Editorial

David Simon’s effort to imaginatively portray the complexities of contemporary life in his television series The Wire (my favourite piece of television in a long, long time) is understood by Elijah Anderson as ultimately cynical and by Jacob Weisberg as ultimately hopeful. It is difficult to seriously talk about the complexities of the heartbreaking world in which we live without appearing cynical. And yet, even the most gimlet-eyed and hard-bitten of us yearn for hope.

My own advice, this time around? Three simple practices that have made a big difference in my own learning, as a student and in the years since.

Discerning—and making—what is good.

Love is the most powerful source in our lives, the deepest relationship of which we are capable. It shapes us, so we become like that which we love. So it’s worthwhile to reflect on the things we love—and so come to know ourselves.