17: If

17: If

‘If’ is such a small word. But it’s far from insignificant or inconsequential. It’s the hinge of choice. In mathematics, there’s a slightly longer word, ‘iff’—meaning if and only if. ‘If’ has always been recognised as punching far above its weight. Ancient...
16: Python at the Threshold

16: Python at the Threshold

Although the spirit of Python isn’t the only sentinel stationed on a threshold, it’s the one we usually recognise first. It’s a constrictor: it tries to squeeze us so tightly we feel forced to surrender to its agenda. Its goal is to block us so we’re never able to...