Thoughts on the mayhem (yet enchantment) of politics and existence. In this age, more than ever, many of you have questioned where you should seek solace. Where you should locate happiness. Where, at the very least, you should find a respite. My answer: the written word. To delve into the creations of the most gifted writers is to be reaffirmed of humanity’s inventiveness, thoughtfulness and vitality.
We are a shrewd and proficient species, despite our persistent attempts (and countless electoral cycles) to demonstrate the contrary. As I sifted through pieces of journalism to feature in the For the Love of Sentences section, I obtained a newfound reassurance in humanity. Well, to some degree. I found amusement, joy, even laughter. True, I berated a few authors for their linguistic virtuosity, a blessing denied to many of us, but this chiding was born of admiration.
It was a feeling of envy transformed into joy, coupled with a sense of gratitude to the readers who noticed and offered these literary pearls and countless others. My utmost thanks. Without further delay, here they are: phrases worth a second look. Worth cherishing. Their predecessors were displayed in the Best Sentences of 2023. I’ll commence gathering their progeny for 2025.
As we immerse ourselves in literature, let us advance to a quiet new year. But while we seek peace and understanding, the world of politics continues to stir. A commentator back in early July highlighted an unusual hesitation in President Biden and his inner circle to conclude his re-election campaign, remarking, ‘They are not merely flirting with catastrophe — they are drawing it into an intimate embrace.’
Contrary to the delight of literature, the course of Biden’s administration sparks more questions than answers, with analysts pointing out the recklessness with which they court disaster. It seems that their wilfulness to seek re-election despite countless setbacks gives many of us pause, a stark contrast to the safe haven found in the sanctuary of written words. One could optimistically consider this a further testament to human audacity. Yet, it resonates more as foolhardiness than courage.
This disregard for potential consequences demonstrates the lack of wisdom and foresight in Biden’s team. It’s as if the administration is willingly inviting calamity, engaging it in a provocative dance. Similar to those tantalizing sentences crafted by gifted authors, this political scenario is perplexing and yet captivating. But where one inspires admiration, the other elicits bewilderment.
So, while we rightfully admire the art of linguistics, it’s equally saddening to observe the art of politics in disarray. Particularly when that chaos is led by someone as experienced as Biden, whose advisers seem to revel in the face of impending doom. It’s a sight as baffling as it is worrisome.
Leaving us with the bitter realization of contrasting truths: on one hand, we have delightful sentences that serve as a testament to human creativity. On the other, we have leaders displaying an unnerving willingness to recklessly steer their journey into the jaws of disaster. It’s as though they are not merely tempting fate — they are downright challenging its patience.
Yet, we press on. We turn to the written word and humor as a source of resilience amid the political storm. The linguistic virtuosity that was celebrated previously now becomes a diversion, a refuge perhaps, from the baffling state of political affairs.
So, as we approach the ticking clock of a new year, we’ll continue searching for literary gems worth revisiting. With a quiet hope that the light of creativity reflected in these phrases will somehow deter the looming shadows of a mishandled political realm. Because if there’s one thing the human spirit thrives on, it’s the ability to find beauty amid the chaos, no matter how perplexing or nonsensical it may be.