Saturday, July 07, 2007
My heart's in the highlands ...
... as we head off to Pennsylvania's lovely, if modest, mountains. Won't be back until July 17. In the meantime the blog is in good hands. John Brumfield you should already know. Joining John will be Eliza Fox, who wrote her first book review for me before she had graduated from Springside School. I think it may have even appeared in print before she graduated. So welcome Eliza, please.
Favorite reading ...
... Karen Heller has Suggestions galore for books to read this summer.
Get involved: Discuss | What are you planning to read this summer?
Get involved: Discuss | What are you planning to read this summer?
Friday, July 06, 2007
Deelightful!
Thanks to Dave Lull for pointing out this lighthearted prose-vs.-poetry smackdown by novelist Naeem Murr.
In yesterday's Inquirer ...
... Glenn Altschuler reviewed Woody Allen's latest: Woody's still shticking that landing.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Only a French intellectual ...
... would think that jogging is right-wing activity: Bravo, Sarkozy - from one jogger to another. (Hat tip, Vikram Johri, who notes slyly that "this is taking it a bit too far."
I don't jog myself, but I do walk four and a half miles every day at a good clip, and I used to hike and climb a good deal. I think of walking as more civilized than jogging.
I don't jog myself, but I do walk four and a half miles every day at a good clip, and I used to hike and climb a good deal. I think of walking as more civilized than jogging.
Always helpful ...
... that's our Bryan: How to Do Everything. His latest scientology reprise shouldn't be missed, either.
I know what he means ...
... from the Grumpy Old Bookman: Nassim Nicholas Taleb: The Black Swan. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
"I've been putting this off, you know -- writing a review of Nassim Nicholas Taleb's new book, The Black Swan. Why? Because it's hard work for one thing: requires concentration; and because it's a deuced risky enterprise for another."
Me too. Putting it off, that is, but not only because it is hard work - which it is. But mostly because it takes an amount of time I haven't had at my disposal as I try to get ready to go on vacation and deal with some other matters. Which is why my review won't run until July 29, after I return from vacation. And which is also why I have read only the GOB's introductory remarks.
"I've been putting this off, you know -- writing a review of Nassim Nicholas Taleb's new book, The Black Swan. Why? Because it's hard work for one thing: requires concentration; and because it's a deuced risky enterprise for another."
Me too. Putting it off, that is, but not only because it is hard work - which it is. But mostly because it takes an amount of time I haven't had at my disposal as I try to get ready to go on vacation and deal with some other matters. Which is why my review won't run until July 29, after I return from vacation. And which is also why I have read only the GOB's introductory remarks.
Shallow deep down ...
... and not so very deep down, either: Gut instinct isn't science. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Professor Barash, like M. Jourdain discovering that he was speaking prose, has discovered that appearance and reality aren't necessarily the same (though they are necessarily connected: Nothing is real that doesn't in some way appear to be, and every appearance, even a mirage, is in some way, to some degree, real).
"Our planet is round, even though it sure feels flat under our feet as we walk." Well, sort of. But scanning the horizon suggests otherwise, and the the roundness of the Earth was regarded by Thomas Aquinas, for instance, as a matter long settled.
The question, however, is this: Who exactly is suggesting that we substitute "gut instinct" for science? And how many of those counterintuitive insights of science started out as someone's gut instinct?
"Science, bless its innovative soul, constantly reveals new realities. Many of them — global warming, nuclear weapons, overpopulation, threats to biodiversity — are pregnant with immense risk. Others, like genomics or stem cell research, offer great opportunity. But nearly all are freighted with a lack of truthiness."
Does this mean genomics and stem cell research offer only opportunity, but no risk? And I am not the only one to think the jury is still out on global warming - or does Professor Barash think Freeman Dyson and others have been seduced by gut instinct? Moreover, I believe the population bomb turned out to be a dud.
Actually, that paragraph demonstrates perfectly the extent to which Professor Barash's thinking is confined to conventional pieties, which can be as much of a threat to science and truth as any gut instinct.
