Another basket:

A cool piece on Nalanda University, "the world's first residential university."

A fun piece on "the dangers of a lingua franca in philosophy."  The problem is not only contained in philosophy.

"Do you have to be a jerk to be great?"  No one is responsible for the titles of their op-eds, but Mr Brooks abuses the privilege.  That said, the piece is (a) a look away from politics for Brooks, which is refreshing in itself and (b) an interesting reflection on what makes for creativity--not obsession, but connection (though, pace Brooks, I think a little obsession may help).

A fun if light piece about economists and happiness.

RIP Agnes Heller, a philosopher who asked all the right questions, and also lived all the worse things.  And who did not flinch.