I've read a number of the works on this list. I've certainly read a number that made it on the Index or raised the deadly ire of the Communists. It looks like I'll never be ordained a Roman cleric or appointed commissar.
For all the efforts at banning books through the centuries, the Earth still revolves around the sun doesn't it?
It is a god of their own making too. So what in thousands of years of human history is new?
Some of the books on the list presented in this posting do really suck, but books that suck, no matter how touted at some point, usually sink into the mire of obscurity on their own. Banning bad books usually gives crummy books a new, and undeserved lease on life.
This all seems crazy a bit to a European like me (although our Roman Catholic church used to ban books a lot) also because it seems recent (1990-1999) and it suggests it is still going on.
But there are good sides. America is still young, exuberant and willing to fight these types of wars, like young people usually do (I know I keep repeating this).
I remember all the silly ideological wars during my 68 youth. Those were good days although basically misleading, like these wars on books. Better in any case than the days of the mummies. I am exaggerating but there is some truth.
You said something interesting and one I've oft repeated here: America is willing to fight.
Precisely why I speak of them so much. They debate, fight, squawk, and on and on. It looks sick on the exterior but sometimes I wonder if it's all for the better.
The reason why America is loud is because of its youth. I just hope cynicism doesn't over take it.
The battle, and I know you don't see why, they fight presently is the role of the state in the lives of private individuals. That's what I see. Most, if not all of the West has handed over most responsibilities to the state. America clings on to old notions of self-reliance.
I've read a number of the works on this list. I've certainly read a number that made it on the Index or raised the deadly ire of the Communists. It looks like I'll never be ordained a Roman cleric or appointed commissar.
ReplyDeleteFor all the efforts at banning books through the centuries, the Earth still revolves around the sun doesn't it?
I think some harbor a secret belief that our planet revolves around God.
ReplyDeleteIt is a god of their own making too. So what in thousands of years of human history is new?
ReplyDeleteSome of the books on the list presented in this posting do really suck, but books that suck, no matter how touted at some point, usually sink into the mire of obscurity on their own. Banning bad books usually gives crummy books a new, and undeserved lease on life.
While I get Vig's point, I think it precedes God as Zeus alludes to.
ReplyDeleteI fear God is a convenient excuse for our madness.
This all seems crazy a bit to a European like me (although our Roman Catholic church used to ban books a lot) also because it seems recent (1990-1999) and it suggests it is still going on.
ReplyDeleteBut there are good sides. America is still young, exuberant and willing to fight these types of wars, like young people usually do (I know I keep repeating this).
I remember all the silly ideological wars during my 68 youth. Those were good days although basically misleading, like these wars on books. Better in any case than the days of the mummies. I am exaggerating but there is some truth.
And when I am sleepy pls do not listen to me.
You said something interesting and one I've oft repeated here: America is willing to fight.
ReplyDeletePrecisely why I speak of them so much. They debate, fight, squawk, and on and on. It looks sick on the exterior but sometimes I wonder if it's all for the better.
The reason why America is loud is because of its youth. I just hope cynicism doesn't over take it.
The battle, and I know you don't see why, they fight presently is the role of the state in the lives of private individuals. That's what I see. Most, if not all of the West has handed over most responsibilities to the state. America clings on to old notions of self-reliance.
I like that.
Man of Roma, America is aging faster than either of us, both of us put together; too many reaches, of late, which exceed her grasp.
ReplyDeleteGuys.
ReplyDeleteSit and kick back with Neil Young.
Good idea.
ReplyDeleteHere is an interesting link on the subject.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beaconforfreedom.org/