“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

by Angelica WerthArt & CultureDec 10, 2024

In a future United States, in which pollution has caused the birthrate to plummet (and of the few babies that are born, many are deformed), a puritanical Christian sect takes over and forms the Republic of Gilead. The “republican” government is determined to create a country that is, in their minds, orderly and in line with Biblical commandments. (A republic is a government in which the people elect leaders who make decisions; Gilead, as far as we see, has no such system.)

The new government starts transforming the country by. . .

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

From Anxiety to Serenity

by Seamus RileyLifestyle, Philosophy

Oct 14, 2025

Seamus shares how he broke free from negative emotional patterns using philosophy, psychology, and personal experience.

Death after Religion

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Oct 13, 2025

Maddox shares how accepting mortality after losing faith brought deeper meaning and urgency to his life.

Discussing Metaethics with Craig Biddle

by Craig BiddlePhilosophy

Oct 13, 2025

Craig Biddle and philosopher Lance Bush dive into metaethics—exploring intrinsicism, subjectivism, and Objectivism—and what each view means for understanding “good” and “value.”

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?