Another great post from the Art of Manliness. I've only visited George Washington's, but I must say that I was impressed by it's simplicity and functionality.The Libraries, Studies, and Writing Rooms of 15 Famous Men: This post is brought to you by Volvo. What’s this? Just about two years ago, we wrote a post called … Continue reading The Libraries, Studies, and Writing Rooms of 15 Famous Men
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.
Is there ever a time when no one is looking?
Below is an interesting article from Bruce Schneier: Honor System Farm Stands:Many roadside farm stands in the U.S. are unmanned. They work on the honor system: take what you want, and pay what you owe.And today at his farm stand, Cochran says, just as at the donut shop years ago, most customers leave more money than … Continue reading Is there ever a time when no one is looking?
Who opposed the War of 1812?
I sadly must admit that my knowledge of many of the wars the United States have engaged in is limited, but I am proud to share this article from the Oxford University Press on the War of 1812:Who opposed the War of 1812?: By Troy BickhamAs North America begins to mark the bicentennial of the War of … Continue reading Who opposed the War of 1812?
More ancient titles for sale
Note (March 13, 2026): This is an old post from before I migrated to WordPress years ago, and the "previous post" listed below no longer exists. I didn't even see a backup copy of it on the Internet Archive. I guess I didn't think it was important enough to carry forward. Along the lines of … Continue reading More ancient titles for sale
Advanced Trade from "Primitive" Ancestors
I'm always amused by how little credit we give our ancestors when it comes to ingenuity and mobility. The article below from Der Spiegel points this out well: Roughly 3,500 years ago, folding chairs remarkably similar to ones found in Egypt suddenly became must-have items in parts of northern Europe. Scholars are now looking into this potential … Continue reading Advanced Trade from "Primitive" Ancestors
A look back on the 400th anniversary year of the King James Bible
From the Oxford University Press blog:A look back on the 400th anniversary year of the King James Bible:By Gordon CampbellThe celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible were in one respect a surprise. As the Archbishop of Canterbury commented at the end of the year, the KJB had not been treated “simply … Continue reading A look back on the 400th anniversary year of the King James Bible
A Community In Action: Are you a Luddite?
Another interesting look at being a Luddite (or thinking you are): At trials in York, 17 Luddites were hanged and another 25 transported to Australia, while in ... But both historians agree that today's use of "Luddite" is wrong.1 Reference:
