Old World Vantage – Concepts for Articles

This page is for context and conversation – not publication

Review – The Island at the Center of the World

Book by Russell Shorto, subtitled “The epic story of Dutch Manhattan and the forgotten colony that shaped America”. This 300 page scholarly narrative of the Dutch colonies in Manhattan and the Hudson valley, before the British took control, is worth a review for the light it sheds on early colonization, showing notable differences between the Dutch, English and Spanish, the effect of leadership personalities and a range of relations to indigenous inhabitants.

Monuments to Misery

Exploration of examples of well built and nicely designed factories, prisons and schools, whose appearances may belie living conditions of the ‘inmates’. Wondering if architectural excellence is a good indicator of the builders’ motives and a contributor to better living conditions.

Moot Point

The value of moot halls, spaces and meeting places, during the middle ages, for discussing and deciding issues. That concept of the moot embodies communal spirit. Change of connotation in suggesting something good to something irrelevant.

The Paths to Prosperity

An exploration of paths, from simple sidewalks to city roads to highway bypasses in the pursuit of civilization and to the obvious detriment of species other than human. The tension between population – prosperity and the good of the planet. Sacrifice as a mode of being for both God’s image bearers and the natural world. The posture of environmental activists who do not shun taking the paths.

Elizabeth

Reflection of the lives of the Stuit family in the early 1900s as documented in letters written to my great grandmother Stientje Stuit/Beekhuis. These letters were published in a small booklet by my mother in the 90’s and touch on the story of faith in the face of sickness and death, and of the emigration of half the family to South Dakota.

The Public Square

Comparison of public spaces in Europe with those of North America. With references to livability, family and social cohesion, historical rootedness and stewardship.

Heritage Seeds

Comparison of social diversity to plant and animal species diversity. Against standardization, globalization, cancelling, invasion, conquest. In favour of diversity and tolerance – even support of social ‘experiments’, relics, holdouts, traditions, enclaves, etc. Predicated on the idea of seed banks. Also going along with Gamaliel.

Millenia of Monumental Masterpieces by Men

A tribute to the industry, innovation, determination, ingenuity and strength that has left us with a vast world of habitations, edifices, monuments and infrastructure. The sum total of this work, both abandoned, ruined or still used is beyond comprehension and reason to be thankful. Recognition is due to all, women included, from every civilization. But the lion’s share has been done by men, and their sacrifices have been significant. There’s not enough appreciation for this sacrifice.