Tidbits:
Stories, Quotes, and FAQs.
The wisdom builder tidbits that feed the columns, articles, and trainer.
POLITICS
Featured Story
Philosophy
Story
1903 to 1950, aged 46.
George Orwell
Orwellian Thought
Orwellian Thought
Born Eric Arthur Blair in British India, George Orwell wrote in English about how corruption starts when language is twisted, facts are manipulated, and authority demands loyalty over reality.
Featured QUOTE
History
Quote
“The first person who thought of saying ‘This is mine’ was the real founder of civil society.”
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- 1755
Social Constructs
Submitted as an entry to a competition sponsored by the Academy of Dijon, which posed a question on the origin of inequality.
A Social Construct is a shared non-natural belief; created and maintained by groups; and they shape reality.
Featured FAQ
History
FAQ
How did Copernicus show both the power and limits of models?
Scientific Modeling
Copernicus teaches us that replacing one model with a better one is not an admission of past foolishness, but a sign of intellectual growth. The power of a model lies in its explanatory strength; its limit lies in the fact that it is still a representation.
Updated Tidbits
05 May 2026
(Updated 2 weeks ago)
05 May 2026
(Updated 3 weeks ago)
05 May 2026
(Updated 4 weeks ago)
Our Time
A Science-First Worldview
Evidence before ideology. Curiosity over certainty.
I approach politics and culture the same way I approach science and philosophy: follow the evidence, question assumptions, and revise conclusions when better information appears. No team jerseys—just a commitment to reality, human dignity, and long-term thinking. Yes, I identify as a democrat, but that’s only because Republicans deny science which is the core of my worldview. –Michael Alan Prestwood
Deep-Dive Articles
No Kings Has Deep Historical Roots
Recent protests reflect the timeless struggle to limit power and oppression using checks and balances.
Women’s Rights History in 3 Minutes!
History shows that when rights are left to the states, they’re often lost, limited, or delayed. Check out the story of women's rights from gaining the right to property in 1900 to their right to ...
Women’s Rights History in 3 Minutes!
History shows that when rights are left to the states, they’re often lost, limited, or delayed. Check out the story of women's rights from gaining ...
The Internet and the Information Revolution: Changing the Way We Learn
Since the late 1990s, I have repeatedly told my family and friends that the internet has fundamentally altered the world we live in because knowledge ...
The Woke Movement
The woke movement simply promotes good ethics by advocating for social justice, equality, and inclusion. It seeks to raise awareness about systemic issues and inequalities ...
Must-Reads
Philosophy of Law
Nonpartisan: The Federalist Papers and Presidential Impeachment
Nonpartisan: Are you curious about what the Federalist Papers say about impeachment? This article gives you a quick review of our constitution and impeachment, then ...
Philosophy of Law
Parable of the Ship by Roger Williams, 1655
Roger Williams’ 1655 Parable of the Ship is used as an illustration of separation of church and state, liberty, and the common good. In this ...
Post Medieval
The First Religions of Colonial America
Discover the diverse religious tapestry of Colonial America with Mike Prestwood. He tells the story of early religion from Roger Williams' groundbreaking multi-faith colony to ...
New Ideas
Updated Articles
TST COLUMN
12 Apr 2020
History
Article
Religions of the World, a Breakdown of Belief Systems
Bible
Sun 12 Apr 2020
(6 years ago)
Updated 2 weeks ago.
TST COLUMN
10 Feb 2019
History
Article
Read Text of The 1663 Royal Charter of Rhode Island
Sun 10 Feb 2019
(7 years ago)
Updated 4 weeks ago.
History
Article
Education: On Testing in Schools
Education
Mon 6 Apr 2026
(2 months ago)
Updated 2 months ago.