William of St. Thierry,
the "Doctor of Sweetness"
The Cross as culture and standard of victory, triumph of love over hate and evil, hope and faith on each
despair and denial free or pessimistic; fraternity Universal against any resurgence ethnic or nationalist or ideological
always lurking and never completely defeated in all parts of the earth, the Cross, as the most universal human dimension, the
which no one can escape, let alone the heathen, let alone non-Christians, the Cross as a formidable weapon against any
all spiritual and material poverty.
And here you can not help but recall an example, the words of the Communist and atheistic Natalia Ginzburg, which although
communist and atheist, yet independently of faith in God that no longer had, was also an example of secular and educated
intelligent.
And what can we say, because despite its ideological limitations, but with the power of one cultural tradition, proved to be
able to read even the most intimate of our own culture (that ability should be true all the laity, without
degraded secularists ), so no doubt he could say in 1988:
I'm sorry that the Crucified disappear forever by all classes. It seems to me a loss. All or almost all the people who
know they say that should be removed. I'm sorry that the Crucified disappears. If I were a teacher, I would not in my class
was touched ... The crucifix does not generate any discrimination. Silent. And 'the image of the Christian revolution, which has
scattered throughout the world the idea of equality among men hitherto absent ... The crucifix is a sign of human suffering. The crown
of thorns, the nails, evoke his suffering ... It is part of world history ... Before Christ no one had ever said that
men are equal and brothers all, rich and poor, believers and nonbelievers, Jews and non-Jews and blacks and whites, and no one before him
said that in the center of our existence we have place the solidarity between people ... It seems to me good the boys,
children, they know right from the banks the school. Jesus Christ carried the cross. We all happened or is happening to bring about
shoulders the burden of a great disaster. In this calamity we call the cross, although we are not Catholic because they are too strong
too many centuries and is imprinted with the idea of the cross in our thinking. All, Catholic and secular bear or bear the burden of a
misfortune, shedding blood and tears trying not to collapse. This tells the Crucified. He says to all, Not just for Catholics.
[ Natalia Ginzburg (1916-1991) March 25, 1988 wrote in the newspaper L ' Unit, an article entitled "Do not remove this
Crucifix." A commentary on this issue and article, which appeared in 2003 CulturaCattolica.it by Vitaliano Mattioli ].
1: Just as Italy and Germany in their Nazi-fascist had a seed of self-destruction, much like today's Europe has itself a deeper and more dangerous outbreak of self-destruction ....
Taylor: "The story is not over '
The rejection of the "subtraction stories" is one of the sides of the intuition that humans 'construct' new identities, new and imaginative ideas of their position in the cosmos and history. The quotation marks in the concept of "construction" means to point out that this is not something we do deliberately and controlled. We are more like sleepwalkers, which are transported between different buildings.
That is to say, there is certainly some element of intent (We are caught by new moral and religious ideas, like that of sola fide), but there are a lot of unintended consequences. Nor do I mean by "construction" that the changes do not correspond to anything in reality, they are completely arbitrary. All this is perhaps the 'construction' an inappropriate term, but I have found a better one. With it I want to indicate that an important historical change does not arise simply because we spread some belief or some conceptual boundaries, but we are always working on the redefinition of our ability to act and we are always changing ourselves. As talk about a change of direction? We come to the question of Hegel because Hegel sees it in a direction of change that moves the story (the spirit unfolds, fully realized the reason itself). I said I do not think that the changes are purely arbitrary.
If something like the doctrine of sola fide was able to have such a great impact on history, it must correspond to something important in the human condition, something that the adoption of this doctrine answer. We learn to know our nature by observing what happened in history. So far, the perspective is Hegelian. However, where Hegel is wrong assuming that there is only one direction of change, namely that there is only one line of development that leads us forward. Clearly, however, history shows us that it is not. There are broad similarities between the powerful routes of change we observe in different civilizations, but they can all be traced to a single line of development.