Professor Barash, like M. Jourdain discovering that he was speaking prose, has discovered that appearance and reality aren't necessarily the same (though they are necessarily connected: Nothing is real that doesn't in some way appear to be, and every appearance, even a mirage, is in some way, to some degree, real).
"Our planet is round, even though it sure feels flat under our feet as we walk." Well, sort of. But scanning the horizon suggests otherwise, and the the roundness of the Earth was regarded by Thomas Aquinas, for instance, as a matter long settled.
The question, however, is this: Who exactly is suggesting that we substitute "gut instinct" for science? And how many of those counterintuitive insights of science started out as someone's gut instinct?
"Science, bless its innovative soul, constantly reveals new realities. Many of them — global warming, nuclear weapons, overpopulation, threats to biodiversity — are pregnant with immense risk. Others, like genomics or stem cell research, offer great opportunity. But nearly all are freighted with a lack of truthiness."
Does this mean genomics and stem cell research offer only opportunity, but no risk? And I am not the only one to think the jury is still out on global warming - or does Professor Barash think Freeman Dyson and others have been seduced by gut instinct? Moreover, I believe the population bomb turned out to be a dud.
Actually, that paragraph demonstrates perfectly the extent to which Professor Barash's thinking is confined to conventional pieties, which can be as much of a threat to science and truth as any gut instinct.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Your nominations, please ...
... What's a 'perfect line' in poetry? (Hat tip, Rus Bowden.)
Since, I gather, one can cite more than one line, I would choose, off the top my head, this:
Since, I gather, one can cite more than one line, I would choose, off the top my head, this:
... the future is a faded song, a Royal Rose or a lavender spray
Of wistful regret for those who are not yet here to regret,
Pressed between yellow leaves of a book that has never been opened.
Of wistful regret for those who are not yet here to regret,
Pressed between yellow leaves of a book that has never been opened.
Precision thinking ...
... Joseph Epstein on The intimate abstraction of Paul Valéry. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
“The religious debate is no longer between different religions; but between those who believe that belief has some sort of value and those who don’t.”
“The religious debate is no longer between different religions; but between those who believe that belief has some sort of value and those who don’t.”
Bryan's choices ...
... and commentary for the Interboard Poetry Community poetry competition: Winning Poems and Commentary. (Hat tip, Rus Bowden.)
Who knew ...
... that Calvin Coolidge was so eloquent? The eternal meaning of Independence Day.
Happy Fourth of July to all!
Happy Fourth of July to all!
My sentiments exactly ...
... Should You Trust the Government?
My idea of a high-trust society differs from that of many elites. Elitist journalists think that a high-trust society is one where we trust the mainstream media. Elitist politicians and activists think that a high-trust society is one where we trust legislators, regulators, and experts to exercise broad authority. In contrast, I believe that a high-trust society is one in which processes ensure that elites are subject to checks and accountability. It is particularly important for legislators, regulators, and experts to have their authority limited and their accountability assured.
My impression is that no single climate model enjoys the confidence of a large number of scientists. Instead, many climate scientists are willing to endorse a "consensus" that takes a range of estimates from some models. I would like to read an essay written for an intelligent layman that explains why this is a persuasive approach. What is the rationale for including some models while excluding others? Do predictions based on the "average" or "consensus" model out-perform the predictions of any individual model, as in a "wisdom of crowds" phenomenon? Or is the purpose of a "consensus" is to strengthen a political coalition, rather than to improve accuracy?
Here's an idea: How about taking all the most reliable meteorological data from, say, 1950, and feeding it into one of these climate models and seeing if the results describe what in fact took place weatherwise in, say, 2000?
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Coming to Philly?
... well, here's a nice B&B not far from where I live: Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast.
Gee ...
... “I hate newspapermen. They come into camp and pick up their camp rumors and print them as facts. I regard them as spies, which, in truth, they are. If I killed them all there would be news from Hell before breakfast.”
- William Tecumseh Sherman
Evidence and nuance ...
... can both be found here: A Divine Materialism. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
As a bonus there's Francis Bacon's explanation of Richard Dawkins: "A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion."
As a bonus there's Francis Bacon's explanation of Richard Dawkins: "A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion."
Sad but unsurprising ...
