Conventional Wisdom
Timeless stories from our 174-year archive handpicked to add context to the news of the day.
The Nominee
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Norman Mailer at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Read “Miami Beach and Chicago”
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“The nominee must also outline the Democratic vision for the future: ‘The question isn't just what is wrong with the past, but what we can do right in the future.’”
Read “The Democrats’ Script for 1988” by Robert Shrum
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On producing the 2004 DNC: “Jesus! We need more balloons.”
Rise of the Rent-A-Cop
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Read Jasper Craven's cover story from our new issue, then investigate the Harper’s archive for more on private police forces.
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Seeking security: would-be guards ply their trade in the classifieds.
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On the golden age of the freelance soldier.
Read “The Warrior Class” by Charles Glass
Not Sorry: Canadian Rail Strikes
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“After public money to a vast amount had been expended on surveys, and some of the [Canadian Pacific Railway] actually constructed, a bargain was concluded with an association of capitalists...In short, the government was only too glad to get clear of the whole scheme, and give a royal bounty to anyone willing and able to finish it.”
Read “Canadian Pacific Railway and the New Northwest” by Francis E. Prendergast
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A bridge to Canada: on the trials and tribulations of private vs. public infrastructure.
Read “Crossing Guards” by Matt Mossman
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The lost glory of America’s railroads.
Read “21st Century Limited” by Kevin Baker
Do You Mind?
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“What is mindfulness? Is it safe and effective for children?”
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The risks of being too mindful.
Read “Lost in Thought” by David Kortava
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The mind, in full.
Read “On Free Will” by Edward O. Wilson