Our modern day Diogenes, Richard Weaver, continues on his quest in the final chapter of his far-reaching diatribe, Ideas Have Consequences, by examining the roles of piety and justice in reversing the decay of civilization.
Like the ancient philosphoser seeking a man of integrity (wholeness), Weaver wonders whether modern man wants to be well.
His conclusion?
It doesnt matter whether man desires health.
Weaver knows that it is his duty as one who can foresee (prophet) to shine the light on the path illuminating the way.
So, dear reader, if you peruse my words no further, be advised that this short volume is indispensable to your health. I cannot make you read it. My summaries might make you feel better temporarily, but like true medicinal aids the prescriptions are lethal and necessary. I can only pray along with Weaver that you will read and catch the imagination of those who look to you for guidance.
Now for a little recap.
After six chapters explaining the miserable state of society (civilization), Weaver proposes a solution which involves 1) a right relationship with property, 2) repaired communication (skills), and 3) a major attitude adjustment. The last of which is the concept addressed in chapter nine.
Weaver jumps right to the point and blames modern man's attidude. He is impious. If you are not offended by this label it only proves that you are a product of modern civilization, killing off everything/one who came before you and unconscious that crimes have been committed. Weaver proposes that we discipline (or exercise self control) the will through respect (venerence) in three areas of life:
1) Nature - Find the middle ground, avoiding total immersion and total abstraction.
2) Neighbors - Accept others as being allowed to live their way. God made my enemies :)
3) History - The past has substance but only insofar as I can reflect on it.
It is disheartening to observe that modern man seems to have lost all sense of obligation, not feeling accountable because he does not recognize that anything is owed (due) these areas. This is where *Justice* seems to have been abandoned. It made me realize why some people dont believe in Hell.
Not one to skim over distasteful part of a discussion, Weaver explains how our impiety toward the distinctiveness of nature, the loss of individuality(personality), and the contempt for the past are powerful forces disintegrating the foundations which undergird our civilization. I liked best his dispelling of the myth of the equality of the sexes, which was a part of his proposal to restore the proper sentiment in nature.
Check out the word theomorphic, especially as it relates to the distinction between the disease of individualism and the tonic of personality. This is admirable as defined by Weaver:
that little private area of selfhood in which the person is at once conscious of
his relationship to the transcendental and the living community.
I'm sure Cindy will address these as well as his other examples. Be sure and read her synopsis.
Finally, Weaver admits that even his chosen field of philosophy doesnt have all the answers and if applied is very likely to blow up any government on which it is founded, pg 182. Carmon has an interesting essay about the presidental race, which will tie in with Weaver's statement that "every figure in modern public life feels called upon to stress the regularity of his background, habits, and his aspirations." Dont be fooled by political rhetoric. If you do anything political, I implore you to pay closer attention to local over national politics.
In the end, I admire Weaver for his dedication to the "fair goal of justice" through the implemenation of old-fashioned piety, although we may need to consult a spin-meister for a more marketable term, if we desire more companions. However, that may not be necessary since as students of history, we know that minorities have exercised control in the past.
Weaver devoted his short life to restoring civilization. That makes him a hero in my eyes. He learned the lesson of endurance and for that I credit him with substance. I hope you will too.
In a way he lives on as a force helping to shape our dream of the world.
Well, this has been a great series. Thank you, Dana, for taking the time to read and think and share.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your next project, which I may read along (silently) with you all, since I do have a copy of that book and wanted to use it someday with my children.
Yes, Dana, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI plan to read this book in 2008. My niece is going home after Christmas and that will free up time in my schedule for more reading.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your discussions, in the posts and in the comments. It's all been great, and very helpful.
Carol in Oregon