Dear friends,
Last month, I did something I’ve never done before: I marched in a Veteran’s Day parade with my youngest son (a Cub Scout). It reminded me of the inherent struggle within myself when it comes to war. My late father served in the UK armed forces, my father-in-law served in Vietnam, and I have friends who served in the military too. I have great respect for those who take on this burden, but as a philosopher I feel it is my duty to strive towards ending the need for anyone to fight in a war. I am too much of a pragmatist to believe we will ever escape the horrors of warfare, yet I am too much of an idealist not to make the attempt. So to bring this first year of Stranger Worlds to a close, I have chosen ‘peace’ as our final theme.
Join the Conversation
I am still seeking those marvellous few who might want to spend their time engaging in discourse on the wide and wondrous topics our journey here explores. You can become a Stranger Traveller by pledging your money, or I am equally open to ‘creative barter’ - whatever your art or craft in life, I’ll gladly accept it in trade for a paid subscription if you have the will for discourse with me.
Why make comments paid…? Because I have discovered to my disappointment that open comments means giving time and sanity to those who would content themselves with ‘drive by flamings’ and angry outbursts, with no authentic interest in conversation. The paywall protects our discourse, but I am always happy to accept something other than money if you wish to cross to the other side, as I have no wish to exclude anyone with the will to share what is in their heart and mind.
Comments to this post are open, so please let me know if you wish to discuss joining the Stranger Travellers through creative barter.
Stranger Voices
And for those of you already among the Stranger Travellers, don’t forget to let me know when you find intriguing essays that reflect upon our principles for inclusion in the quasi-monthly Bazaar. You can even promote your own pieces if you wish!
With unlimited love,
Chris.