The Gospel of Matthew (2:1–12) tells of the Magi, or wise men, bearing gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—to the baby Jesus. This month, 2023 years later, gifts are top of mind. Looking back, I remember the steady advance of presents under the tree and over the years: Tonka truck, Lincoln Logs, Lionel train set, G.I. Joe, Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle, Wilson football, leather jacket, Macallan 12-year-old scotch, UGG furry slippers (these are fabulous!) … necktie … necktie … necktie. An observation: most of the presents received over time are lost to time. But certain gifts keep on giving. So, in the spirit of the holidays, I offer the gifts of insight, perspective, and humor from my favorite present-day wise men.
Kevin D. Williamson, The Dispatch
Intellectual gadfly Kevin D. Williamson writes on American life, politics, and culture in a unique and entertaining way. If you enjoy discovering how wrong you are about a lot of things, Williamson is your guy. I read everything this fellow Texan writes. For a 30-day guest pass to The Dispatch, contact me and I will gladly sign you up.
Morgan Housel, Collaborative Fund
Financial writer Morgan Housel has written two engaging and easy-to-read books, The Psychology of Money and Same as Ever. The first focuses on how to think about money, the second on how to think about living in our ever-changing world. For those who prefer using ears to eyes, Housel’s regular podcast is here.
David Brooks, The New York Times
The always affable David Brooks is a conservative political and cultural commentator. His latest book, How To Know A Person, discusses the essential skills for being human. A video interview is here. Brooks is a genuine good guy who writes about how to be a good boy or girl (don’t forget … Santa is watching).
Finally, the holiday season is here, and I have a confession … I still enjoy watching A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. There’s a reason these shows have remained perennial favorites. It’s the peace and joy we feel when, at the end of each production, the characters gather together to sing. If people would spend more time with the wise—and less with the angry—we would all have more peace and joy throughout the year.
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