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
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
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
Many times, the best things man does are done without a plan. This is not always because of stupidity or incapacity. No. It is that his action comes from a more profound order than the mere order of thought. It is an order of the virtuous tendencies. It is an order in which the good … Read more
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
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
CHANDLER, AZ (January 2014) – 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 by John Horvat II has earned Honorable Mentions in the General- Nonfiction categories at the 2013 New England Book Festival and the 2013 London Book Festival. … Read more
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
Many people ask for suggestions as to what they might do after reading the book, Return to Order. I received a very nice letter from Charol with some excellent suggestions based on material given in the book. Her list is so good that I do not hesitate to reproduce it here. Free Book: … Read more
The nineteenth century ushered in the philosophy of utilitarianism that was supposed to free man from ignorance and irrational behavior. It seems any means might be used to achieve this end – including falsity. Stephen M. Klugewicz and Lenore T. Ealy write: “Veracity was not either Mill’s main goal in retelling history. Indeed, John Stuart … Read more
