JANUARY
The Book of Psalm by David
GBP Y2Q3
I have read a Psalm a day as part of my daily reading. The poetry reflects all of life and the full human experience. I will start again.
Reason, Faith, and Revolution: Reflections on the God Debate
by Terry Eagleton
Supplemental reading for GPB
Even though Eagleton wrote this book in 2009, he describes what is happening politically in the USA in 2021. The author is an atheist, and yet he takes great swings at the New Atheist writers. He has a compelling argument on why reason alone will not keep humans on the track of humanity. A worthwhile read.
The Seven Ages by Louise Glück
Part of my morning reading ritual is to read a poem out loud. Reading the poem out loud allows the words, ideas, images to form in space around me. In my life, I have said often that my spiritual journey is to hold the great paradox of life: the immense joy and the deep suffering. To hold these at the same time is a spiritual endeavor. In Summer Night, she writes, ‘imperial joy and sorrow of human existence.’ Her poetry weaves in and out of this paradox. This poetry book is the first book I have read of Louise Glück. I will read her poetry again and again. She has a brilliant ability to form words, and the reader feels life.
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
GBP Y2Q3
Hobbes has a pessimistic view of Man as being ‘vainglorious’ and continuously in a state of war. This pessimistic view of Man is what drives his argument to the end. ‘And because the condition of Man is a condition of war of everyone against everyone, in which case everyone is governed by his own reason, every Man has a right to everything, even to one another’s body, there can be no security to any man (p86)
As Hobbes moves through a hierarchy of defining Man, he points out that ‘Nature cannot err’ (p56). Through his systematic approach, he does not leave room for disagreement. Hobbes gives only two characteristics to Man that are not found elsewhere in nature: reason and curiosity. And reason is not in every Man it can only be obtained, ‘By this, it appears that reason is not, as sense and memory, born with us; nor gotten by experience only, as prudence is, but attained by industry. (60) Curiosity seems to be innate in all:’ Desire, to know why, and how, curiosity; such as is in no living creature but Man: so that Man is distinguished, not only by his reason; but also by this singular passion from other animals.’
Hobbes would say that reason, curiosity, and fear are Man’s qualities that make him desire to live in peace and not be at war with his fellow Man. Desire of knowledge, and art of peace, inclines men to obey a common power: for such desire contains a desire of leisure, and consequently protection from some other power than their own. (p 77) This desire for knowledge comes from the innate curiosity. It is the fear of not being able to live well that causes Man to seek another way, a peaceful society. Fear of oppressions disposes a man to anticipate or to seek aid by society; for there is no other way by which a man can secure his life and liberty. (p 77)
In his pessimistic view of Man, Hobbes puts forth that Man will only do the right thing out of fear of punishment. And only a sovereign is what can deliver that punishment. ‘Therefore before the names of just and unjust can have place, there must be some coercive power to complete men equally to the performance of their covenants, by the terror of some punishment greater than the benefit they expect by the breach of their covenant, and to make good that propriety which by mutual contract men acquire in recompense of the universal right they abandon: and such power there is not before the election of a commonwealth.’ (p91)
View of Society
As it is necessary for all men that seek peace to lay down certain rights of nature (p94). Hobbes puts forth that the way to a peaceable existence is that each Man must give up some liberties to a Sovereign. (From Book II, it is clear that Hobbes thinks the most effective sovereign is the Monarch.) Once again, Hobbes is brilliant in how he lays out this argument through the defining of words. He defines such words as ‘contract’ because this is an essential word for society. A social contract must exist for a society to function peacefully. The mutual transferring of right is that which men call contract. (p87) He then discusses what is just and injustice because this is an essential concept in a society... This discussion can only occur if ‘contract’ is understood. ‘The definition of injustice is no other than the not performance of covenant.’ (p91) and ‘Justice therefore, that is to say, keeping of covenant, is a rule of reason by which we are forbidden to do anything destructive to our life, and consequently a law of nature.’ (p92) He puts great faith in the Commonwealth and no faith in the individual Man, ‘Where there is no common power, there is no law; where no law; no injustice.’ (p86)
View of God
Hobbes believes there is a God. He believes Jesus is the son of God. Yet, his views of Man and Society land on reason. The idea of God is meant for later, the afterlife. The laws of nature are immutable and eternal; for injustice, ingratitude, arrogance, pride, iniquity, acception of persons, and the rest can never be made lawful. For it can never be that war preserves life, and peace destroys it. (p96) Hobbes writes of there being a God, yet in how he lays out his argument, it does not seem to matter. Society is a rational endeavor and has nothing to do with God. And, well, he has such a pessimistic view of God’s most incredible creation, Man. Even though he ‘believes’ in God, I do not see how that affects his political theory. (I did not read Book III entitled, Of a Christian Commonwealth.)
What of it?
The question throughout our reading project of what is society has become a resounding drumbeat. This question is something that we can not answer easily, or we would be living it today. Hobbes puts forth that living in a society where one is safe, secure, happy requires giving up some of the liberties a person might like to hold on to. This question during the COVID epidemic has been raised again and again. It is often heard on the news from people refusing to wear masks, ‘I am not giving up my liberties!’. According to Hobbes, to give up a few liberties will ensure you get to live a life of peace. And, if you won’t do it on your own…..some severe punishments might help.
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
Reading i Sverige Book Club
Oscar Wilde’s brilliant writing takes on a prominent theme in the 21st century - to be forever young. Dorian Gray, the main character, sells his soul to be forever young. His life takes on an empty obsession with the latest trends and the dependence of going to look and see who he is in the portrait painted by Basil Hallward. Great book.
Prairie in Her Heart: Pioneer Women of North Dakota by Barbara Witteman
Growing up in western North Dakota, I thought this was an excellent book depicting the different aspects of homesteading. When I read my Grandmother’s diary, one of her themes was the active social life in North Dakota. Fewer people are living in North Dakota now. The author failed to discuss the brutal weather in North Dakota, the never-ending strong winds, the arctic cold blasts in the winter, and the above 100 degrees heat of the summer. The weather was and is a significant player with those who live in North Dakota. My Dad had a hired hand who would answer when asked why he lived in North Dakota, ‘to prove it can be done!’.
Audio:
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
What I liked most about this book was the detailed attention the author gave to the small town of 1961. He brought back so many memories about growing up in the ’60s: kool-aid, jello salad, bringing food to families in need, church services. Through his words, he painted a picture of a past time. I enjoyed that more than I enjoyed the story.
Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans:
The Battle that Shaped America’s Destiny by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger
This book is a story of Andrew Jackson that I learned when I was in school. It was great to have the story refreshed and the details filled in. A significant downside of the audio version is the narration by the author is distracting. I would not recommend listening to the book.
Fire and Brimstone: The North Butte Mining Disaster by Michael Punke
I have driven through Butte, Montana, many times, and I have seen the now-defunct open copper mine. The author had a thorough knowledge of the disaster at the mine on June 8, 1917. He tells the events above ground and beneath the earth and the lasting political impact of this great disaster. He recounts individual stories as well as the story of Montana and American in the early 20th century. It was an interesting read.