... at least to me, though I am in a position to see the literary world from its least flattering angle: The end of a competition.
Monday, July 02, 2007
It just won't go away ...
... Richard: The church may be struggling, but in politics its rhetoric is on the rise. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Gulley Jimson ...
... the painter protagonist of Joyce Cary's novel The Horse's Mouth, had a prototype in real life: Stanley Spencer.
Join T.E.S.T.I.C.L.E. ...
... now: Chip Dale's Thought Experiments: The Campaign. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
As is well known, I do not subscribe to conspiracy theories, so when I suspect there is a conspiracy afoot to silence the founder and president of the Failed Intellectuals Society (FIS), you better take it seriously. Come on Blogger: Free Bryan Now!
As is well known, I do not subscribe to conspiracy theories, so when I suspect there is a conspiracy afoot to silence the founder and president of the Failed Intellectuals Society (FIS), you better take it seriously. Come on Blogger: Free Bryan Now!
Summer substitute blogger found alive in Phila.
Just a test message to see if I can still log onto Books, Inq.
Frank will soon be on holiday and I'll be trawling for blog entries while he's gone. Don't hesitate to email me at jbrumfield@phillynews.com with any suggestions.
Frank will soon be on holiday and I'll be trawling for blog entries while he's gone. Don't hesitate to email me at jbrumfield@phillynews.com with any suggestions.
In case you wondered ...
... Why Intellectuals Like Genocide. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Update: Here is a lecture by Keith Windschuttle: Postmodernism and the Fabrication of Aboriginal History.
Update: Here is a lecture by Keith Windschuttle: Postmodernism and the Fabrication of Aboriginal History.
By their fruits ...
... you shall know them. And by that standard one can learn a lot about the two people who wrote The Third Culture and Inferior Design. The style of the one, it seems to me, reveals the writer to be supremely civilized and kind; that of the other seems reflective of a twit full of himself.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Where we were ...
... and why I didn't blog yesterday: We visited friends - Dot and Nancy - across the river in New Jersey. Their lovely house is nestled in a woodland. The pup is their sheltie Comet. Standing near the hydrangeas are (from left) Dot, Nancy, and my better half. The painting of doves is by Nancy as are the figurines in the corner above the glass table.
Calling all grammarians ...
... Too clever by half? (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Well, it seems to me that patients, not an assortment, would parade.
Well, it seems to me that patients, not an assortment, would parade.
History and endings ...
... On Web Utopians.
I'm not sure if I agree that utopianism is based on the idea that "that history tells a story with a happy ending." I think, rather, that utopianism is based on the idea - surely false - that we can devise a sociopolitical system that will solve any and all problems. As for history, it is simply the sequence of events. I happen to believe, along with Julian of Norwich, that "all will be well and all manner of thing will be well," but that's because I also believe that "the Holy Ghost over the bent /world broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings."
Idiot wind ...
... Prayer: A Neurological Inquiry.
Actually, there's a lot of interesting stuff here, but the final sentence is a howler: "In contrast to thoughts themselves, the brain activity from which thoughts arise does consist of energy—electrochemical energy within neural circuitry. Reading this teeming energy in millions of circuit neurons and translating it into the thought or prayer arising from it seems theoretically impossible for even a supernatural being. "
A supernatural being, by definition, is, well, supernatural, which would mean, by definition, that natural criteria would not apply to such.
Actually, there's a lot of interesting stuff here, but the final sentence is a howler: "In contrast to thoughts themselves, the brain activity from which thoughts arise does consist of energy—electrochemical energy within neural circuitry. Reading this teeming energy in millions of circuit neurons and translating it into the thought or prayer arising from it seems theoretically impossible for even a supernatural being. "
A supernatural being, by definition, is, well, supernatural, which would mean, by definition, that natural criteria would not apply to such.
Again, we link ...
... you decide: The M&C Interview 2: Daniel Dennett, 7/07. This is actually a very good interview and Dennett comes across in it as much more engaging than I find he does in his writings.
Today's Inquirer reviews ...
... I find Andro Linklater's The Fabric of America fascinating: The edges of character. I have selfishly given myself pride of place in today's list because I have also made my online video debut: Book Talk with Frank Wilson | Andro Linklater Interview.
