In his book, The Horizontal Society, Lawrence Friedman list three ways modern media help create the impression of a mass culture. First, they create the impression that each person is an autonomous being living a life full of choices. Lawrence notes, “Almost every TV commercial, almost every program, carries this secret slogan.” Is Technology Ruining … Read more
“Life is battle. It is an ancient truth. Christianity has always known it. Its validity as an essential principle of culture is already implied in our premise that all culture includes an element of striving. Striving is always battle – struggle, that is – the exercise of the will and strength to overcome resistances which … Read more
Crossing the border into New York on the highway, I came upon a curious road sign. Everyone has seen signs for rest stops along the way to give drivers some respite and prevent accidents. This sign, however, announced something different: a text stop. Yes, a text stop. Not just one but many along the way. … Read more
A friend of mine sent me a picture of his Return to Order.org car decal. As the reader will notice, the steering wheel is on the right side. That is because my friend is from South Africa where they drive on the right. He normally has the decal on the door. He reports numerous comments … Read more
There is a major financial storm brewing on the horizon. Such dramatic statements have long been the staple of naysayers for decades. Usually these warnings are dismissed by the financial establishment as the ravings of fringe analysts. Yes, crashes do happen, but the naysayers are never seen as prophets, but just opportunists who happened to … Read more
As the sun set, the Salve Regina hymn rang out across the Atlantic. Ninety men stood on the decks of three boats, led in prayer by Christopher Columbus, the foreign captain they had come to trust. They had kept the same ritual of evening prayers since they left Spain months ago, but tonight was different. … Read more
In the continuing debate on inequality, there are many who continue to point to Thomas Piketty as a kind of secular prophet who can offer words of wisdom. The French economist certainly has plenty of words that can be found in his worldwide bestseller, a weighty 700-page work called Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Whether … Read more
We find the concern and passion for justice reflected in a conversation between Saint John Bosco and a simple blacksmith who supported the saint’s works and began the following conversation: –“Do you know what my biggest worry is?” –“Surely it must be to live and die in the grace of God.” –“No, I’m not worried … Read more
Written by Gary Isbell. Family, honor, faith and positive role models were the subjects of an event which looked at how Americans can reclaim their great country from the throes of social and economic chaos. Two authors presented their views in a program titled “Return to Family: Getting Your Family Fired Up About Honor, Role … Read more
The tragic suicide of comedian Robin Williams contains many lessons. Everyone is quick to point out the contradictions of his life. Here was a man who had everything the world had to offer to fill his life—money, fame and an entertaining lifestyle. And yet far from satisfying him, he was left with an emptiness that … Read more
