The Fleming Foundation Cultural Commentary

1

Reason vs. Passion

Robert E. Lee, who in so many ways epitomized the highest ideas of Christian civility, summed up the common feeling in his famous statement that, “Duty is the most sublime word in our language,” adding the injunction: “Do your duty in all things.  You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.”

2

Civilization, by Dr. James Patrick

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By way of prologue it is important to understand the relation and the difference Civilization and culture, for both are used to describe the complex of ideas and actions that define the life of a particular people in a particular place at a certain time

2

Poem by a Reactionary Bohemian

This poem by Alec Wilder was read at the composer’s funeral.  Wilder is best known for several popular songs, especially “I’ll Be Around” (recorded by his friend Frank Sinatra) and “While We are Young,” but he also wrote chamber music pieces generally condemned as “unoriginal.”

7

Wednesday’s Child: Tsetski-Petski

When passed by a horse and buggy, ubiquitous in the streets of Palermo, I scarcely know how to respond to Vasily’s wordless query.  Is the answer “horse”?  Or “carriage?”  Or “anachronism”?  Or “tourist attraction”?  By the same token, what am I to say about an open “door” to the balcony, which is a “window” when it is closed?  And is a cup of tea primarily “cup” or primarily “tea”?