Author Archives: Bill Schmitt

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About Bill Schmitt

Bill Schmitt is a Catholic journalist, author, educator, and marketing-communications specialist whose recent work can be seen on the Magis Center blog, in the diocesan newspaper of the Diocese of Albany, and in commentaries at “Phronesis in Pieces” on the Substack platform and at “OnWord.net”. As a secular reporter/editor, he worked at Gannett Westchester Newspapers, McGraw-Hill, Cahners Business Information, Kiplinger Washington Letter, and Chemical Week magazine. Bill has been an adjunct professor of English and media at several schools, including Fordham University and the U of Notre Dame. Full bio: Click "About" at billschmitt.substack.com

Shopping for Intelligence — No Artificial Ingredients

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This is a follow-up to the “Googolplex” commentary, discussed on The Son Rise Morning Show on April 21. Please read that piece, found below, first. Look for this addendum in Phronesis in Pieces, at billschmitt.substack.com, in the coming days. Here … Continue reading →

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A Googolplex of Reactions as AI Pauses to Chat

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This was first published in Phronesis in Pieces at billschmitt.substack.com on April 11, 2023. There’s a sweet scent of progress lofting in one corner of the polarized public square. Although many policy arenas have become musty with stale conversations based … Continue reading →

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Acting Our Age: The ‘Generation Gap’ Regenerates

Posted on March 11, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

7 min ago This commentary first appeared in “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com. Please take a look at this publication on Substack. Current political discourse tends to spotlight society’s divisions based on race and gender. Get ready to deal more … Continue reading →

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God Unplugged: The ‘Remember Me’ Tour

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This commentary first appeared in “Phronesis in Pieces,” at billschmitt.substack.com, on Feb. 27, 2023. As Lent 2023 begins, it’s time to book another tour with God. Such excursions can be customized—by Him, not us. He’ll give us glimpses of glorious … Continue reading →

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Giving Up Virtue Signals for Lent

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the Catholic Church’s liturgy for Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22, 2023), other than ashes we will wear on our foreheads, is Christ’s warning against virtue signaling. People of today’s secular culture, seeking to fill their inner … Continue reading →

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Don’t Be Resigned to Quiet Quitting

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This commentary first appeared in “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com on Feb. 7, 2023. For a phenomenon whose name implies otherwise, “quiet quitting” sends a loud and clear message to all of us sharing responsibility for society’s well-being. We need … Continue reading →

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On World Communications: Love is News We Can Use

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

An updated version of this commentary will be posted today as a special edition of “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com. Pope Francis, posting his 2023 World Communications Day message, has reinforced the sense of urgency and purpose he consistently connects … Continue reading →

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When to Play the Empathy Card

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

First published in “Phronesis in Pieces” newsletter at billschmitt.substack.com on Jan. 17, 2023 A recent study of empathy from Cambridge University prompted me to think about the role of that virtue in the pursuit of practical wisdom. CNN’s report on this … Continue reading →

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A Toast to Dr. King and New Wineskins

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

A January 16 reflection from Michael McLoughlin in America magazine talked about the need for new wineskins that can hold new wine—in particular, the wine of change and redemption which Christ offers us in the New Testament. The piece pointed … Continue reading →

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O Come, All Ye Fretful

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

First published in “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com on Dec. 31, 2022 I came away from Christmas Mass this year with a heightened appreciation of those who had joined the congregation as, let’s say, occasional visitors. Some of them attend … Continue reading →

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