In a previous post, I touched on the topic of the instability of democracy. Democracy is an unstable political machine. It requires frequent maintenance and its gears wear out quickly. In America, the gears of the machine (i.e. politicians) must be replaced at two, four, and six year intervals, depending the particular gear being replaced. … Continue reading A Republic of you can keep it, Part II
Category: Cultural Essays
Reflections on the customs, moral assumptions, and social habits that shape everyday life. These essays explore the traditions, virtues, and institutions that quietly organize society.
Honor amongst adversaries
This is a great story of honor amongst adversaries: Why A German Pilot Escorted An American Bomber To Safety During World War II: I learned of the following article through a link posted on the Western PA Dieselpunks Facebook page. It’s an article posted at the web site Jalopnik.com titled, “Why A German Pilot Escorted … Continue reading Honor amongst adversaries
Is a degree worth it? Part II
One of my favorite rants, the debasement of educational currency: 5 Reasons Why Your New Bachelor’s Degree Is Worthless: With the increasing cost of college tuition, student loan debt, job scarcity, and opportunities for entrepreneurship online, is it any wonder that grads are wondering: “was getting my degree worthwhile?”Well, that’s up to you do to … Continue reading Is a degree worth it? Part II
True Nobility
At the Art of Manliness, the McKays have published great post on the Stoic-Christian Code of Honor, which I encourage you to read, and the poem at the end by Robert Nicoll is particularly wonderful: True Nobility“I ask not for his lineage,I ask not for his name;If manliness be in his heart,He noble birth may claim.I care not though of … Continue reading True Nobility
The moral right to lands lost in conquest
I'll not get into an academic discussion of the issue of whether or not various Native American tribes truly own the land their ancestors once occupied. The article below more than sufficiently deals with that, but I'd like to approach it from a layman's perspective. ‘Do Indians Rightfully Own America?’:By Walter Olson Bryan Caplan at … Continue reading The moral right to lands lost in conquest
How and why do myths arise?
Thoughts on myths from a true academian:How and why do myths arise?:Myth: A Very Short IntroductionBy Robert A. SegalIt is trite to say that one’s pet subject is interdisciplinary. These days what subject isn’t? The prostate? But myth really is interdisciplinary. For there is no study of myth as myth, the way, by contrast, there … Continue reading How and why do myths arise?
Does Character Matter?
Another article older article from Truth Magazine, Does Character Matter? by Harry Osborne. Does character matter anymore? Do you care whether one tells the truth, exemplifies fidelity, avoids intoxication or exhibits other factors consistent with good character? Some polls in recent weeks have suggested that many are willing to excuse a President with significant character … Continue reading Does Character Matter?
