Wishing you a prosperous and restful New Year,
While traveling over the holidays, it occurred to me just how much tradition plays a role in our celebrations, identities, and futures. So much of what we look forward to this time of year is steeped in what our ancestors did generations ago. I also stumbled across this quote from GK Chesterton, sharing a remarkable perspective on tradition,
“Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about.”
Traveling through Pennsylvania, surrounded by history, reminded me of how decisions made hundreds of years ago are still valid today; how buildings built generations ago can last if we care properly for them. In all the debate around ideas and objects which will stand the test of time, I think one truth emerges. Care is the bottom line; if we care to preserve traditions, they will continue; if we take care of physical objects, they will last. If we care to look to history to guide us, our institutions will last.
This weekend’s links look at history, and notions which warrant a second look, namely thoughts on work habits, how we view accomplishments, and the veracity of scientific testing in the modern era:
The story of one of Poland’s WWII most celebrated veterans, a 500-lb. brown bear.
My Texas roots are showing; the history of the cowboy boot.
On the work habits of Americans.
Consider, most accomplishments are invisible.
This piece from Crossfit HQ, asking whether the current model of scientific methodology is broken.
Currently Reading: An Unsung Hero by Michael Smith
