Wilfred Mark McClay

"For much of American history, an impassable gulf seemed to separate Jews and Christians, keeping their respective peoples and cultures far apart. But in recent decades that has begun to change. The rise of a militant secularism, one equally hostile to Israel and to America's Judeo-Christian values and institutions, has unexpectedly drawn Jews and Christians closer together. In the face of a common civilizational threat, the deep kinship that has always existed between the two traditions has risen to the fore. Jewish Roots of American Liberty illustrates how the free institutions that we value so much in today's America-including Christianity itself-are securely grounded in Jewish antecedents. The thirty-one essays and documents that comprise this book offer a sampling of the many ways--Biblical, cultural, literary, and political--that the Hebraic tradition has contributed to the treasury of American self-understanding. Topics range from the titanic influence of the Hebrew Bible on the political culture of the American Founding, to the distinctly Hebraic vision of figures like John Milton, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Abraham Lincoln, to the Biblical heroes whose examples run through the canon of the American imagination, and more." --Provided by the publisher

Time is a complex and elusive concept that has puzzled philosophers for centuries. Augine of Hippo famously struggled to define time, and modern-day philosophers continue to grapple with its nature. The American Heritage Dictionary defines time as a nonspatial continuum in which events occur in irreversible succession. However, this definition fails to capture the true essence of time. The concept of "real time" has become popular in our society, implying authenticity and immediacy. But what does it really mean to experience something in real time? And why do we prioritize live broadcasts over recorded or remembered events? Perhaps our understanding of time should reflect our internal experience rather than conforming to external standards. Aristotle defined time as the measure of motion, leaving room for various forms of measurement and human experience. In our fast-paced world, it is important to step back and reflect on the larger picture, rather than becoming consumed by the constant flow of real time. By embracing a deeper sense of time that incorporates memory, imagination, and historical consciousness, we can gain a more meaningful understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

McClay discusses the prevalent use of the word "like" as a filler in contemporary language, particularly among young people. He argues that this usage reflects a lack of confidence in language itself and a detachment from the full meaning of assertions. While some linguists view "like" as a modal marker of thought in motion, he contends that it is more akin to a compulsive verbal tic. The excessive use of "like" hinders precise expression and undermines the weight and responsibility of one's words. He emphasizes the importance of learning to use precise words without hesitation or qualification, as it reflects a resolution of self-knowledge and discipline. This quality of composure in speech can also foster composure in one's soul. He suggests that fostering this quality in public speech is crucial and can have a positive feedback effect. He highlights the need to reconsider the use of "like" and promote more precise and confident language.