talbotlucas.org: a word to the wise is sufficient

Perhaps my suggestion of John Mearsheimer's Tragedy of Great Power Politics should count as today's suggestion, but my plan had been to say a few words about The Twilight of American Culture by Morris Berman. And since I'm in need of a break from considering the various justifications of modern contract law I'll use my break time to stick to my blogging plan.

Although the concept of a new monasticism--Berman's antidote to the cultural and social crises he perceives--may appear radical or strange without knowing the context in which he makes his proposal, I encourage you to consider Berman's arguments (see link to an excerpt, below). You may not find them as compelling as I do, but I suggest that they're important to consider in this day and age. ("Antidote" may be the wrong word, but Berman's suggestions are definitely prescriptive.)

When I first came across this book during one of my late afternoon excursions at Stacey's in San Francisco I had intended to put it in the reading queue, but I picked it up and didn't stop reading. I've since pressed it upon Terrence and others, and reread portions myself. I think we could do far worse than follow many of Berman's suggestions.

The publisher has posted an excerpt of the first chapter on their web site. If you read and enjoyed How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill you'll find that Berman's ideas are worth considering.