... Ed Pettit is pleased at Philip K. Dick's latest honor: A most worthy gathering of Philip K. Dick sci-fi of the '60s.
... David Montogmery has good news for C.J. Box fans: Mystery set in Yellowstone is stunning fun.
... Katie Haegele does some virtual exploring: Online, Second Life avatars are prosing and poetizing.
... Sandy Bauers finds that Michael Ondaatje's latest is hard listening: Complexity of Ondaatje's new novel a driving challenge.
This past week, Andy Maykuth looked into the mystery surrounding a Pearl Buck manuscript: Long-lost ‘Good Earth’ manuscript found and FBI says secretary took Buck typescript.
... Ed Pettit is pleased at Philip K. Dick's latest honor: A most worthy gathering of Philip K. Dick sci-fi of the '60s.
... David Montogmery has good news for C.J. Box fans: Mystery set in Yellowstone is stunning fun.
... Katie Haegele does some virtual exploring: Online, Second Life avatars are prosing and poetizing.
... Sandy Bauers finds that Michael Ondaatje's latest is hard listening: Complexity of Ondaatje's new novel a driving challenge.
This past week, Andy Maykuth looked into the mystery surrounding a Pearl Buck manuscript: Long-lost ‘Good Earth’ manuscript found and FBI says secretary took Buck typescript.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Beloved blogs ...
... 100 blogs PC World loves.
Makes you wonder, though: Instapundit is described as a conservative blog. This will not surprise Glenn Reynolds, though he would be the first to point out that he is not, in fact, a conservative. Which just goes to prove that even if you think and act outside the categories people will still, well, categorize you.
Attention teen readers ...
... amd I know you're out there: Spinebreakers, a reading network for teens.
Well, there's joy ...
... and there's joy. How about The joys of NOT being published? (Hat tip, Vikram Johri, who says he's not sure if he agrees. Neither am I, but that may be because, as a disciple of Dr. Johnson, I tend to think, as he did, that no man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
An explanation ...
... as to why blogging here has been light and sporadic: I am going on vacation soon and must move about a month's worth of reviews before I leave. I also got my self committed to do some things that required I do some preparation. And I've had some personal matters that have needed dealing with. The pace will pick up. But tonight, Debbie and I have a date at the orchestra.
A poet's life ...
... Frank Kermode on Housman's letters: Nothing for Ever and Ever. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Cheers ...
... Clive James advises: Don't worry, be happy.
Next time you hear someone preaching fashionable gloom, ask yourself this: What's in it for him?
Next time you hear someone preaching fashionable gloom, ask yourself this: What's in it for him?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Something to roar over ...
... The Shameless Lions Writing Circle.
I am honored to be a participant. Keep scrolling. There's lots of great stuff there.
I am honored to be a participant. Keep scrolling. There's lots of great stuff there.
I'm not sure ...
... about all of this, but you'll see, that's OK: Richard Rorty (1931-2007): the View From Somewhere.
"... Rorty, true to his syncretic ambitions, suggested that such still-controversial figures in modern philosophy as Ludwig Wittgenstein and Martin Heidegger, the latter notorious as the opaque German philosopher analysts loved to hate, might possess philosophical wisdom they needed to hear."
Why would you need to hear something that couldn't be identfied as true?
"... Rorty, true to his syncretic ambitions, suggested that such still-controversial figures in modern philosophy as Ludwig Wittgenstein and Martin Heidegger, the latter notorious as the opaque German philosopher analysts loved to hate, might possess philosophical wisdom they needed to hear."
Why would you need to hear something that couldn't be identfied as true?
The beat goes on ...
... Brave New (Digital) World, Part II: Foolishness 2.0? (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
This post makes a lot of good points, actually. But I don't know who exactly is confusing "data transfer with either understanding or wisdom." Who is that thinks that the Founders' level of education "can be matched, let alone surpassed, simply by means of improvements in technology"?
There's also this: Knowledge Access as a Public Good .
This post makes a lot of good points, actually. But I don't know who exactly is confusing "data transfer with either understanding or wisdom." Who is that thinks that the Founders' level of education "can be matched, let alone surpassed, simply by means of improvements in technology"?
