On Simple Pleasures
Or why I find it so hard to remember childhood vacations.
Hi, I'm Jason Canon.
The Novice collects my notes on democracy, liberation, and the contemplative life.
You can learn more about me and my work here.
Subscriptions are free. Supporters keep the pixels glowing and also receive a weekly set of worthwhile sites, books, and tools.
I hope you'll join the conversation.
Latest Essays
Sep 12
Seen: “Wait Here”
san francisco, 2025
1 min read
Jul 10
The Amish Farmer and the Fourth of July
One cheer for the geriatric republic.
2 min read
Mar 20
After Conceit, Conversation
In which I find a less combative approach to scholarship.
3 min read
Mar 14
"What have you got to show for it?"
A lesson in gratitude upon changing the clocks.
1 min read
Mar 06
Twitter, Warfare, and the Imagined Rival
What I've learned from treating interlocutors as, well, human.
2 min read
Feb 20
Winning Won't Make Us Happy
We were raised to be ambitious, and we're letting it destroy us.
4 min read
Feb 14
On Simple Pleasures
Or why I find it so hard to remember childhood vacations.
5 min read
Jan 30
The Consolations of Aristotle’s Ethics
What the Stagirite gets right on how to live.
3 min read
Jan 07
The Unburdening Year
Genius, depression, and creative restoration
8 min read
Dec 25
The Democracy Wager
How to choose a regime, or proxies for liberty behind the veil.
2 min read
Apr 30
Why Liberals Need Rousseau
Rousseau still has much to teach us about the need to pursue a common good.
10 min read
Jul 13
Not Perfect, but Better: Notes from a Nordic Tour
Nordic liberalism shows how reflexive anti-statism can do more harm than good.
5 min read