The ‘manosphere’ refers to a group of websites and online forums dedicated to promoting masculinity and (in most cases) misogyny. I say “in most cases” because it is a loose coalition which includes various groups; ‘men’s rights activists (MRA), incels (involuntary celibates), Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), pick-up artists…

Whether you consider it a discovery, an invention or a divine revelation, the development of monotheism out of the worldwide polytheistic tradition is one of the most important revolutions in human history. …

“I want to live among Muslims for a good long time, especially where their faith is most devout: in this way I expect to hone my appraisement and my eye for all that is European” (Friedrich Nietzsche, 13 March 1881) After writing my previous post, Nietzsche and Islam, I came…

Nietzsche is known as one of the great Christian iconoclasts. (He once referred to Christianity as ‘mankind’s greatest misfortune’.) But what is not as well-known is Nietzsche’s attitude toward Islam — which is, surprisingly, quite positive. At several points, he expressed appreciation for ‘the wonderful world of Moorish culture’, and…

Nietzsche said; sin in moderation — which seems like one of his more reasonable suggestions (especially for the Nietzsche of 1888, who was, by all accounts, already more than half-insane). But what does it mean to sin in moderation? Isn’t sin the opposite of moderation? Isn’t it, by definition, excessive…

Nick Land, the ‘madman philosopher’, is one of the most controversial thinkers of our time. This was true back in the 1990s, when Land was a leading member of the cult-like experimental collective known as the CCRU (Cybernetic Culture Research Unit), and it is especially true today — given his…

The expression, “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, is as true today as it was in 29 BC, when the Roman poet Sextus wrote (the first version of it) in his Elegies. The trouble is, today, we are all too accessible. Absence is disappearing. Everybody can be reached — by…

All lovers believe they are inventing love (Anne Carson) Loving is not the same as ‘really liking’. Love is, first and foremost, an ambivalent experience. There is just as much to dislike as there is to like. In fact, for some, the negative emotions far outweigh the positive. …

“Soon go back to the mountains” — Stormzy Winter is the season of retreat. To avoid the cold, we withdraw into our homes in voluntary isolation. For many, it can be quite a lonely time. But seclusion need not be a negative thing — especially if it is framed correctly. …