Camus would be proud

04.18.2003

One of the reasons why I love reading James Lileks' Bleats every weekday is that he's an amazing essayist w/ a profoundly honest mind. Also, he's so much better at putting thoughts to words than I am. Like this excerpt from his latest:

You know, if you paw through the reams of resolutions put forth by the UN, I'm sure you'll find one that outlaws special jails for children, too. I'm no longer interested in reading the arguments of people who regard a war that empties the children's jails as a greater evil than the jails themselves. And I don't share their horror for the word "illegal," particularly in the context of international law. Is the worst thing about modern-day slavery its illegality? Or the fact that it's slavery?

And yet he spends as much (or more) time doting on his beloved daughter "Gnat" (Natalie) and the small joys of his simple life. This same post, which starts addressing the war, turns into a critique of the current state of children's literature (contra Madonna).

In short, he never rants. He thinks. And he realizes that the simple acts of life are as profound — perhaps more profound — than all the headlines combined.

Posted by Miguel at 02:56 AM

Comments

Yah, many of these essayists are brilliant in their wit! They have such a fun style of revealing insights that are different from the mainstream fare.

Posted by: Steph at April 18, 2003 11:33 AM