Take for example the axial period. Jaspers is right in saying that happened here is something important: a sense of transcendence or of a higher good comes in several advanced civilizations. These then have enormous power to drive those who live the margins of these civilizations. However, it is very difficult to bring to light what is the common element here, for example, between the Hebrew prophets, Greek philosophers, Confucius and the Buddha. These new openings can not be compared along an axis that runs from those that truly reflect historical change and those that reflect only imperfectly or only a first approximation. This type of hierarchy reflects the narrowness of thought and the arrogance of the West and Hegel was subdued (though we're not moralistic, it was hard not to see it in Europe at that time). In other words, it is true that some historical developments can be seen as the unfolding of an important human potential (and here we are certainly in Hegelian territory) and the palette of these developments is quite wide and can not be restricted in advance (and here we break with Hegel).
Certainly there is room for more surprises. We should also add that these dynamics, although it corresponds to an important potential, almost always resulting in loss of other potential beings. For example, the "disenchantment" of the world is not just our beliefs lose some bizarre and improbable over the relics or the spirits of the forest, it is also to develop our a new way of being in the world as "self-compressed" (buffered selves), and this means the loss of a certain kind of sensitivity.
Thus, Hegel is right in saying that
a) certain changes are the implementation of important potential, but he is wrong
b) because there is only one direction for such changes. Instead, there were rivals or similar forms, to indicate where we struggle to find a general term, as with the revolutions of the axial period. Moreover, Hegel is wrong
c) the fact that these changes involve losses and gains, and often confront us with profound dilemmas. Human history seems oriented towards uniformity, because some developments give a great economic and military power to companies that adopt them.
This forces other companies to develop at least the functional equivalent, if you do not want to be subservient. However, these functional equivalents should be developed starting from the cultural resources available to the companies themselves, so we have not one modernity, but multiple modernities. I think the "postmodern" is only the continuation of certain tendencies of modernity. Modernity itself has always been something that we fought, because it includes new concepts of order (as the modern moral order) and various forms of rebellion against them.
Both of these instances contain some truth, from my point of view. We need some modern version of the moral order to live decent lives, in which certain forms of human barbarity, inequality, exploitation can be minimized, but we can not have fetishistic adoration for these orders, or pretending that They cover all our screw regulations. What seems absurd and ridiculous at times from this point of view is the inexorable "seriousness" (sérieux) of this struggle between those who believe in absolute order, and those who want to refuse any order. Both positions are equally untenable and it is painful to see so much energy, even among the best minds, lost in this useless battle.
Charles Taylor
Notes: This is a story I wrote for the birthday Thalia . I know I'm late, and as a gift is not much, I still hope that I apologize and appreciate your thoughts. ^ _ ^
Note2: This is the very first story I write about Merlin and I must say, I enjoyed a world! Any grammarian-syntactic errors and fauna is entirely attributable to me, if you find someone to let me out, do not be ruthless.
"Of all the stupid things you've ever done in your pathetic life-"
"Now you do not seem to be a little 'esageran-"
"This is definitely the stupidest of all! In short, the filing should redefine the common conception of stupidity! "
Merlin considered it quite unfair, after all not happened so often to do something silly. Yes, was to consider the week before, when he accidentally set fire to the wig that important advisor, but basically it was something that could happen to anyone. And in any case, Arthur was definitely making it seem worse than it actually was.
"Merlin! Maybe the concept will seem strange, but as my servant is your duty to at least pretend to abide to hear when you insult! Perhaps consider me an idiot? "
" Yes Arthur ... that is, no-what was the question? " asked Merlin waking from his thoughts.
Arthur piped miserably, collapsing dead weight in the pillow.
"If I were not reduced in this state, you'd just won a week in the pillory."
Merlin cocked his head to the side, not taking it seriously even for a moment the threat addressed to the other guy.
"Come on, the bottom is not so bad. In fact, I have to say you're kinda cute. "
"Merlin, look at me," said the prince with a shrill squeak. "I'm a fucking rodent!"
In fact at that time that the truce was not staring at the blond boy prince who had long since begun to consider the source of all his troubles, but a tiny golden-haired hamster and mustache trembling with anger.
"But a decidedly rodent royal," he hastened to add Merlin.
