I thought of the statement from ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus: “Everything has two handles, one by which you can carry it, the other by which you cannot” (Enchiridion). How to carry the reality of terrorist acts in the past and their likelihood in the future? We can only carry this burden within the circumstances of our personal lives. Each of us left the philosopher’s lunch to return to lives which hadn’t experienced terrorism directly, our homes geographically far from Paris and now Mali. You and I must find our own handles for lifting the heavy burden of terrorism. The handle used by Antoine Leiris or the terrorists? I’m lining up with Antoine. His weapons win.
Read MoreMarietta McCarty
is a New York Times bestselling author, philosopher, and teacher. She defines philosophy as “the art of clear thinking," and invites every one she encounters (or anyone who picks up one of her books) into the good life, marked by simplicity and the fullness of life's greatest treasures.
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When Lucille Clifton asks, “won’t you celebrate with me,” we answer yes. What does this Black woman decide when she finds no model for how to create her life? “what did i see but to be myself?” she responds. The poet fastens her hands and makes her life of “starshine and clay.” What does a boy from the staunchly-segregated south long to do before he dies? Jimmy Carter casts his ballot for Kamala Harris. Won’t you celebrate the 39th president with me?