To all things there is a limit,

Including the size of the natural, i.e. at human scale, State.

Modern Physics : The science of “mad but clever proposal"s

When ever I read any modern physics attempt at explaining observations my thoughts wander back to the "mad but clever proposal" of epicycles and how they too were used to explain observation.

Home schooling : the "medicinal choice"

Jean Rioux on my first homeschooling thread, Homeschooling, another bad idea, makes the important clarification I left unsaid.

The actual problem is two fold. First were the underlying societal occurrences which forced families initially to homeschool, and second homeschooling in turn becoming seen not as a necessary evil to mitigate those societal occurrences, but becoming seen as a positive good which in turn should be the first choice of parents.

Think locally, Act locally

Some years back there was a study that found a high percentage of Americans could not name their federal senators or congressman. I remember being appalled. - - Today, I have no idea who my senators or congressman currently are, nor do I care to know. And am a bit sorry I do know who the sitting president is.

The preeminent 'virtue' of modern society

"Confronted with St. Paul's admonition against "covetousness", Christian libertarians -- a phrase as oxymoronic as Christian socialist -- respond with something like Calvin's interpretation of "covetousness" as nothing more than an immoderate desire for gain," which leaves the door open to a life devoted to the getting and spending that men have elevated to one of the highest of virtues . . .

Remembering the dead

"Never build massive cemeteries. Instead, allocate pieces of land throughout the community as grave sites--corners of parks, sections of paths, gardens, beside gateways... Give each grave site an edge, a path, and a quiet corner where people can sit. By custom, this is hallowed land"
A Pattern Language pages 356-357