Isolation vs Pursuing Passions in Where the Crawdads Sing

by Angelica Walker-WerthArt & CultureFeb 26, 2025

Many dangers lurk in the marshes of 1950s North Carolina—among them, the criminals who hide there. Kya Clark’s father, an abusive drunk, is one such criminal. When his wife decides she can’t take it anymore and leaves, four of their five children follow, until at last only ten-year-old Kya is left. At first, her dad is around sometimes; he teaches her to drive their boat and to fish, and provides a pittance for their groceries. But eventually, he leaves too, and Kya is left all alone.

On Solid Ground

On Solid Ground is the hub for content from OSI fellows and affiliates, along with announcements about OSI’s programs and events. Here, you’ll find links to our team’s articles, videos, and other materials published across various platforms. And you’ll discover opportunities to support and engage with our global community.

Latest Blog Posts

How to Embrace Mortality For Flourishing

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Oct 1, 2025

What if Christianity's promise of an afterlife is obstructing our motivation to fully live the one life we know we have? And what if living fully requires navigating obstacles like this and confronting our mortality?

Why People Commit Atrocities

In his new video, Craig explains why neither feelings, faith, nor consensus are a means of knowledge—and when people pretend that they are, violence ensues.

The Jane Austen Festival: Reflections on Intensely Valuing Literature

At the Jane Austen Festival, Angel discovered new ways to deeply value literature—and why that matters beyond Austen’s novels. Her reflections include questions every reader can ponder!

I Tried to Escape My Fear of Death

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Sep 29, 2025

In his first-ever video essay, Maddox shares how his fear of death once drained the meaning from his life—and how rational philosophy helped him reframe it. He shows why life matters because it ends.

Sign Up and Stay Informed

Join our community today and get access to exclusive content, updates, and more!