After all, as he had stated several Prince at the same time, it was something that could happen to anyone. And then it was all the fault of Arthur and his stupid whims when it comes to hair.
When, months ago, Arthur was aware of its powers (the fault of that damned dragon that had not only decided it was time to cut and run, but while I was there, to raze half Camelot) had not taken very well. He had given to Uther, yes, but the silent treatment silent resentment and hatred that he had reserved more than once, without desiring the opposite.
Then there was the turn (a bad story about a female troll and a love potion, but he and Arthur had a silent agreement not to talk about it ever) and things between them had gone better. Not only had resumed Arthur Merlin as his servant, but had even agreed that its powers were not necessarily evil, especially when he discovered he could exploit them for their gifts whims.
Since then, Merlin was a continuous bring back the spear that I lost last month , Merlin filled pimples of the face of the servant that I disrespected Merlin and the color of this tunic I do not like, make it red Merlin, or you're an idiot, get away from my sight (ok, that last sentence was not exactly new, but now Arthur said it even more frequently than before).
"Let me return to normal immediately," squeaked fighting Arthur.
Merlin moved away a bit 'the bandana from his neck to do with absent-minded.
"Yes, of course ... You mean right now ? "
"-Merlin"
"I remind you that you were the one potion that will make your hair shiny," she defended the dark bringing both hands forward. "I told you that I'm not good to mix the ingredients and the like. But you insisted! "
" You you are able to get me back as before, right? "Said the hamster getting cold on his hind legs and staring at the dark with eyes reduced to aqueous two slots.
"Sure that can get you back as before, but I need some 'time ... if it were a normal spell would not have had problems, but we need to create an antidote to the right ingredients, time, and especially you have to wait that Gaius returns from his trip, "Merlin finished with just a whisper. He would never admit to Arthur, but had no idea where to begin to prepare the potion.
"But I do not have time!"
Merlin looked at him to question.
"The banquet, Merlin, the banquet! "continued the prince with a squeak exasperated. "King Duncan comes to visit us, you reminded of something?"
Indeed Merlin had heard in the kitchens of the royal family to visit one of the neighboring kingdoms to Camelot. At the time he was too busy flirting with the fat cook to care (the old woman had a crush on him that night and then served mutton!), But apparently the rest of the court was in turmoil for days.
"You can not just say you're sick?"
"In that case call a doctor to visit me and I do not think there are diseases that can explain why I have suddenly turned into a tiny ball of fur. Do not go, then, would be an insult too seriously, almost as a declaration of war. "
" And I guess that is not a good thing, "Merlin shrewdly considered putting a hand to his head.
Arthur pathetically covered his nose with its feet let out a groan in exasperation.
"Merlin, I swear that I never in my life seen a more stupid and incompetent wizard you!"
Now Merlin felt really offended. In short, there were plenty of witches and wizards that happened every so often to make small mistakes, I guess. Sure did not have much knowledge in that round of people, because sooner or later it always ended to try to get him to the skin. Definitely not a good basis for a civil relationship and lasting.
"I regret to inform you that I can do a lot of things, like to blow things up or open doors locked or mists create out of nothing ... the other week I have also taken the form of a waitress e. .. I already told you I can blow up things? "
" You have taken the form of a maid? "squeaked the prince with his nose peeping between the tiny paws.
"I did nothing wrong," he defended himself while Merlin's purple shadow colors the tips of his ears. "I just wanted to take something from the kitchen ... no offense, but you give me the pay is pitiful. "
"Merlin, you're a genius!" Arthur interrupted him triumphant.
"Well, thank you," said the dark took a bit 'off guard by this unexpected compliment.
"You take my point, go to the banquet in my place and Gaius will return tomorrow and I will finally return to normal."
"Perfect, that is- What should I do? "
" Next, Take my appearance. "
" Arthur, I do not think that idea is so wise. In short, and if they come out? "
" Then my father will imprison you for turning to witchcraft and his only son and heir to the throne in a hamster and you will only a pile of ashes. Now on, processed, "he ordered Arthur shook his mustache with impatience to do.
sighed and Merlin, creating a mental picture of Arthur in his mind, he felt his skin painfully pull on the muscles which gradually became more and more swollen, at one point was almost sure I heard his shirt torn at the shoulders.
