Culture & Religion — July 29, 2014

Big Brother is Watching You

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This looks like a still from Federico Fellini‘s classic film Amarcord, inspired by the filmmaker’s childhood in fascist Italy. According to Historical Pics, it’s Benito Mussolini’s Fascist Party headquarters in 1934 Rome.

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A graphic with text “an excerpt from” on the left and the book cover of “The Never Ending Empire” by Aldo Cazzullo on the right, exploring how the Roman Empire still influences British culture today.

Books

The Empire reflects back: Rome’s lasting influence on British culture

From medieval myths to Shakespeare’s plays and modern cinema, British culture kept the Roman Empire alive long after its fall.

The cover of "Beyond Stoicism" by Pigliucci, Lopez, and Kunz masterfully blends historical philosopher portraits into a circular design, reflecting the depth and timeless relevance of stoicism.

Thinking

Navigate to the “three ports” of ancient philosophy to find the good life

Pleasure, virtue, and doubt are necessary, but each is insufficient on its own.

The letters "AI" appear with a glitch effect in multicolored pixels against a black background.

The Present

AI skeptic Gary Marcus on AI’s moral and technical shortcomings

The cognitive scientist argues the current AI environment is failing us as consumers and a society. But it’s not too late to change course.

An older man with white hair and a suit receives a document from another man in a robe during an event, as several people look on in the background. In the age of viral misquotes, capturing such moments accurately becomes ever more crucial.

High Culture

Einstein didn’t say that: How viral misquotes evolve and replicate

From Einstein to Twain, Garson O’Toole investigates the truth behind your favorite — and often misattributed — quotes.

An open book with a black-and-white photo of a woman on the left page and a close-up image of a flower bud on the right page.

Smart Skills

3 subtle traits of successful late bloomers

Late bloomers often find their moment of transformation when life throws them a curveball.

Up Next

Words of Wisdom

Cusack on the Senses

“I force people to have coffee with me, just because I don’t trust that a friendship can be maintained without any other senses besides a computer or cellphone screen.” – John Cusack