There's also this: Knowledge Access as a Public Good .
The way the wind blows ...
... Weather.
I like weather - any and all weather - though I do have favorites. Right now, it's hot and humid in Philadelphia. I love it. My idea of paradise is perpetual summer, and since I grew up in Philly, that means heat and humidity, which also remind me of Mallarme's faun.
I like weather - any and all weather - though I do have favorites. Right now, it's hot and humid in Philadelphia. I love it. My idea of paradise is perpetual summer, and since I grew up in Philly, that means heat and humidity, which also remind me of Mallarme's faun.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Not so trivial ...
... Dorothy Sayers on The Lost Tools of Learning. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Someone should send this to Michael Gorman.
Someone should send this to Michael Gorman.
Visit my neighborhood ...
... Professor Putnam: Bowling With Our Own.
"In the 41 sites Putnam studied in the U.S., he found that the more diverse the neighborhood, the less residents trust neighbors."
Well, I live in a pretty diverse neighborhood. It's called the Italian Market District and there are still plenty of Italian American residents and stores. But there is also a Lebanese American community - which just held its annual three-day festival. Right around the corner are the new Mexican restaurants and grocery stores. And a couple of blocks from my front door is the Wing Phat Plaza. Mexican and Vietnamese families live on my very block! And we all say hi to each other and seem to get along and if we mistrust each other it sure isn't apparent to me.
When Debbie and I venture into the suburbs what bothers us is, well, the lack of diversity. Guess we're weird.
"In the 41 sites Putnam studied in the U.S., he found that the more diverse the neighborhood, the less residents trust neighbors."
Well, I live in a pretty diverse neighborhood. It's called the Italian Market District and there are still plenty of Italian American residents and stores. But there is also a Lebanese American community - which just held its annual three-day festival. Right around the corner are the new Mexican restaurants and grocery stores. And a couple of blocks from my front door is the Wing Phat Plaza. Mexican and Vietnamese families live on my very block! And we all say hi to each other and seem to get along and if we mistrust each other it sure isn't apparent to me.
When Debbie and I venture into the suburbs what bothers us is, well, the lack of diversity. Guess we're weird.
Get on with it ...
... Gioia to graduates: 'Trade easy pleasures for more complex and challenging ones'.
Dana is among the most impressive - and decent - people it has been my privilege to know.
Dana is among the most impressive - and decent - people it has been my privilege to know.
Light, sporadic blogging ...
... for the rest of today. I have a deadline to meet and a lot of work to do in order to meet it.
Simply brilliant ...
... Stanley Fish asks Is Religion Man-Made? (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
His answer? Sure it is.
His answer? Sure it is.
"The criticism made by atheists that the existence of God cannot be demonstrated is no criticism at all; for a God whose existence could be demonstrated wouldn’t be a God; he would just be another object in the field of human vision."
I should note that Dawkins does indeed consider what Hamlet says to Horatio. He thinks it applies only to Horatio's philosophy - which demonstrates, I think, that, in addition to being a lousy philosopher, Dawkins is also a lousy literary critic. (Horatio is a philosophy student, Dick, not a philosopher himself. Hamlet is telling his friend not to place too much faith in the subject of the course he is taking.)
I should note that Dawkins does indeed consider what Hamlet says to Horatio. He thinks it applies only to Horatio's philosophy - which demonstrates, I think, that, in addition to being a lousy philosopher, Dawkins is also a lousy literary critic. (Horatio is a philosophy student, Dick, not a philosopher himself. Hamlet is telling his friend not to place too much faith in the subject of the course he is taking.)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Librarian glamour ...
... The Modern Librarian: A Role Worth Checking Out. (Hat tip, Dave Lull - why, of course!)
Calling Michael Gorman ...
... proof that academic authority isn't always what it's cracked up to be: And the Award Goes To ...
Useful distinctions ...
... Response to Francis Beckwith. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
And you thought there'd never be a defense of Richard Dawkins here, right?
And you thought there'd never be a defense of Richard Dawkins here, right?
Much in what he says ...
