Many people revel in the fact that they enjoy unlimited choices, especially in expanding possibilities using the Internet. These choices seem to make all the world accessible. However, the human mind is not made to deal with such a vast array of choices. It often causes overload and frustration. “Unlimited choice,” notes sociologists Barry Schwatz, … Read more
By calling the reader to embrace the cardinal virtues of temperance, justice, prudence and fortitude, Return to Order suggests a practical pathway to avoid the economic and spiritual crises that are looming before us and, by means of religious conversion, reestablish a right order for human flourishing. I hope that this work will receive the … Read more
The simple fact is that mass standardization can only be profitable to the point that it can aggregate consumers into large blocs. Hence, global markets must impose universal standardization upon products, for if this brand of economics is to survive as an exact deductive science to interpret markets, everything must be quantified. There is no … Read more
In a society where money rules the criteria to judge products often revolves around quantity and costs. The number of units matters much more than the quality of product. Mass production means much more than craftsmanship. Historian Carlo Cipolla finds such criteria to be deficient. He notes: “But if one states simply that the average … Read more
As part of the Fortnight for Freedom talk series for the diocese of Grand Rapids, Mich., author John Horvat delivered an evening address to a large crowd at the city’s St. Isidore’s Catholic Church. The event was co-sponsored by St. Isidore’s parish, St. Thomas the Apostle’s parish and the Acton Institute, all in Grand Rapids. … Read more
We had a long discussion on how to market the book, Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here and Where We Need to Go. One thing we decided was that we couldn’t afford an expensive Madison Avenue advertising firm to get the message out … Read more
The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) has issued the following statement about the June 26, 2013 Supreme Court’s decisions on same-sex “marriage”: The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) strongly decries the June 26, 2013 Supreme Court decisions on aspects of same-sex “marriage.” The … Read more
A review of The Audacity of Hops: The History of America’s Craft Beer Revolution by Tom Acitelli (Chicago: Chicago Review Press, 2013) * * * In the world of mass standardization, the American beer industry stands out. Its gigantic breweries have dominated market share and undiscerning palates for decades. In 1975, some 50 of these … Read more
The battles that conservatives have waged in the Cultural War are grueling. We have to dispute every step of the way especially with a liberal political establishment and a vast socialistic bureaucracy. We also have to regenerate social institutions like family, community and faith against a hostile culture. There are no instant solutions in this … Read more
“Return to Order touches on matters that apply not only to America but everywhere. Modern economy is in trouble and this book zeroes in on the problem of frenetic intemperance in an original and convincing manner. Best of all, author John Horvat offers organic Catholic solutions that are both so needed and so refreshing. I … Read more
