Darwin spent years pondering the nature of altruism, in humans, but also animals, citing in The Descent of Man caretaking behaviors among parrots and pelicans, among others. The examples fit his anti-exceptionalist thesis, the view that humans were neither separate from nor better than animals––basically that animals aren't animals. He argued for a rationale of caregiving on evolutionary grounds, separate from religion. That is, he stressed the benefits of altruism for the entire spectrum of...

In July 2025 Christus Hospital in Santa Fe opened a cancer center that has been a game changer in the region. Archbishop Lamy founded the original facility in 1865; over time it developed a treatment wing for cancer paitients, but as technologies became more sophisticated patients often had to travel to other centers like Denver or Houston to receive care. It only took a minute once the new facility opened for it to become a hub in its own right. The new wing is state-of-the-art...

I've seen it happen to so many, including loved ones in the course of my life; why shouldn't it happen to me, except for a false sense of security? Namely that in eating right, exercising often, and drinking little I'm immune. I dutifully visit my doctor each year. So why did cancer happen to me? It was the annual PSA that signaled there was a problem. I've heard of readings in the hundreds, so I assumed that with a 6.73 all was well, especially since the Mayo Clinic designates 6.50 as...