I might even propose that modern individualism and the denouncement of collectivism has changed our priorities - wealth has become a more personal quantity (net worth, capital) and less of a contribution to community.
The wealth used to leave beautiful things behind that they benefited from as well as the average man. The sense of nihilism today is likely the key factor in why they no longer contribute in the same way they have in the past.
This was a wonderful piece on the importance of taking a transcendent view of life. CS Lewis wrote: “If you live for the next world, you get this one in the deal; but if you live only for this world, you lose them both.”
I loved everything about this! I have no family/ children of my own and have been thinking especially about legacy and foundations so this article and the subsequent book recommendation happened along for “such a time as this” THANK YOU
I work with families that have a legacy of land ownership. They are encouraging their children not to follow in their farming footsteps. Land now is in industrial production, mostly. There are hardly margins left of forest or grassland (even wetlands are drained).
In the US, our legacy comes more from the university attended than familial estates. Most Americans have lived in town for the past 100 years (4 generations). We do not have the same attachment to the land.
Art *is* being patronized by the old money folks, but of what kind? Demonic, pedophilic, inhumane.
The system is created by and thus rewards the envious and greedy, who force everyone to play their miserable game. I call them the Hoarders. What was once called abundance is now called inflation--an excuse for them to punish people simply growing their wealth. They have no sense of responsibility but to themselves; they'd throw their own children under the bus. We did society no favours when we took God away from the hearts of its people.
The essay is spectacular. Johann, you go from writing a book to rattling off the essence of it in an essay. Thank you. But I am buying the book, too!
It's funny. It is only the most generous authors on Substack whose books I am interested in purchasing. The more you give, the more it is worth acquiring.
I've seen a trend that beautiful buildings were commisioned by people who wanted to immortalise their name and honor God. And these structures were carefully planned, because quality and endurance were most valued. But now cheap and fast designs have overtaken them.
One thing I have thought a lot about lately is why all urban areas feel exactly the same, at least in the Western world (I'm not *that* well traveled but I have been to many large urban areas in the US and a few in Europe), and, with the exception of New Orleans and Paris, I can hardly tell one from the next. I was in London not that long ago and could hardly tell the difference between that city and New York. This gives me an idea why. Thanks!
Something important has surely been lost over the preceding century or two, and you have articulated the situation well. In addition to its hollowness, contemporary society is also caught up in the blinkered trajectory and speed of the remarkable technological revolution we are living through. For better or worse, we have exceeded and abandoned the human scale, and in this case it certainly seems to be for the worse.
If those 16,000 potential billionaires lived according the old code, it may have had a beneficial aspect. If they conducted themselves as most billionaires do now, we’re lucky to have only 700 of them. Lack of continuity might be a blessing.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to contribute to your wonderful publication!
Thank YOU!
The pleasure is entirely ours
I might even propose that modern individualism and the denouncement of collectivism has changed our priorities - wealth has become a more personal quantity (net worth, capital) and less of a contribution to community.
The wealth used to leave beautiful things behind that they benefited from as well as the average man. The sense of nihilism today is likely the key factor in why they no longer contribute in the same way they have in the past.
Just look at the ugly crap art that is favored in so much of the high end marketplace.
There is no deference to any sense of sanctity
"Hold my beer." - Whitehouse ballroom
This was a wonderful piece on the importance of taking a transcendent view of life. CS Lewis wrote: “If you live for the next world, you get this one in the deal; but if you live only for this world, you lose them both.”
I loved everything about this! I have no family/ children of my own and have been thinking especially about legacy and foundations so this article and the subsequent book recommendation happened along for “such a time as this” THANK YOU
I work with families that have a legacy of land ownership. They are encouraging their children not to follow in their farming footsteps. Land now is in industrial production, mostly. There are hardly margins left of forest or grassland (even wetlands are drained).
In the US, our legacy comes more from the university attended than familial estates. Most Americans have lived in town for the past 100 years (4 generations). We do not have the same attachment to the land.
Lovely work.
Art *is* being patronized by the old money folks, but of what kind? Demonic, pedophilic, inhumane.
The system is created by and thus rewards the envious and greedy, who force everyone to play their miserable game. I call them the Hoarders. What was once called abundance is now called inflation--an excuse for them to punish people simply growing their wealth. They have no sense of responsibility but to themselves; they'd throw their own children under the bus. We did society no favours when we took God away from the hearts of its people.
I love that the Royal Ontario Museum was savaged in this article. What a hideous museum addition afflicted on the poor people of Toronto!
The essay is spectacular. Johann, you go from writing a book to rattling off the essence of it in an essay. Thank you. But I am buying the book, too!
It's funny. It is only the most generous authors on Substack whose books I am interested in purchasing. The more you give, the more it is worth acquiring.
I've seen a trend that beautiful buildings were commisioned by people who wanted to immortalise their name and honor God. And these structures were carefully planned, because quality and endurance were most valued. But now cheap and fast designs have overtaken them.
One thing I have thought a lot about lately is why all urban areas feel exactly the same, at least in the Western world (I'm not *that* well traveled but I have been to many large urban areas in the US and a few in Europe), and, with the exception of New Orleans and Paris, I can hardly tell one from the next. I was in London not that long ago and could hardly tell the difference between that city and New York. This gives me an idea why. Thanks!
Something important has surely been lost over the preceding century or two, and you have articulated the situation well. In addition to its hollowness, contemporary society is also caught up in the blinkered trajectory and speed of the remarkable technological revolution we are living through. For better or worse, we have exceeded and abandoned the human scale, and in this case it certainly seems to be for the worse.
If those 16,000 potential billionaires lived according the old code, it may have had a beneficial aspect. If they conducted themselves as most billionaires do now, we’re lucky to have only 700 of them. Lack of continuity might be a blessing.
This is a very powerful piece!