Thanks for this engaging post. So much to consider! As to Nietzsche’s essay on the use & abuse of history, I’ll say that I’ve read it a couple of times and I’m still not sure what to make of it. But then, that applies to much of what I’ve read by Nietzsche. As to your political stance, despite my recent posts challenging some of your contentions, I’ve a good deal of sympathy for your position, even if I don’t find it ultimately persuasive, at least not in our current atmosphere. This comes from one who is conservative by temperament, Republican by family, liberal by education, pragmatic by experience, and radical in perspective (or so I aspire). But while I understand the risks and dangers, especially of self-deceit and warped judgment, I do see us (the US and much of the world) in a Manichaean light. There are “children of light” and “children of darkness” (Reinhold Niebuhr) in this age, at this time. This isn’t good politically, but it’s real. On the other hand, all but a few—yes, him—surely aren’t beyond redemption. And, despite the threats that I perceive, I remain fundamentally committed to politics, to speech, to persuasion, to the ballot box, and to reasoned argument. And I aim to keep it that way.
Thanks for prompting me and your readers sharpen our thinking!
I'm convinced the most fruitful conversation, by far, is between those with deep affinities (I share yours!) who are nevertheless not in quite the same place and so bring different perspectives and priorities. I value and respect our exchanges!
I like your initiative of having classic modern texts. Good to give attention to Benjamin Constant. Not so sure on Nietzsche on history as food. But have you read Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's history of food?
I have not read that. Charles Mann writes history from the standpoint of global interconnections and food sure plays a role! I do think history is (and should be) a huge part of our information diet. Quantity and quality do matter tho!
you should check Felipe out. He is a very witty and wise writer - I did an interview with him on my YouTube channel and he talks about global interconnections and food there.
Thanks for this engaging post. So much to consider! As to Nietzsche’s essay on the use & abuse of history, I’ll say that I’ve read it a couple of times and I’m still not sure what to make of it. But then, that applies to much of what I’ve read by Nietzsche. As to your political stance, despite my recent posts challenging some of your contentions, I’ve a good deal of sympathy for your position, even if I don’t find it ultimately persuasive, at least not in our current atmosphere. This comes from one who is conservative by temperament, Republican by family, liberal by education, pragmatic by experience, and radical in perspective (or so I aspire). But while I understand the risks and dangers, especially of self-deceit and warped judgment, I do see us (the US and much of the world) in a Manichaean light. There are “children of light” and “children of darkness” (Reinhold Niebuhr) in this age, at this time. This isn’t good politically, but it’s real. On the other hand, all but a few—yes, him—surely aren’t beyond redemption. And, despite the threats that I perceive, I remain fundamentally committed to politics, to speech, to persuasion, to the ballot box, and to reasoned argument. And I aim to keep it that way.
Thanks for prompting me and your readers sharpen our thinking!
I'm convinced the most fruitful conversation, by far, is between those with deep affinities (I share yours!) who are nevertheless not in quite the same place and so bring different perspectives and priorities. I value and respect our exchanges!
I like your initiative of having classic modern texts. Good to give attention to Benjamin Constant. Not so sure on Nietzsche on history as food. But have you read Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's history of food?
I have not read that. Charles Mann writes history from the standpoint of global interconnections and food sure plays a role! I do think history is (and should be) a huge part of our information diet. Quantity and quality do matter tho!
you should check Felipe out. He is a very witty and wise writer - I did an interview with him on my YouTube channel and he talks about global interconnections and food there.