David Brooks's Blog, page 80

What Suffering Does

In a culture obsessed with happiness, we should remember that coming to terms with suffering is instructive to the soul.

Party All the Time

The Supreme Court’s McCutcheon decision strengthens democracy by enabling the parties to take back power from major donors.

The Employer’s Creed

The hiring process deeply affects the kind of people we have in our society. A little healthy bias in decision-making might cultivate deeper, fuller human beings.

The Republic of Fear

For Americans, security is fundamental. But people in places without our inherited institutions live where the primary realities include violence, theft and radical uncertainty.

Going Home Again

Sting reminds us all that sometimes you have to gaze back into the past in order to move forward.

Spring Fashion That Makes a Statement

Pinstripes make a return on and off the runway; small purses are the handbag of the moment; and from Viktor & Rolf, a safety pin earring.

How Cities Change

The Newark mayoral race exemplifies the conflict in many American cities between those who are part of the political structure and those who want to change it.

The Deepest Self

The evolutionary view on human nature sells humanity short.

Groundhog Days

Brooks and Collins on whether it will be more of the same, politically speaking, in 2014 and 2016.

The Leaderless Doctrine

There has been a shift in Americans’ understanding of the role of the U.S. and the nature of power, with complex and unnerving consequences.