"Oh, come on," Arthur snapped a complete transformation. "I am a thousand times better looking than that! Do it again and this time put us more work! "
Merlin stared in disbelief and then Arthur's gaze to his clothes torn to shreds. If it was true that there were two sides of the same coin, found himself with a snort and consider knocked what was left of his shirt, then the side of Arthur would certainly be rusty.
*
Take lessons from a hamster label was definitely one of the most unique experiences that Merlin had ever done in his young but eventful life. The fact that the hamster and then continued to insult his posture, his manner and his being in general, does not help to make it more enjoyable.
"I'll stay always at hand to keep you from doing things incredibly stupid, "said Arthur clawing inside of his sleeve. "I did not think would ever see the day when I would have told you, but do not you dare crush "
Merlin sighed as he tried to establish a decent cloak on his shoulders. He had never been so difficult when he had to wear was Arthur, but probably it was the fault of all those unnecessary muscolacci bulky.
"Not if you do not bow down before the king and his daughter, please. Never point the word servitude and be dignified and regal. "
" As you say. "
" Do not be rude to King Duncan and his daughter, but be not too friendly, after their kingdom was small and insignificant compared to Camelot. "
" Yes Arthur. "
" See not seem like an idiot, or being stupid, or doing stupid things, damn, you see not same! "
Merlin sighed watching their unrecognizable reflection in the mirror looking at him confused. Definitely not an expression that is suited to the future king of Camelot. He tried to raise an eyebrow in the typical way of doing when Arthur saw as unworthy of attention, but it ended only with the constipated look.
"Sure I can try to convince the dragon to come back for a while '? I do not say much, only for a fire or maybe two-"
" Merlin! "
*
Once in the banquet hall Merlin felt the muscles of his legs (even those damn muscular, he could not help but note. Not that had peeked course) to become rock hard.
In the sumptuous tables of embroidered fabrics in red and gold were lying flat filled with every delicacy, whose very sight of her mouth filled with saliva Merlin. A great shouting and noisy laughter echoed in the room were encouraged by the overflowing cups of wine.
This that made the blood freeze in the veins of Merlin, however, was the sight of King Uther that, with a friendly smile, the gesture was to sit beside him.
"You've had to wait," said Morgan with the acidity just cracked his melodious voice.
"Sorry, I-ah!" Merlin was startled to hear two entrargli tiny sharp teeth into the flesh of the wrist. "Here, I wanted to say that I do not spend all the time mica to brush my hair, I have things ... princely and heroic to do myself. A lot, "he recovered swelling his voice pompous royalty.
Morgana stared at him strangely and Merlin hurried to sink your face in a glass full of wine.
"Arthur, I'd like to introduce you to King Duncan and his daughter, Lady Susan," Uther said laying a hand on his shoulder. Merlin had to suppress a shudder and tried to distract the man and the girl, smiling affably sitting in front of him.
"The pleasure is mine to make your acquaintance, Prince Arthur," said shyly the girl while her eyes were veiled by demure lashes.
The young age and the pleasure of Lady Susan was even more enhanced by the contrast with the purple and swollen face of his father who, by the way he dropped half the contents of his cup on the table, seemed to have already been toasted more than once that evening. Her beauty was not a flashy as that of Morgan, but more shy and sweet, with auburn curls that caressed the cheeks and then fell on his shoulder, and Merlin was not able to do is to try an immediate liking to him.
"Do you like Camelot," asked Merlin to ask a goofy smile.
Morgana stared at him so intensely that the piece of chicken that kept hovering in the fork fell with a thud on the plate, stamped an expression on his face in disgust.
"Oh, yes," replied Lady Susan with a shy smile. "Everything here is so beautiful and luxurious. My kingdom is very small and before today I had never left us so much in my life. "
Merlin gave him a big smile, very little dignity before jumping on the chair because of a particularly vicious infertogli bitten in the arm.
"What is it? You hurt me, "she whispered through clenched teeth in a towel that was tactically brought to the mouth.
