Inaugural Post

The complexity of the religious, moral, and political decisions that are being made and must be made by my generation is staggering. I, for one, am quite intimidated by the responsibility that democracy lays on the shoulders of the governed. I am repeatedly bombarded with contradictory approaches to the problems of our nation and world, but I am not confidant that I can correctly choose between them. By seeking to understand the great thinkers of the past, I hope to break down these complexities to the foundational beliefs that drive the wide differences of opinion and ideology that divide our culture.

While many argue over policy and practice, I have found that these arguments are usually unfruitful because of differences in basic beliefs. Coming to consensus on these underlying assumptions is the prerequisite for meaningful discussion about policy and practice.

Through this blog I hope to nurture dialogue concerning the assumptions that modern humanity has adopted, perhaps unknowingly, from the past. A quote attributed to Bernard of Chartres and made famous by Isaac Newton reads in the original latin, "nanos gigantium humeris insidentes." It is translated, "dwarfs standing on the shoulders of giants." The original intention was to point out the great privilege of using previous thought as a basis for future endeavors. Yet, the metaphor should be explored a bit further.

Standing on the shoulders of giants can be dangerous for a dwarf, especially if the dwarf knows very little about the giants on which he plants his feet. This danger could be compounded if the giants are walking in opposite directions. I want my generation to move thoughtfully on the giant shoulders of the past, choosing carefully where to step and where to stand.