... Michael Gorman's latest: Jabberwiki: The Educational Response, Part I. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
His objection to "urban myths about the supposed uniqueness of the young generation" is sound, I think, as is his concern over "the prevailing and embarrassing spectacle of teachers and administrators trying to conform to their perceptions of today’s youth (perceptions that are, if history is any guide, wildly wide of the mark)."
His concern over questioning "the very authority of credentialed teachers" is more questionable. I agree with some of this: "The fact is that today’s young, as do the young in every age, need to learn from those who are older and wiser; they need to acquire good habits of study and research; and they need to be exposed to and learn to experience the richness of the human record." Except that older does not always - and perhaps only rarely - equals wiser. And I can't help wondering if Gorman thought this way in the '60s when he was on the other side of the authority divide.
In the meantime, Bryan weighs in, sort of, and manages to say more in less space with fewer words, even tossing in as a bonus a must-see video clip at the end: A Debate Between Elitist, Luddite Baby Roasters.
His objection to "urban myths about the supposed uniqueness of the young generation" is sound, I think, as is his concern over "the prevailing and embarrassing spectacle of teachers and administrators trying to conform to their perceptions of today’s youth (perceptions that are, if history is any guide, wildly wide of the mark)."
His concern over questioning "the very authority of credentialed teachers" is more questionable. I agree with some of this: "The fact is that today’s young, as do the young in every age, need to learn from those who are older and wiser; they need to acquire good habits of study and research; and they need to be exposed to and learn to experience the richness of the human record." Except that older does not always - and perhaps only rarely - equals wiser. And I can't help wondering if Gorman thought this way in the '60s when he was on the other side of the authority divide.
In the meantime, Bryan weighs in, sort of, and manages to say more in less space with fewer words, even tossing in as a bonus a must-see video clip at the end: A Debate Between Elitist, Luddite Baby Roasters.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
What's a must-read ?
... well, it isn't necessarily something that one agrees with. I think of it as something that is, first and foremost, thought-provoking, by virtue of its clear and exgaging exposition - whether one agrees with it or not. A case in point is Bryan's excellent piece about John Gray. To begin with, it makes you want to read Gray's new book, and it makes plain that Gray is someone worth knowing, not just as a writer, but as a person. Still, I found myself wondering about some of what was said. Some examples:
"True liberalism is, therefore, necessarily a tragic view, sceptical of all notions of progress."
I think this is a pessimistic view, not a tragic one. Tragedy involves the resolution of discord, not its triumph - its exemplar is Oedipus at Colonus, not Oedipus at Thebes.
"He believes in the liberal state, and believes it is worth defending, but does not do so with empty optimism or with any belief that it should attempt to impose its ways on others." Why is it worth defending? Because it is true, perhaps? And the contrary is perhaps false? Exactly what does opposition to, say, communism mean if it does not involve the substitution - not imposition - of liberal values in place of its brutal absence of values?
"Gray transforms Berlin’s basic insight into a refutation of all notions of progress or perfection and of the special destiny of humanity."
Progress and perfection are not the same. I can improve steadily without coming anywhere near to perfection. To suggest there has been no progress in human affairs is nonsense. No one will be drawn and quartered at Tyburn this week, Professor Gray. None of which is to suggest that utopianism - the quest for some sort of perfectly rational social arrangement - isn't a fool's errand.
I would also suggest that Montaigne's skepticism is of a part with his genuine religious faith.
"True liberalism is, therefore, necessarily a tragic view, sceptical of all notions of progress."
I think this is a pessimistic view, not a tragic one. Tragedy involves the resolution of discord, not its triumph - its exemplar is Oedipus at Colonus, not Oedipus at Thebes.
"He believes in the liberal state, and believes it is worth defending, but does not do so with empty optimism or with any belief that it should attempt to impose its ways on others." Why is it worth defending? Because it is true, perhaps? And the contrary is perhaps false? Exactly what does opposition to, say, communism mean if it does not involve the substitution - not imposition - of liberal values in place of its brutal absence of values?
"Gray transforms Berlin’s basic insight into a refutation of all notions of progress or perfection and of the special destiny of humanity."