"Just think of me and stop being a flirt, you idiot!" Answered somewhere in his sleeve.
"It feels good Prince Arthur? It seems disturbed. "
"It's nothing, just a little bit 'of stomach ache," Merlin said with a smile to the young woman pulled. "Probably will go alone."
Merlin reached out to grab the jug of wine. That night could only end in disaster, or more likely with a stake. If just one had to be his last meal before the Uther reduced to a pile of ashes, at least before you would make sure to get drunk properly.
*
The banquet
passed relatively smoothly. It was nice for once to be served and not having to wear a stupid hat. In addition Uther that night seemed strangely affable and cheerful, at least as it can be a minotaur who decides to do some 'conversation with his next snack.
"I heard that she is an experienced hunter, Prince Arthur," Duncan said King over his pork shank and the other between sobs.
Uther slammed his glass on the table to make proud, the cheeks and nose red from too much wine.
"My son is the best hunter of all Camelot!"
"Well, yes. We know principles while to kill things and throw sharp things e. .. kill other things, "said Merlin with a mouth full of wild boar.
The brown felt a desperate whimper coming from her dress, but did not care and you need another piece of meat.
'E' a good thing that the forests of Camelot are secured thanks to its value, "said Lady Susan kindly laying his hand on his muscular arm of the boy in front sedutole.
The young wizard felt his own face on fire and the boar's choked. Between a cough and the other took the cup and took a long swig of dark liquid.
"Um, thank you."
The hamsters could growl? Why glare that felt decidedly out of his sleeve looked like a snarl.
"Where is Merlin? It was not to accompany him to the banquet? "Said Morgana very disgusted by the scene.
"I decided to give it a few days of freedom. It 'a servant so efficient that it deserves its own. Not to mention his keen intelligence and his good looks, "said Merlin, unable to completely hide the sly smile that he was born on the lips, then tilted her head sideways and said," I guess I will give him ; a pay rise. "
Morgana left almost upset his cup on the table, in any event would not have noticed because he was startled gaze turning to Arthur.
"It 's so nice to the populace," said Lady Susan admired a little closer to Merlin. "The men like her, even among the principles, there are very few."
Merlin felt all the blood rush in the face and automatically moves the arm to the head with a nervous giggle. Suddenly had the feeling of having made another one of those incredibly stupid things that Arthur reproved him so much, and it was confirmed when he felt a weight cadergli the sleeve and a thud, like a stone thrown into a pond.
"Ah! A mouse! Help!
Merlin closed his eyes and said no, that Arthur could not be really wet ball of fur that was wallowing in the soup Lasy Susan. He wondered whether, if Arthur had not been able to survive the night, would be required to maintain the appearance of the Prince until he found a way to bring back the dead afterlife. The hypothesis was quite preferable to having to explain the truth to Uther.
"Technically speaking it would be a hamster ..." Merlin said casually as he tried to devise a way to avoid the future king of Camelot drowned in four inches of pea soup. But Lady Susan did not seem to even feel it, too busy to get on the chair and scream very little Lady.
"Kill him, kill him, kill him!"
Thirty ladies fainted on the spot while valiant forty-two Knights jumped to their feet with drawn swords ready to sacrifice their lives against microscopic enemies. Panic reigned in the room now. Merlin wondered if a sudden fog could have passed unnoticed by the roomful of guests, but finally opted to put his hand in the soup, grab Arthur by the collar and cut and run.
"If only I had listened when I brought the dragon" Merlin Confabula the hamster that is struggling in his hand as he made off with guests looking for a door.
"If only you were not deficient," said the other spitting pea soup.
"Oops, I can not interpret your shrill squeaks," said the dark while, found the exit, make sure that the corridor is not any. "Now you better come back in your room, careful not to make you see or walk by someone!"
Merlin left with little by Arthur fall on the floor and, without staying to hear squeaks of the prince's anger, shut the door.
"Er, I mean the mouse-hamster- will not give us any more trouble: I have been involved personally, "reassured the present while trying to find a lady waving a handkerchief over his face.
