In the opening chapter of his book “The Crooked Timber of Humanity,” Isaiah Berlin discusses the influence that the works of Machiavelli had on him. The revelation that came to Berlin, through Machiavelli, was “that not all the supreme values pursued by mankind now and in the past were necessarily compatible with one another.” Instead, Berlin goes on to argue, we must accept that inconsistencies exist and reject the pursuit of a fixed, universal ideal.

I tend to agree with Machiavelli and Berlin. I am uncomfortable with a stable definition of what is good. In all likelihood my understanding of what is good will change. I don’t, however, reject the idea of good altogether.

None of the four authors featured here would agree with my understanding of the good. There is some consensus, though, that character is related to the notion of good. Regarding Columbia’s role in fostering character, however, there is no consensus.

Lanbo Zhang
Editorial Page Editor

Columbia should seek to develop good character, not just intellect.

• Reading character by Daniel Bonner
  • Familial relations by Justin D'Agostino
    • Beautiful violence by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj
      • Discovering goodness by Derek Turner

        The Canon runs every other Wednesday and is dedicated to the discussion of Columbia's perennial problems. Its prompts feature questions that we should repeatedly ask and constantly answer. While we may never come to firm resolutions, either collectively or individually, the belief is that there is some merit to the discussion itself.