"History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to . . . kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days."
This is true and beautiful. Churchill was a poet (as well as a statesman and painter). But I am worried about the next argument:
"The only guide to a man is his conscience; the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions. . . . [With] this shield, however the fates may play, we march always in the ranks of honor."
It's a very good thing to say about a man who so badly misread the character of another world leader. An honorable, well-meaning Neville Chamberlain, trusting Hitler's word, nearly lost Western civilization for us.
I am reminded, though, of our political factions here today in the United States, on both sides, who believe sincerely, fervently in their own brands of righteousness, and harbor no doubt of their own rectitude. They both indulge in frenzied name-calling, hyperbole, and demonizing of the other.
Smug morality spews like waste water in all directions. Just watch the comments as they come in.
"History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to . . . kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days."
This is true and beautiful. Churchill was a poet (as well as a statesman and painter). But I am worried about the next argument:
"The only guide to a man is his conscience; the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions. . . . [With] this shield, however the fates may play, we march always in the ranks of honor."
It's a very good thing to say about a man who so badly misread the character of another world leader. An honorable, well-meaning Neville Chamberlain, trusting Hitler's word, nearly lost Western civilization for us.
I am reminded, though, of our political factions here today in the United States, on both sides, who believe sincerely, fervently in their own brands of righteousness, and harbor no doubt of their own rectitude. They both indulge in frenzied name-calling, hyperbole, and demonizing of the other.
Smug morality spews like waste water in all directions. Just watch the comments as they come in.