"My hero," chirped Lady Susan with ecstatic expression on his face. "So it's true what they say of the great and brave Prince Arthur."
"Behold, I ..."
At that moment there was a scream hysterical come from beyond the door closed room, followed in turn by a great noise like pots thrown to the ground.
"Help! A mouse in the kitchen, "cried a maid entered the room out of breath while jumping on a table in a desperate search for salvation.
Merlin threw his head in his hands. Protect the downside was proving harder than expected business.
*
"It was not so bad, "Merlin once considered back in the rooms of the prince and resumed its normal appearance.
Arthur gave him a dirty look. Not that he looks very intimidating then ruffled his hair because of the pea soup and boiling water on him from lanciatagli cooks.
"I mean, maybe it would have been better if you had not fled in the middle of the room when the servants of the castle you pursued bearing pans and sticks to get the skin, but basically it seems that King Duncan if it is taken that much. "
Indeed Donnus King seemed to have spent the best night of his life, considering the way he laughed (or maybe it was just the fault of the wine). Uther, however, had a very different sense of humor and, after sending the pillory ten twenty cooks and dishwashers, had retired in his room saying out loud that the next day someone would pay dearly for this.
"Know that when I come back in my body you'll regret the days when I used to clean the stables," informed him with a mournful squeak Arthur.
"If you say so do not give me a big incentive to find the antidote. Can not find that Lady Susan is very pretty? I think we have a crush on me, "he said gleefully Merlin sitting on the bed and leaving his legs dangling back and forth.
Arthur stared at him with disgust expression (Merlin vedergliela was so accustomed to his face that he had no difficulty in recognizing the features even when he was completely covered in hair).
"No! Lady Susan has taken a crush on me, Arthur, Prince of Camelot! Certainly not to the servant and fool with serious mental disorders Merlin! "
" I know that, "Merlin muttered dropping dead weight on the bed canopy. "But for a while 'it was nice illusion. For you is easy: you're a prince, and many people find you attractive and brave and all those other things that appeal to principles. I'm not used to feel wanted. "
Merlin felt a paw on the bed and saw Arthur climb to a stop a few centimeters from him.
"Maybe not so strange that someone can find a little ... interesting, "squeaks softly Arthur. "You're incredibly stupid, yes, and you never do what they tell you to do, but basically you can say you are ... watchable. "
Merlin raised both eyebrows staring at the hamster to do with curiosity.
Arthur's jumped on his belly and then up in his clothes until you reach the height of the face. The Arthur fast legs caused shivers to tickle the skin of the dark, but Merlin did not have time to complain that the hamster rubbed its nose against her lips.
Merlin blinked a few times. Then again, just in case.
"And what is this?"
"Kiss," Arthur said, clearly frustrated by the lack of receptivity on the part of his servant.
"And why-"
"Merlin, please, for once in your life shut up," Arthur said, leaping over his head nestled between her hair, clearly happy to have found such a comfortable nest.
Merlin closed his eyes trying to make clear in their minds. His first kiss was with a hamster. Certainly if it was thought very differently, but given the circumstances maybe he could not complain too much.
"It 's been quite anticlimatico. Especially because of all that hair. "
"When I come back normal I swear that I will not get off this bed until the only words that come out your mouth will not be Yes Arthur and his orders sire."
"brutal, barbaric," said Merlin as he felt indignant at their ears congested at the thought.
"You're not complaining a bit 'too?" Arthur said with a wry smile on his face.
Merlin gave him a light slap, however, unable to suppress a smile.
"Do you think this could be considered bestiality? Once a village was discovered by a sheep-while "
" Merlin, I told you to shut up! "
Maybe all that history of change identity was not so bad, he considered while Merlin was busy with his fingers caress the soft fur of Arthur. He had not yet understand how it would have affected their lives, but in the end still had a lot of time in front of them to find out.
"Merlin."
"Yes, Arthur?"
"Tomorrow my father asked me to join the hunt with King Duncan . To take at least see a deer, you would not want ruin my reputation? "
Merlin buried her head in the pillow with a groan. Where the hell was a dragon when you needed it?
End
