They kissed and took selfies

Peter Kalkavage discusses Dante, Mark Edmundson wonders if we should teach Plato in gym class, and Bernardo Aparicio García talks about burning your selfies. An evening at the Wadsworth Mansion afforded opportunity for conversation and reflection on the meaning of photographs, as well as contemplation of some interesting portraits. Is there a difference? When it comes to birds, Maureen Mullarkey has something to say about John James Audubon and the great blue heron. Photographs are rumored to capture the soul, but perhaps it is painting which has the power to bring deeper realities to the surface. Biology is full of ingenious alternatives to photography, the glass flowers at Harvard being one example. Abby McBride is a sketch biologist, and also films seagulls dancing.