Vox by Christina Dalcher

by Angelica Walker-WerthArt & CultureJul 29, 2024

How important is language in your day-to-day life? Christina Dalcher’s answer: absolutely vital. Dalcher is a linguist who explores the ideal of oppressing women by severely restricting their use of language in her debut novel Vox. In the book, women are restricted to speaking only one hundred words a day and are not allowed to read anything except a heavily edited version of the Bible. In my latest Substack, I explore what the novel shows about the power of language, the nature of tyranny, and the importance of politics, along with comparing it to The Handmaid’s Tale.

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!