Features Archive — In Character, A Journal of Everyday Virtues by the John Templeton Foundation

Prometheans vs. Copernicans

Carl Pope | Posted on 03/01/10

The apotheosis of Promethean science was the atomic bomb, which once again stole the gods’ fire for mortal use.

Awe and the Machine

Christine Rosen | Posted on 03/01/10

By the twentieth century, the newest machines had stopped filling us with wonder.

Can the truly humble attain greatness in wordly affairs?

Posted on 03/01/10

Six responses: Michael Shermer, William Saletan, Omid Safi, Robert Royal, Kate Wheeler, and David Warren.

Virtue or Vice?

Wilfred M. McClay | Posted on 03/01/10

The mighty god of “self-esteem” sometimes seems to have replaced humility.

Joe Queenan: The Buck Stops Here. Though I Wish It Didn't

Joe Queenan | Posted on 02/26/10

Politicians love to mouth it, invariably thrusting out their chests as they do so, for maximum effect. Executives do the same. Football coaches are particularly fond of this once noble expression, not to mention economists. Headline writers positively adore this full-service, one-size-fits-all play on words, and talk-show hosts are no slouches, either. Especially the macho ones. When Truman used the phrase "the buck stops here" he was actually taking responsibility for something.