Many of the ideas that previously appeared here have been transferred to my more developmental ontology site, where they can be explored in greater depth and within a more formal structure.
Essays continues to serve a different purpose. Rather than pursuing comprehensive explanations or proposing solutions, it focuses on clarifying questions, examining observations, and making complex issues more accessible to the general reader. The aim is not to provide answers, but to better understand what is being asked.
During this publication pause, a number of related projects have emerged around a continuing interest in the essay as a way of understanding the world. Essayism (essayism.org, essayism.ie and essay.ie) explores the concept and practice of essayism itself. The Essayist’s Notebook (esy.ie) serves as a working space for fragments, reflections and developing inquiries, while The Essayist (essayist.ie) considers the role of the essayist and the traditions from which that role has emerged. Together with Essays, these sites now form a connected family of publications, linked through the new short domain esx.ie, each approaching the essay from a different vantage while sharing a common commitment to exploration rather than certainty.
New perspectives are taking shape, but they require time to be crafted for this page. The first new essay will appear soon.
Readers seeking my perspective on governance and public policy in Ireland will find it at Marshall on Policy, where they may also subscribe to the accompanying Substack publication. Those looking for shorter commentary on a wider range of topics may enjoy the newly formed Marshall Review.
In the meantime, you can follow my ongoing thoughts and observations on Threads (@marshall.ie) or on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/marshall-ie).
David Marshall
Skerries
July 2026