Paul D. Wilke
Twisted Visions: The Life and Art of Alfred Kubin
A look at Alfred Kubin's troubled life, disturbing art, and his quest for meaning.
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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
Paul D. Wilke
- Jan 1
Ferdinand Magellan's Last Days and Totally Embarrassing Death
On Magellan's last days and the mistakes leading to his demise
Paul D. Wilke
- Oct 17, 2023
When Plague Met Prejudice: Anti-Semitic Violence During 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
- Sep 22, 2023
Human Connection in Guy Debord's Society of the Spectacle
Rediscovering the joy of good conversation made me realize just how bad it is out there. So of course I turned to Guy Debord for insights.
Paul D. Wilke
- Jul 16, 2023
No, Cattle Grazing Won't Save Us From Climate Change
A look at Allan Savory's Holistic Planned Grazing. Can it really solve climate change as he claimed in his TED Talk? Nope. Here's why.
Paul D. Wilke
- Jun 13, 2023
Did Germany Really Get Screwed by the Treaty of Versailles?
Though it's hard to believe, Germany came out of WWI much better than it might have, especially compared to the war's other losers.
Paul D. Wilke
- May 2, 2023
Moms for Liberty: Book Banning Advocates or Champions of Parental Rights?
I'm 100% against book banning. Could I be wrong? Maybe some books should be banned. I take a look.
Paul D. Wilke
- Apr 13, 2023
William James on Religion vs. Atheism
A look at William James's critique of atheism and how he found it lacking in comparison to religious belief.
Paul D. Wilke
- Mar 25, 2023
Was George Orwell Really a Socialist? (yes, he was!)
George Orwell hated totalitarianism in all forms. Everyone knows that. But he was also a committed socialist. What?
Paul D. Wilke
- Jan 28, 2023
Pincher Martin's Awful Afterlife: A Look at William Golding's Forgotten Masterpiece
A look at William Golding's profound and challenging novel, Pincher Martin.
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