The Best American Essays 2018

1. Race in America is a complex, historically rooted issue, deeply intertwined with sexual exploitation and denial.

Like the patriarchs of old our men live all in one house with their wives and their concubines, and the mulattoes one sees in every family exactly resemble the white children—and every lady tells you who is the father of all the mulatto children in everybody’s household, but those in her own she seems to think drop from the clouds.

Faulkner's exploration of race. William Faulkner's novels delve into the intricate and often painful history of race relations in the American South. His work reveals the deep-seated sexual exploitation of enslaved people by white masters and the subsequent denial and rationalization that perpetuated racial inequality. The concept of the "octoroon," a person with one-eighth African American ancestry, highlights the arbitrary and socially constructed nature of racial categories.

The burden of the past. Faulkner's characters are haunted by the legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on their lives. The past is not merely a historical event but a living force that shapes the present, influencing relationships, identities, and destinies. This is exemplified by the story of Thomas Sutpen in Absalom, Absalom!, whose life is destroyed by the revelation of his wife's African ancestry.

Denial and its consequences. The denial of the sexual exploitation of slaves and the resulting mixed-race offspring is a central theme in Faulkner's work. This denial perpetuates a cycle of violence, injustice, and social division. The inability to confront the truth about the past leads to tragic consequences for both black and white characters, highlighting the destructive power of historical amnesia.

2. Skepticism and free inquiry are essential for navigating a polarized society.

In such epochs where the highest values of life—our peace, our independence, our basic rights, all that makes our existence more pure, more beautiful, all that justifies it—are sacrificed to the demon inhabiting a dozen fanatics and ideologues, all the problems of the man who fears for his humanity come down to the same question: how to remain free?

Montaigne's relevance. Stefan Zweig's rediscovery of Montaigne's essays during his exile from Nazi-dominated Austria underscores the enduring relevance of skepticism and free inquiry in times of turmoil and oppression. Montaigne's commitment to freedom of thought and expression serves as a model for resisting dogmatism and maintaining intellectual independence.

The dangers of dogmatism. Unchecked dogmatism and ideological fanaticism can lead to the sacrifice of fundamental human values, including peace, independence, and basic rights. In an increasingly polarized society, the spirit of skeptical free inquiry is crucial for challenging entrenched beliefs and fostering tolerance for opposing perspectives.

The importance of self-dialogue. Free and open discussion begins with our dialogues with ourselves. By continually testing even our firmest beliefs and opinions, we can avoid the calcification of thought and opinion that leads to unquestioned dogma. Montaigne's essays serve as an exercise in self-scrutiny and free inquiry, encouraging readers to embrace doubt and uncertainty as sources of creativity and intellectual growth.

3. Existential threats like nuclear war and climate change demand immediate action and global cooperation.

The probability of global catastrophe is very high, and the actions needed to reduce the risks of disaster must be taken very soon.

The nuclear age and the Anthropocene. The end of World War II marked the beginning of both the nuclear age and the Anthropocene, two eras that pose unprecedented threats to human survival. The development of nuclear weapons and the dramatic changes to the environment caused by human activity have created a perfect storm that demands immediate attention.

The erosion of democracy. Policy making during the neoliberal years has significantly enhanced these threats by excluding the general population from participation in policy formation and undermining institutions that might be responsive to the public will. The concentration of wealth and political power has further diminished authentic democracy and hindered efforts to address these existential challenges.

The need for global cooperation. While the world is taking halting steps toward facing the existential challenge of climate change, the richest and most powerful state in world history, virtually alone, is racing toward destruction. The need for global cooperation and a functioning democracy is more urgent than ever to avert catastrophe and ensure the survival of the human experiment.

4. Cadence and rhythm can provide solace and motivation in the face of adversity.

While calling cadence we could forget about everything else: the future, friends and family, what forces were at work in the world.

The power of song. In the face of the harsh realities of Basic Training, the act of calling cadence provided a means of escape and focus. The rhythm and lyrics of the songs allowed soldiers to temporarily forget their fears and anxieties, uniting them in a shared experience.

Rhythm and routine. The structured days of Basic Training, with their planned sections of running, marching, and classes, created a sense of order and predictability in a chaotic environment. The rhythm of the daily routine, combined with the cadence of the songs, helped soldiers to cope with the physical and emotional demands of training.

The darker side of cadence. While cadence can provide solace and motivation, it can also be used to instill aggression and dehumanize the enemy. The killing cadences, with their violent and dehumanizing lyrics, reveal the darker side of military training and the potential for music to be used as a tool for shaping soldiers into unthinking killers.

5. Faith, though imperfect, can offer resilience and a sense of belonging.

I can’t always be where you are, but the more time you spend in church, the more eyes you have on you.

The complexities of faith. The author's personal experiences with abuse and the strict religious environment in which she grew up highlight the complexities of faith. While faith can provide comfort and a sense of community, it can also be used to control and oppress.

Finding solace in imagination. In the face of trauma, the author found solace in her imagination, creating alternate worlds and protective visions that helped her to cope with the abuse she experienced. Words and images became an alternate home, a safe place where she could express her pain and find a sense of control.

