In our recent article Dangers of Democracy we briefly touched on Tytler’s Cycle of Civilizations, named after Scottish historian and writer Alexander Fraser Tytler. The cycle is described in the quote below: “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselvesContinue reading “Tytler’s Cycle of Civilizations”
Author Archives: Adam Drakos
6 Horror Classics to Make Your October Spookier
It’s officially Halloween season, which means scary movies, trick-or-treating, and costume parties. If you’re a book-lover, then it might also include picking up a spooky novel to enjoy around a fireplace while sipping a warm beverage (pumpkin spice latte perhaps?). Lucky for you, we have some suggestions on which books might be perfect for that.Continue reading “6 Horror Classics to Make Your October Spookier”
The Importance of Sport in Society
In the Lascaux caves of southwest France, prehistoric cave paintings depict several fascinating images. Along with the more famous depictions of horses, deer, and bison, there are figures of sprinters and wrestlers engaged in their sports. Thousands of miles away in Mongolia dating to 7000 B.C., similar images portray wrestlers surrounded by a cheering crowd;Continue reading “The Importance of Sport in Society”
Capitalism’s Successor: Corporate Feudalism
Over the past several decades, corporations have steadily increased their power and control on society. One cannot fail to notice the symbols of this control everywhere around us. While driving down the interstate, flipping through television channels, or surfing the internet, one is bombarded by billboards, television ads, and sponsorships pushing products or services. CorporateContinue reading “Capitalism’s Successor: Corporate Feudalism”
How 3 Royal Saints Walked the Narrow Path to Heaven
In the Gospel of Matthew, a rich man asks Jesus how he can enter the kingdom of heaven. Disappointed in Jesus’ answer, he turns away in sorrow, instead desiring to hold onto his great wealth. Later in the chapter, Jesus reiterates the difficult path that the rich face in entering Christ’s kingdom: “Then Jesus saidContinue reading “How 3 Royal Saints Walked the Narrow Path to Heaven “
Wisdom from Avatar: The Last Airbender
At ThinkingWest we take a special interest in the great books, however in this article we will focus on a different form of media: television. Though the passive nature of TV will always make it a less desirable medium for the development of the mind, certain content contains pros that outweigh the cons of theContinue reading “Wisdom from Avatar: The Last Airbender”
6 Classic Book Collections for Your Kids
Getting your kids to read books is important. Getting your kids reading the right books is even more important. Yet, selecting appropriate reading material for children has become increasingly difficult in our modern society. With the introduction of ideologically driven literature in schools and other public institutions, one can be at a loss for whichContinue reading “6 Classic Book Collections for Your Kids”
When Civilizations Collapse (Part 3): Aztecs and AI Weaponry
On November 8, 1519 Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes and his exploration party first made contact with Aztec emperor Moctezuma II. After a coup d’état resulting in the death of the emperor in the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan, the Spaniards found themselves at odds with the formidable regional power. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Spaniard’sContinue reading “When Civilizations Collapse (Part 3): Aztecs and AI Weaponry”
7 Historical Philosopher-Kings to Inspire You
In Plato’s Republic, Socrates envisions the ideal city-state. After describing life within his supposed utopia, his detractors press him on whether or not his dream could ever come to fruition. Socrates replies: “Until philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy … cities will neverContinue reading “7 Historical Philosopher-Kings to Inspire You”
Searching for Wisdom: A Socratic Social Commentary
Few people are more renowned for their knowledge and wisdom than Socrates. Though a legendary thinker himself, the ancient Greek philosopher struggled to find the root of wisdom in the greater world around him and was executed for exposing the irrationality of his peers. His famous line, “all I know is that I know nothing”Continue reading “Searching for Wisdom: A Socratic Social Commentary”