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Inspiring the Barbarian in You through stories about Vigor, Wonder, and Fellowship



Finding the Sublime
When we feel the sublime, we connect with a warm and peaceful energy we love but don’t understand. Some call it God.
Ed Hinman
Mar 146 min read


The Dude Abides
How "The Big Lebowski" teaches us to surrender our pain and let things go.
Ed Hinman
Feb 85 min read


A Reason for Optimism
Facing the election, take solace in knowing that you already live in the most peaceful, prosperous, and tolerant society in world history.
Ed Hinman
Nov 3, 20245 min read


Visiting No Man’s Land
My pilgrimage to Verdun, France... 32 years in the making.
Ed Hinman
Sep 25, 20247 min read


The Sad Shires of War (Barbarian Poets 2/3)
Wilfred Owen’s poetry gives me something I need most in modern life: to feel. While his bleak message reminds me to keep the faith.
Ed Hinman
Aug 11, 20249 min read


Man Against Machine (Barbarian Poets 1/3)
Facing the mechanized horrors of World War I, some soldiers didn’t search for meaning, they created it.
Ed Hinman
Jul 28, 20248 min read


Castles! (William the Conqueror, 3/3)
The History and Lasting Wonder of England's Castles.
Ed Hinman
Jun 7, 20249 min read

Don't Be Ashamed - Love What You Love
When others mock your passion, it's a good sign you’re onto something special.
Ed Hinman
Mar 30, 20244 min read


The Dark Wonders of Goth
Why the dark and deathly themes of Gothic Art can paradoxically make us happier and more creative human beings.
Ed Hinman
Feb 25, 202410 min read


Churchillian Wonder
How Winston Churchill fought Depression with Art
Ed Hinman
Dec 22, 20235 min read


“It was October” -- That Time In Between…
This Fall, I hope you too set your senses and intuitions ablaze with wonder.
Ed Hinman
Oct 27, 20234 min read


Into the Woods of Wonder - 2/2 (Thinking about the Roman Empire)
Concluding the epic battle when barbarians stopped the Roman Empire cold.
Ed Hinman
Oct 15, 202310 min read


Into the Woods of Wonder - 1/2 (Thinking about the Roman Empire)
In 9AD, three Roman legions (18,000 men) entered the Teutoburg Forest of Germany and were never seen again. This is their story.
Ed Hinman
Sep 24, 202312 min read


To the Ends of the Earth with Julius Caesar
When Caesar ventured off the map and into unknown worlds, he discovered new lands and peoples that captivated the Roman world with Wonder.
Ed Hinman
Jun 9, 20239 min read


Passages to Wonder
When we read our favorite passages from our favorite books, we flee the "real world" for the wonders of Neverland.
Ed Hinman
Mar 17, 20236 min read


The Wonder, Power, and Benefit of Past Lives
General Patton believed he had lived many lives before -- all as a warrior. He used those intuitive beliefs to fuel his success. So can you
Ed Hinman
Dec 2, 202210 min read


Ignite the Wonders of Fall
As the days turn short and the nights grow long, dark autumn winds blow wonder into my life. Here’s how.
Ed Hinman
Nov 4, 20224 min read


Barbarian Gyms: Portals to Wonder (Drawn to Iron - 2/3)
Hardcore gyms offer a portal to escape the malaise of modern life. Inside these power plants of iron and effort, we can be heroes.
Ed Hinman
Oct 21, 20224 min read


How Medieval Book Hunters Saved History
Europe’s book hunters sought to rescue the ancient classics many thought forever lost to history.
Ed Hinman
Oct 7, 20228 min read


What to Do? Start by Trusting Yourself (Emerson - 1/3)
More than anyone in history, Emerson wants You to be You, especially when the world wants you to be something else.
Ed Hinman
Aug 12, 20226 min read
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