Few historical myths are more pernicious and popular than that of the “Noble Savage.” Concocted by French philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the late 18th century, the Noble Savage was seen as a better kind of human being since he was closer to nature and untainted by the corruptive influence of civilization. In his primitive…

Your Holiness, I must confess that I have never written a letter to the pope before, and I ask your forgiveness if I fail to observe the proper forms of address. I assure you it is innocent ignorance, not malice. First, I want to thank you for accepting the call to be pope. It is…