I believe in Daniel Dennett

Daniel Dennett in about 2004. “There’s simply no polite way to tell people they’ve dedicated their lives to an illusion,” he said of religion. Credit...Eamonn McCabe/Popperfoto, via Getty Images New York Times

My connection to global news on the whole isn’t as robust as it used to be. I consider this beneficial. However, a consequence of this retreat is that I miss peripheral events most people would consider inconsequential.


On April 19, Daniel Dennett died. For me this event is as far from inconsequential as anything could be. Dennett is by every measure one of my heroes. He was a titan of reason and ideas to whom I listened for hours at a time. I read his books, watched his debates and lectures. He both verified my intuitions and crushed my delusions. I will forever be grateful for Daniel Dennett.

Shine on, you crazy diamond.