Author Archives: pcostello

Marx once said that history repeats itself, first as tragedy and later as farce. If only? Modern consciousness seems to have decided that if history returns, it returns mostly as trauma, and this trauma treats the corrosive affects of history … Continue reading →

Let us all give thanks for this precious something that we all count ourselves to be, knowing that all of us started from nothing. Once upon a time, before we were born, there was no hint that we might ever … Continue reading →

Paul Costello In July 2000, CNS was invited to teach at a special summer school in Tashkent, capital of the former Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan.  Conducted in Russian for a group of philosophers and teachers from Russia, Ukraine, Mongolia, Georgia … Continue reading →

9-11 and 20 years on: act with haste, repent at leisure We are coming up to 20 years since 9-11. President Biden wanted to time the pull-out from Afghanistan to remind us of that. What he did not intend, I … Continue reading →

As a young boy growing up in war torn Gaza,  you learn pretty quickly that life is precious and fragile. I am 28 now, and a graduate of Gaza University, a soccer player who played for Palestine and a coach, … Continue reading →

Irish Aunties and Funerals My Dad was the proud son of Irish immigrants to Australia and so, growing up, we had our encounters with our maiden Irish Aunties, Great Aunties actually, Tessie and Lilly. I remember my sister Jenny and … Continue reading →

Dear Friends, “We made it through!” As 2020 comes to an end, we can at least tell ourselves that much. Hidden inside the sentiment are too many losses and so many challenges, but sometimes, “making it through”  signals the quiet triumph … Continue reading →

At the very least, we can tell ourselves, “We are still here, still breathing, still with a pulse.” That might sum up a minimalist’s Thanksgiving. “Mask and 6 feet distant” is better than “Last Gasp and 6 feet under.” Though … Continue reading →

“When we are lost, what we need is not a negotiator but a Navigator.”  

Reunion with long time friend Svend-Erik Enge “-the empty classrooms and play grounds-the story of what got you through……my fathers watch-the understanding that stories are about power and some have become so powerful that they have all but replaced reality and truth-that as … Continue reading →