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Welcome to SteelSnowflake.org
A blog of long-form essays on history, philosophy, art, literature, society, and more
by Paul Wilke


A Plague of Hate: Medieval Pogroms in the Shadow of the Black Death
Living during the Middle Ages was bad enough. Living as a Jew during the Middle Ages was even worse. Now factor in the Black Death.
Paul D. Wilke
Aug 2
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Wallace Stevens and the Poetry We No Longer Write
A reflection on poetry, imagination, and the cultural cost of living online.
Paul D. Wilke
Jul 22
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Augustus Didn't Kill the Roman Republic (It Was Already Dead)
The Republic was dead long before Augustus rose to power. This essay pushes back against modern comparisons, showing how Augustus buried a broken system and built something that endured for centuries.
Paul D. Wilke
Apr 28
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Breaking the Roman Republic: The Tragedy of Tiberius Gracchus
The beginning of the end of the Roman Republic started with the best of intentions. A fiery young aristocrat named Tiberius Gracchus set out to reform a corrupt system dominated by the wealthy. During one turbulent year as tribune, he challenged the Senate’s authority, bent the rules, and paid with his life. What followed was nearly a century of escalating violence that tore the Republic apart.
Paul D. Wilke
Apr 19
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Dystopia of Decadence: Huxley’s Brave New World and Ours as Well
Huxley’s Brave New World warned of a dystopia where comfort and distraction erase depth, struggle, and meaning, echoing our world today.
Paul D. Wilke
Mar 1
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Fragments and Poppycock
A collection of sayings and half-baked thoughts not worthy of a full essay, but still interesting and thought-provoking. Or not.
Paul D. Wilke
Feb 25
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Apocalypse Without End: D.H. Lawrence on Revelation
D.H. Lawrence's thoughts (and mine) on Revelation and the Apocalyptic mindset and how those remain with us today.
Paul D. Wilke
Feb 9
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January Blues (a personal update)
A personal update on the blog
Paul D. Wilke
Jan 17
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