January Newsletter--Economic Oscillations

Why, you all might be asking, have we been on such a prolonged recess? Well, as I am something of an example of all the worst traits of our community, you'll find that not only financially, but in actions and applications, I am extended far beyond my means. I admit that it is hard to "make the ends meet" when works as absorbing as some of the ones on our list call to our attentions. The likes of Augustine, Machiavelli, and Rousseau require more than the minimum payment; and I know that for most of us, paying down the principle is simply beyond our present means. The hard questions come then when we are--be it individual, state, or country--faced with framing a budget that not only pays our debts to our lenders, but secures a future of freedom and happiness. For me, the way out of this current state of confusion and into circumstances where I can more conscientiously choose the right course of conduct is by reflecting on those who have already thought hard on the lives they lived. In this way we might make our liabilities to the past into the very assets of the present; by paying our dues, we inadvertently invest in a future that is rich in understanding and more wholesomely directed towards the commonwealth. The biggest hurdle in all this is making decent adjustments in how it is we all spend our time, i.e., in acknowledging our priorities and adhering to the resolutions and policies we frame for ourselves, while remaining both wisely enthusiastic and humble so as to make adaptations along with the wonders of a changing and imperfectly understood world.

At the beginning of an election year, it is ever more fit and proper to pay serious attention to pounding out a political philosophy, which guides our activities, our campaigns, and our votes. Perhaps a foray into the history and political theory of Renaissance Italy will be of moment when looking into our current situation, and if not, at least we'll be more conscious of the difference and why it is not. Hence, we begin the year with Machiavelli, The Prince.

Happy New Year to all,
Christopher.