I have written a lot (categorized below), but I have only five things to say that I would want you to read if nothing else.
- We live in a post-truth age, the only way to live now is in Truth - Lies, Them and Us
- One has to come to terms with the ideology that has become our state religion, how that happened, and what it means - From Progressivism to Authoritarianism
- We all have metaphysics, pick the wrong one and all other thought devolves into absurdity. - First Principles
- If you understand the above, then the following makes sense, foundationally. - Little People, Big Acts
I think if one understands those four things, they probably understand the fifth already.
What and Why
Over time a man, if he is perceptive, comes to certain conclusions. The most startling is that the greatest truths were spoken to him throughout his life by ordinary men, simple preachers, old men sitting around drinking soda and eating peanuts, his father. These men, if beneficiaries of a culture and community that embrace common-sense as a virtue, know truths that philosophers for centuries have tried in various ways to express. Common-sense is something all men should know; common- sense informs us of certain natural laws, common-sense is God’s gift of understanding. (The Philosophy of Commonsense)
I have thus come to certain conclusions, presented herein. First among them is my belief that Western Civilization and the cultures that have historically comprised it face now an existential crisis. Not the head to the bunker, end of the world sort of crisis. No, what I mean is the sort of foundational change and shift that will make the former unrecognizable, and foreign. Extinct.
This is certainly not a new process. It is not unique in the West, cultures have fallen and disappeared before. What is unique is the mass extinction level of the current era. What is unique is the Scipio Africanus efficiency and totality of the coming extinction. Most past cultures have survived sufficiently, at least in their influence, upon the passing of the torch. I am uncertain that such is possible in light of current trends and dispositions. I might have written all the words I have on this matter, in my previous posts here and four of my books. The center cannot hold, but what can one do?
I am something of a recovering curmudgeon, considering that I believe the above to be true and that no words written by me might change it, I had to find a happy purpose for my post-Army retirement. I have taken up Advanced Squad Leader once more, see P.H.T.S.
“First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing, ask what is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek?”
Evergreen Posts
- 2020: Not that Unprecedented
- America’s Great Cultural and Political Divide
- Cultural Revolution Predictions
- The West is Lost
- The Megachurch’s Role in the Cultural Revolution
- Blackstone’s Influence on American Political Philosophy
- Natural and Revealed Law and Originalism
- Pandemic, Liberty, Justice and the Future
- Something is Coming
- Winter Comes Again
- Existential Risks and Biotechnology
- The Age of Entitlement
- Philosophical and Political Worldviews
- A Peak at the Authoritarianism to Come
- When The People see the Government as Illegitimate
- China: The Rising Dragon
- A Primer in Truth
- From Radical Progressivism to Authoritarianism
I suspect everything changed in 2020, we shall see if talk of philosophy and worldview matters going forward or if our path is now set. What is clear it seems is that many of those crazy conspiracy theories from the past actually align pretty well with historical analysis in providing some insight into our current world. [read more]
Next Steps...
If you are interested in learning more, follow my occasional blog posts, comment, contribute, learn and teach as we all find our purpose.
Sometimes I tweet, but not often. @onlyBarryLClark
