It was my undergraduate experience at the University of Chicago that convinced me to pursue the life of the mind. Weintraub explained that Erasmus believed man had a kind and benevolent nature, possessing a free will but hindered by institutions. Wokeness, politicization, arguments over free speech, the bureaucratization and financialization of universities, the narrowing of disciplines, and their disconnect from the world outside of the ivory tower: all are likely culprits. As an academic outlet, we rely on scholars, many who reside and most of whom were trained in the ivory tower, to provide us with their best, most insightful work. Facilitating these conversations in a serious, honest, and rigorous way is the noblest, most important role that the ivory tower — and journals such as the Texas National Security Review — can play.

Source: New York Times January 30, 2024 13:15 UTC