Ben Christenson

1 month ago | benjaminchristenson.com | Leah Libresco Sargeant |Ben Christenson |Rod Dreher

I find hosting confusing. Are we supposed to do “scruffy hospitality”—inviting people into our homes and lives “as is” rather than all tidied up, offering spaghetti and meatballs on paper plates rather than an elaborate hors d'oeuvres spread? Or is brunch hell and a true dinner party the only acceptable way of having guests over? If everyone’s so lonely, why does it take so much effort to get anyone to commit and show up for something? Is there any way to avoid the epidemic of last-minute flaking?

2 months ago | conservativereview.com | Ben Christenson

2 months ago | thefederalist.com | Ben Christenson

The first red flag with Nicholas Carr’s new book is the subtitle: “How technologies of connection tear us apart.” It’s beyond banal, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. After all, his book The Shallows is still the definitive treatment of how the internet has “rewired” our brains. It’s been 10 years since his last book. I figured he wouldn’t end the hiatus without something to say.

Dec 5, 2024 | benjaminchristenson.com | Ben Christenson |Louise Perry |Freya India |Paul Kingsnorth

They say you don’t really grow up until you have kids of your own. And in many ways, that’s true, and I’m grateful for my children. They bring me deep joy, pull me out of my selfish tendencies, and teach me the satisfaction of responsibility. But I didn’t realize marriage and kids would make me a grown-up in the bad ways too. I constantly mix up my kids’ names. I think to myself, “My daughter was born in 2022?

Aug 29, 2024 | frontporchrepublic.com | Ben Christenson

Earlier this summer, I arrived at a coffee shop, ready to meet Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, professor of economics, mother of eight, and author of Hannah’s Children. Our meeting got off to a slow start when I failed to recognize her. Given her professional and personal obligations, I was imagining perhaps a buttoned-up business professor or a frazzled working mother, so I was quite surprised when a stylish woman in her late forties approached me and introduced herself as Dr. Pakaluk.