or another, through argument or experience, to move beyond ideologies like wokeism.
Robert C. Thornett
Democracy has an unfortunate tendency to undermine itself by fixing citizens’ gaze on the present moment.
Vico’s theory of civilization is borne out by today's language of identity politics.
Identity politics is contrary to Tocqueville’s art of association and thus sabotages democratic self-governance.
A good teacher can inspire students to take charge of their own education.
Rather than focusing students on big common goals and helping them recognize their commonalities, DEI tears them apart.
Wokeism is a misguided attempt to achieve the simultaneous twin aims of social equality and social distinction.
Robert Thornett is a college and secondary social sciences instructor and a graduate of the Master's program in Great Books at St. John's College. His writing has appeared in The Diplomat, The American Mind, American Affairs, Front Porch Republic, Quillette, and others.