My comprehension lifted at this one sentence: the aristocracy of the future must support its claims on superiority of talent and of character rather than on the privilege of birth or on money.
I sum it all up with one idea that has never been appreciated by anyone: Those who use money to buy food are useless eaters.
The exciting new frontier has to be the conversion of a degenerating culture from stripping the planet for money to reconstructing from the damage done. Growing soil fertility while feeding oneself is the first step.
Some interesting food for thought throughout this piece. I agree that leisure is a critical part of culture development, and that when money becomes the only measure of worth, leisure and inefficiency starts to be viewed with derision. I've noticed that when leisure is usually spoken about, it's usually just a means of necessary "recharging" so one can get back to work. But I disagree with the author's call for a less leveled aristocracy start culture rolling again (among other things, like everything he has to say about women, but they're more of a product of their time than an essential part of the central thesis). Human creativity can come from many places and experiences. If leisure itself was more leveled --and not derided -- there could be more opportunity for cultural upwelling from different social strata. People could have time to learn outside their specialization and not feel like they're wasting time. This is not something you need to be part of the aristocracy to do.
It is interesting but I think he sources his concerns in the wrong reasons. But certainly, uniformity guarantees mediocrity when society rejects standards and reduces all to the most base level.
My comprehension lifted at this one sentence: the aristocracy of the future must support its claims on superiority of talent and of character rather than on the privilege of birth or on money.
I sum it all up with one idea that has never been appreciated by anyone: Those who use money to buy food are useless eaters.
The exciting new frontier has to be the conversion of a degenerating culture from stripping the planet for money to reconstructing from the damage done. Growing soil fertility while feeding oneself is the first step.
Yes, I liked the essay.
Some interesting food for thought throughout this piece. I agree that leisure is a critical part of culture development, and that when money becomes the only measure of worth, leisure and inefficiency starts to be viewed with derision. I've noticed that when leisure is usually spoken about, it's usually just a means of necessary "recharging" so one can get back to work. But I disagree with the author's call for a less leveled aristocracy start culture rolling again (among other things, like everything he has to say about women, but they're more of a product of their time than an essential part of the central thesis). Human creativity can come from many places and experiences. If leisure itself was more leveled --and not derided -- there could be more opportunity for cultural upwelling from different social strata. People could have time to learn outside their specialization and not feel like they're wasting time. This is not something you need to be part of the aristocracy to do.
It is interesting but I think he sources his concerns in the wrong reasons. But certainly, uniformity guarantees mediocrity when society rejects standards and reduces all to the most base level.