The search for forgiveness. The author's encounter with her abuser as an adult reveals the ongoing struggle to reconcile faith and forgiveness. While she is not yet able to love her enemies the same way she loves her friends, she is still praying for an end to the persecution and seeking a path toward healing.

6. The search for home is a universal human experience, often marked by loss and longing.

Reading this, I always imagine her meaning that sometimes our bodies are all the home we’ve got.

The meaning of home. The essays explore the multifaceted concept of home, encompassing physical spaces, emotional connections, and spiritual beliefs. The search for home is often intertwined with experiences of loss, displacement, and the longing for belonging.

The body as home. In the face of trauma and displacement, the body can become the primary site of refuge and identity. The author finds solace in the words of Baby Suggs, who encourages us to love our bodies, as they are often the only home we have.

The power of memory. Memory plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of home and identity. The author's recollections of her childhood, her family, and her experiences in the military reveal the enduring power of memory to connect us to the past and inform our present.

7. Personal identity is shaped by both individual experiences and societal forces.

All a writer has is his epoch and how it shapes him.

The influence of epoch. A writer's work is inevitably shaped by the historical and social context in which they live. The essays in the collection reflect the anxieties, challenges, and complexities of contemporary American society.

The interplay of individual and collective. Personal experiences are often intertwined with larger social and political forces. The author's reflections on race, class, and gender reveal the ways in which individual identities are shaped by collective histories and power structures.

The search for authenticity. The essays explore the tension between conforming to societal expectations and expressing one's authentic self. The struggle to reconcile personal desires with social pressures is a recurring theme, highlighting the challenges of navigating identity in a complex and often contradictory world.

8. Art can provide a means of understanding and coping with the end of the world.

The plot was simple; the plot was old. Cities are filled with bridges and balconies and the smell of fresh bread. Cities like this one are filled with sad people who want to go home.

The role of art in times of crisis. In a broken world, art can serve as a means of understanding and coping with trauma, loss, and uncertainty. The essays in the collection demonstrate the power of literature, music, and visual art to provide solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection in the face of despair.

The artist as witness. Artists bear witness to the world around them, capturing the beauty, the pain, and the absurdity of human existence. Their work can challenge conventional perspectives, provoke critical reflection, and inspire social change.

The search for meaning. Art can help us to make sense of a world that often seems senseless. By exploring the complexities of human experience, artists offer new ways of seeing, feeling, and understanding our place in the universe.

9. The power of collective action lies in its ability to challenge established norms and inspire change.

The aggressiveness of the essay is the assumption of the author to speak in one’s own voice.

The importance of speaking out. In a broken world, it is essential to speak out against injustice and oppression. The essays in the collection encourage readers to find their own voices and to use them to challenge established norms and advocate for change.

The power of solidarity. Collective action can create a sense of solidarity and empowerment, enabling individuals to overcome feelings of isolation and helplessness. The Women's March serves as an example of how a shared sense of purpose can unite diverse groups of people and inspire hope for a better future.

The need for ongoing engagement. Collective action is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires sustained commitment and effort. The essays emphasize the importance of continuing to fight for social justice, even in the face of setbacks and disappointments.

10. Loss, though painful, can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and connection.

What do I know?” and “How should I live?”

The inevitability of loss. Loss is an inherent part of the human experience. The essays in the collection acknowledge the pain and grief that accompany loss, but also explore the potential for growth and transformation.

The value of connection. In the face of loss, human connection becomes even more precious. The essays emphasize the importance of cherishing relationships, offering support to others, and finding solace in shared experiences.

The search for meaning. Loss can prompt us to re-evaluate our priorities and to seek deeper meaning in our lives. By confronting our mortality, we can gain a greater appreciation for the present moment and a renewed sense of purpose.

11. The past is never truly past, and its influence continues to shape the present.

The past is never dead. It’s not even past.

Historical context. The essays emphasize the importance of understanding history in order to make sense of the present. The legacy of slavery, colonialism, and other forms of oppression continues to shape contemporary society, influencing everything from race relations to political discourse.

The persistence of memory. Memories, both individual and collective, can have a powerful impact on our lives. The essays explore the ways in which memories can haunt us, inspire us, and connect us to the past.

The need for reconciliation. Confronting the past is essential for healing and reconciliation. The essays encourage readers to acknowledge the injustices of the past and to work toward a more equitable future.

12. The pursuit of perfection can be a trap, hindering genuine connection and understanding.

The aggressiveness of the essay is the assumption of the author to speak in one’s own voice.

Embracing imperfection. The essays challenge the notion of perfection, both in ourselves and in the world around us. By embracing imperfection, we can create space for authenticity, vulnerability, and genuine connection.

The value of process. The journey is often more important than the destination. The essays encourage readers to focus on the process of learning, growing, and engaging with the world, rather than striving for some unattainable ideal.

The power of acceptance. Accepting ourselves and others, with all our flaws and limitations, is essential for building meaningful relationships and creating a more compassionate society. The essays invite readers to let go of judgment and to embrace the messy, imperfect reality of human existence.

Last updated: April 8, 2025