BSBret Stephens

1. Article · Sep 2, 2026 · Bret Stephens

   Did the Met cancel the wrong fashionista? (opens the original)

   Excerpt · English

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   In principle, and as often as possible in practice, it’s best to separate judgments about an artist from judgments about the art. Roald Dahl was an unabashed Jew hater. But my childhood (and millions of others) would have been poorer without Willy Wonka and Matilda Wormwood. Pablo Picasso was monstrous in his treatment of women. He was wondrous in his depiction of them. Eldridge Cleaver was an admitted and convicted rapist. Yet Soul on Ice is one of the most interesting books of its time. Gift 5

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2. Article · Aug 10, 2026 · Bret Stephens

   I’m begging you: Never write with AI (opens the original)

   Excerpt · Critical tone · English

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   This column isn’t so much an argument as it is a plea: don’t use artificial intelligence to help you write. Never let AI do your writing for you. Don’t use it for school papers, work briefs, letters to your in-laws, speeches at your company gathering or emails (however perfunctory) to your colleagues or friends. Don’t let it organise your notes. Don’t let it suggest an opening sentence, segue or closing paragraph. Don’t ask it to write a first draft and pretend that editing that draft somehow ma

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