2007-08-20

The More Things Change?

"It is profoundly instructive to observe how powerless culture and enlightenment were against this delusion, since the latter had its support in the ardent imagination of the people, in the passionate wish to penetrate and determine the future. Antiquity, too, was on the side of astrology." Jacob Burckhardt, The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy (1860).

I just know somewhere in there exists an analogy to be drawn with contemporary times. Be it with anti-Americanism, junk science, celebrity obsession, New Age Secrets, lobbying or special interest, whatever. A prevailing ethos that drives perception is usually evident in each century. Facts of history are often misused to posit a particular partisan and political position.

Who are the progressives and the delusional today? Ancient and Medieval astrology today comes in many forms - all seem to make money. They've come a long way from the stake.

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