Point & Counter-point

Not to wax too Hegelian, but these two essays argue well their theses; each is a fine example of the art of the essay.

This first essay has more excellent ideas per paragraph than do entire libraries. It author, James Q Wilson, is consistently engaging and fascinating -- whether you agree or disagree with his thesis.

The second essay is consistently, uproariously funny in a sardonic sort of way. I laughed out loud many, many times.

Of course, the synthesis of the two distinct arguments is up to each of us. What do you think...?