Monday, October 13, 2008
In these times
I think we're reading this book at a particularly telling time, with the election and issues of leadership, civic duty, freedom swirling around. You can't help but think of our current climate when reading, or at least I can't. I was really struck by how much literature, writing, and knowledge were emphasized by the Puritan colony Vowell focuses on, basically our founders. It's sad to think how far we've gotten away from that. Especially when the love of knowledge, learning, traveling, writing, literature, complexity, and attending the very same Ivy League schools that the Puritans founded is referred to as 'elitist.' Just thought I would share.
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2 comments:
On a different note, it's also sad to see how little we've come---how much religion dictates who we vote for and often hinders our ability to move on and improve.
very astute comments both of you! i just started the book last night, after attending a reading by vowell herslef. she was her usual fantastic self - totally deadpan and funny but also very passionate and genuine. she made a lot of really interesting points about both the puritans and now. i may expand more in an actual post but at least wanted to get a comment in. i am looking forward to getting more into the book this weekend. i also love that vowell has such a fan base now that she can really write a book about the founding of the Mass. Bay colony and grab young, hip readers as well as nerdy historians.
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