The Model Knight

Return to Order The Model Knight 1

Chivalry was born when men found an ideal which could be imitated. Thus the knight could draw inspiration from the ideal knight and seek to imitate him. It is not surprising that knights would look to the first knight as their model who was Saint Michael, the Archangel. Johan Huizinga explains that “The primordial feat … Read more

The Myth of Consumer Choice

Return to Order The Contradiction of Our Frenzied Lifestyles 2

We are taught to marvel at the choices open to the consumer in modern society. However, the system is set up to make it difficult for us to not be consumers. Sociologist Richard Stivers comments that “There is nothing voluntary about consumption in modern societies. Advertising provides the commands to consume under the guise of … Read more

Health Care: Take Down the Spider Web, Put Up the Safety Nets

Return to Order Health Care: Take Down the Spider Web, Put Up the Safety Nets

Before entering into the Obamacare debate, I should probably mention that I am among those who suffer from a major pre-existing medical condition. It is not pretty but I have to deal with it. This condition has no cure. I know it can strike me at any time and leaves behind enormous hospital bills. There … Read more

Three Reasons Why Money Cannot Represent True Happiness

Return to Order Turning Vices into Virtues 2

In dealing with the subject of money, medieval philosophers concluded that money cannot satisfy man since it is a mere means not an end. Money when considered as a end represents artificial riches that are removed from our desires. Thus, Odd Langholm notes: “As such they [these artificial riches] do not represent true felicity, for … Read more

How the Sixties Changed Us

Return to Order Individuality Versus Individualism 1

The student revolts of 1968 failed to overthrow the university administrations they fought against or establish any kind of political movement. However, they did succeed in changing society profoundly. Historian Fernand Braudel writes: “Herbert Marcuse who, without wishing to, became the guru of this revolution was quite justified in saying (23 March 1979) that ‘it … Read more

The Family: A Social and Economic Unit

Return to Order Faith Brings Harmony to Family, Society and State 2

Many fail to realize that the family is not only an important social unit but also an economic unit of great importance. In traditional society, it was held that marriage creates a new economic entity that enriches all society. Peter Laslett writes: “For marriage, and particularly first marriage, we must repeat, was an act of … Read more

Frigid Weather, Warm Reception in Wisconsin

Return to Order Frigid Weather, Warm Reception in Wisconsin 1

The below-zero temperatures were inhospitable outside the Columbian Meeting and Conference Center in West Bend, Wis. on January 5, the feast of the Epiphany. However, the event inside was warm and lively.   Over 110 people attended the double-book signing program titled “Return to Family: Getting Your Family Fired Up About Honor, Role Models and … Read more