Progress and perfection are not the same. I can improve steadily without coming anywhere near to perfection. To suggest there has been no progress in human affairs is nonsense. No one will be drawn and quartered at Tyburn this week, Professor Gray. None of which is to suggest that utopianism - the quest for some sort of perfectly rational social arrangement - isn't a fool's errand.
I would also suggest that Montaigne's skepticism is of a part with his genuine religious faith.
Today's Inquirer reviews ...
... Patrick Kurp is singularly unimpressed by Michael Ondaatje's latest: After a slow start, it's all downhill.
... which doesn't mean Carlin Romano didn't have apleasant chat with Ondaatje: From 'English Patient'.
... in the meantime, Andrew Ervin found Ron Silliman's The Ageof Huts (compleat) both puzzling and fascinating: Ron Silliman, making poetry, unmaking rules.
... Chris Hedges, however, finds Christopher Hitchens grievously wanting: Atheist polemic refuses to engage authentic religion.
... Sarah Weiman looks at the messy side of crime: Crime scenes, the ultimate clean-up jobs.
... and Katie Haegele is much taken with Rebecca Stead's First Light: Young Adult Reader | Beautiful book about 2 worlds, realities tenuously linked.
During the past week ...
... Peter Rozovsky looked at Swedish crime fiction: Killing's not the key to Swedish novelists.
... and Ed Colimore studied some tunneling: Historian digs up tale of a tunnel dreamer .
... which doesn't mean Carlin Romano didn't have apleasant chat with Ondaatje: From 'English Patient'.
... in the meantime, Andrew Ervin found Ron Silliman's The Ageof Huts (compleat) both puzzling and fascinating: Ron Silliman, making poetry, unmaking rules.
... Chris Hedges, however, finds Christopher Hitchens grievously wanting: Atheist polemic refuses to engage authentic religion.
... Sarah Weiman looks at the messy side of crime: Crime scenes, the ultimate clean-up jobs.
... and Katie Haegele is much taken with Rebecca Stead's First Light: Young Adult Reader | Beautiful book about 2 worlds, realities tenuously linked.
During the past week ...
... Peter Rozovsky looked at Swedish crime fiction: Killing's not the key to Swedish novelists.
... and Ed Colimore studied some tunneling: Historian digs up tale of a tunnel dreamer .
A good question ...
... re Sir Salman Rushdie: Where is the West's outcry?
Of course, if some evangelical Christian had complained ...
Of course, if some evangelical Christian had complained ...
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Not the only problem ...
... Cameron's bag raises a few eyebrows.
If she were less of an airhead she wouldn't use as a fashion statement the obscenely hypocritical words of a mass murderer.
If she were less of an airhead she wouldn't use as a fashion statement the obscenely hypocritical words of a mass murderer.
Literary almanac ...
... poet Anthony Thwaite turns 77 today.
... in 1626 a theological treatise eventually published as Vox Piscis was delivered top Cambridge University.
... Anna Akhmatova was born in 1889.
.. Jean Anouilh was born in 1910. ("Beauty is one of the rare things that do not lead to doubt of God. ")
... Dr. John Fell was born in 1625:
Tom Brown, author of The Dialogues of the Dead, about to be expelled from Oxford for some offence, was pardoned by Fell on the condition of his translating extempore the 33rd epigram of Martial:
... in 1626 a theological treatise eventually published as Vox Piscis was delivered top Cambridge University.
... Anna Akhmatova was born in 1889.
.. Jean Anouilh was born in 1910. ("Beauty is one of the rare things that do not lead to doubt of God. ")
... Dr. John Fell was born in 1625:
Tom Brown, author of The Dialogues of the Dead, about to be expelled from Oxford for some offence, was pardoned by Fell on the condition of his translating extempore the 33rd epigram of Martial:
"Non amo te, Sabidi, nec possum dicere - quare; Hoc tantum possum dicere, non amo te."
To which he immediately replied with the well-known lines:
- I do not love thee, Dr Fell,
- The reason why I cannot tell;
- But this I know, and know full well,
- I do not love thee, Dr Fell.
Lost in a good book ...
... The great escape (part 1) and the great escape (part2). (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
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