Dear Readers, As those of you who’ve been around for a while know, every summer the Berlinski family—père, fils, fille, grand-fils, belle-soeur, chien, et amis— sets out for a week of adventure in the French boondocks. It’s that time! Tomorrow, we pack our bags and head off to another mystery destination, sight unseen, in the middle of nowhere.
Would it be fair to say that the 20th century brought in a new era/age/epoch in human history?
When I ask this question, I have in mind his chapter on violence in his book "Human Nature" (the quotation about the 20th century being an "obelisk in human history" always gives me chills if I contemplate it too long).
If this is so, then what does that mean?
Forgive me if this is too broad or vague a question. It's just that the concept of the 20th century being a civilizational-ending era gives rise to the question: what comes next from that?
At the very least, could the Berlinski family recommend a few good books? I don't have a particular subject in mind. What are some good reads that any of y'all have come across recently? I'm always looking to add to my never-ending reading list.
Jun 24, 2022Liked by Claire Berlinski, Rachel motte
Whoa ... at first glance, I thought you were issuing an invitation!
But ... that brings up an idea... what about a Cosmopolitan Globalist Cruise? Several American political groups do this, to raise money for their publications, and there are 'Classics Lovers Cruises' from the UK.
Now, maybe there are not -- yet -- enough CosMoGlo's to make this viable. But it's an idea worth keeping in mind. Less ambitiously, what about a Cosmopolitan Summer Camp, in France? With speakers, debates, etc? Like the annual fete organized by Lutte Ouvriere in Paris? [ https://fete.lutte-ouvriere.org/ ] (Learn from the enemy!)
Sounds like a sublime vacation! My suggestion would be to leave the work behind; human beings need to relax and recharge every once in a while, and doing something different is far more effective than doing less of the same.
I do have a question for Grand Père: how can we ever solve a conundrum of young people being incapable of applying the lessons the old people learned the hard way?
Enjoy your vacation Claire. Waiting for some great podcasts with your dad.... and some great upcoming articles and news.
Ah, Claire, how I envy you & yours. France! One day I hope to get there...
Have a most perfect vacation, Claire... you well and truly deserve it... A presto...
Have fun with the folks!
I have a question for your Pop.
Would it be fair to say that the 20th century brought in a new era/age/epoch in human history?
When I ask this question, I have in mind his chapter on violence in his book "Human Nature" (the quotation about the 20th century being an "obelisk in human history" always gives me chills if I contemplate it too long).
If this is so, then what does that mean?
Forgive me if this is too broad or vague a question. It's just that the concept of the 20th century being a civilizational-ending era gives rise to the question: what comes next from that?
At the very least, could the Berlinski family recommend a few good books? I don't have a particular subject in mind. What are some good reads that any of y'all have come across recently? I'm always looking to add to my never-ending reading list.
Thank you!
Do you and your dad ever discuss the work of Rupert Sheldrake? Or Yuval Noah Harari?
Whoa ... at first glance, I thought you were issuing an invitation!
But ... that brings up an idea... what about a Cosmopolitan Globalist Cruise? Several American political groups do this, to raise money for their publications, and there are 'Classics Lovers Cruises' from the UK.
Now, maybe there are not -- yet -- enough CosMoGlo's to make this viable. But it's an idea worth keeping in mind. Less ambitiously, what about a Cosmopolitan Summer Camp, in France? With speakers, debates, etc? Like the annual fete organized by Lutte Ouvriere in Paris? [ https://fete.lutte-ouvriere.org/ ] (Learn from the enemy!)
Bon voyage, Claire!
Sounds like a sublime vacation! My suggestion would be to leave the work behind; human beings need to relax and recharge every once in a while, and doing something different is far more effective than doing less of the same.
I do have a question for Grand Père: how can we ever solve a conundrum of young people being incapable of applying the lessons the old people learned the hard way?
Thanks, Claire. Keep up your brilliant, groundbreaking work, and enjoy the French countryside!
That sounds fantastic (both the holiday and a pleasant interlude from the bleak world news these days) Enjoy!
This should be fun!