A Preservation Of Western Civ - Telos Of Classical Education

As our world flounders about with a search for meaning and something to anchor on to, I've been researching if or when we may have been here before. It is said that there is nothing new under the sun and that history may not repeat itself. Still, it does rhyme, so when has a culture, an economy, families, churches, entertainment, media, education, societal institutions, and a people's way of life been so disjointed as it is today?

Our current world has a number of influences that are questioning the need for Western traditions. Here are a few factors that people often consider when discussing the sense of disjointedness in contemporary society:

• Globalization: The world's increasing interconnectedness through globalization has led to rapid changes in economic, cultural, and social structures. The flow of information, goods, and services across borders has profoundly affected local cultures and economies.
• Technological Advances: The rapid pace of technological advancements, particularly in the digital realm, has transformed communication, work, and daily life. This has implications for how individuals interact with one another, how businesses operate, and how information is disseminated.
• Social Media: The rise of social media platforms has altered the way people connect and communicate. While it provides unprecedented opportunities for global connectivity, it has also been associated with challenges such as the spread of misinformation and the potential for social polarization.
• Economic Inequality: Disparities in wealth and income have widened in many societies, contributing to social and economic tensions. The perception of an unequal distribution of resources can lead to a sense of disconnection between different segments of society.
• Political Polarization: Many societies around the world have experienced increased political polarization, where individuals and communities hold divergent views on key issues. This can contribute to a sense of societal fragmentation.
• Cultural Changes: Shifts in cultural norms, values, and identities can create a feeling of disconnection, especially among individuals who may feel that the societal changes do not align with their traditional or personal beliefs.

It's crucial to recognize that perceptions of societal cohesion or disjunction can vary widely based on factors such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, cultural background, and personal experiences. While some may view the current state of affairs as particularly disjointed, others may see continuity and positive developments. Additionally, historical contexts and the cyclical nature of societal changes should be considered when evaluating the dynamics of any given period. Looking at other empires and the changes that emerged over time is important to look at history.

Empires From The Past

Throughout history, various societies and empires have undergone significant transformations that have affected their culture, economy, family structures, religious institutions, and ways of life. Here are a few examples spanning different regions and time periods:

Roman Empire:

• Culture: The Roman Empire witnessed a transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, marked by changes in governance, expansion, and the assimilation of diverse cultures.
• Economy: Economic shifts included the adoption of slave labor, expansion of trade networks, and economic disparities between the elite and common citizens.
• Families: The transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire brought changes in family structures, with shifts in marriage practices and societal expectations.
• Religious Institutions: The Roman Empire underwent religious transformations, from polytheism to the eventual acceptance and spread of Christianity.
• Societal Institutions: Political and societal institutions evolved with changes in governance, citizenship, and legal systems.

Byzantine Empire:

• Culture: The Byzantine Empire saw the continuation of Greco-Roman traditions alongside the influence of Eastern cultures.
• Economy: Economic activities focused on trade, particularly through Constantinople, and the empire experienced periods of prosperity and decline.
• Families: Byzantine society emphasized familial ties, and there were variations in family structures based on social class.
• Religious Institutions: The Byzantine Empire played a crucial role in the development of Orthodox Christianity, with the church deeply intertwined with the state.
• Societal Institutions: The Byzantine state had a centralized bureaucracy, and both Roman and Eastern traditions influenced societal norms.

Mongol Empire:

• Culture: The Mongol Empire facilitated cultural exchanges across Eurasia, fostering connections between East and West.
• Economy: The empire's vast reach influenced trade routes and economic interactions between different regions.
• Families: Nomadic lifestyles shaped familial structures, with a strong emphasis on kinship ties.
• Religious Institutions: The Mongol Empire tolerated various religions, contributing to religious pluralism across its territories.
• Societal Institutions: The Mongol Empire's administrative and military structures were adapted to accommodate the diversity of its conquered peoples.

Ottoman Empire:

• Culture: The Ottoman Empire blended Turkic, Persian, and Arab cultural elements, creating a distinct Ottoman culture.
• Economy: Ottoman economic structures included a blend of agriculture, trade, and taxation systems.
• Families: Ottoman society had diverse family structures influenced by Islamic traditions and the practice of polygamy.
• Religious Institutions: The Ottoman Empire was an Islamic state, with the Ottoman Caliphate serving as both a religious and political institution.
• Societal Institutions: The Ottoman Empire had a complex administrative system with a hierarchical structure.

British Empire:

• Culture: The British Empire's colonial expansion influenced global cultural exchange and the spread of the English language.
• Economy: Economic transformations included the growth of trade, industrialization, and the exploitation of colonial resources.
• Families: Colonial influences often led to changes in familial structures and gender roles.
• Religious Institutions: The British Empire had a diverse religious landscape, with interactions between Christianity and indigenous belief systems.
• Societal Institutions: Colonial governance structures varied, with the imposition of British legal systems and administrative practices.

These examples illustrate how societies and empires have experienced dynamic shifts in various aspects of life throughout history. Each transformation was influenced by a combination of internal and external factors, including political, economic, cultural, and technological changes.

The Roots Of Three (Major - Current) World Civilizations

If you live, grow up, and raise a family in any of these five civilizations, you have unique customs and traditions that may look foreign in another part of the world. Each empire rose and fell for various reasons, but their culture and ideals impacted their growth and survival. For example, the rituals, ideas, and practices found in Japan or Korea have roots and origins that go back thousands of years. The ideas on which America was founded and which unpin Europe and America trace their beginnings back to the Greeks and thinkers like Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates.

What makes Western Civ, Eastern Beliefs, and Islamic Civilisations what they are today can be summarized as:

Western Civilization:

• Geography: Primarily associated with Roman civilizations, with significant contributions from Christianity, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment.
• Governance: Historically characterized by feudalism, monarchies, and later, democratic forms of government.
• Economic Systems: Evolved from feudal economies to capitalism, with industrialization playing a significant role in shaping economic structures.

Eastern Civilization:

• Geography: Encompasses a wide range of cultures in Asia, including East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
• Cultural Influences: Diverse, with influences from Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and other indigenous belief systems.
• Governance: Historically characterized by various forms of government, including imperial dynasties, feudalism, and more recent political systems such as communism and various forms of democracy.
• Economic Systems: Varied economic systems, from ancient agrarian societies to modern industrialized economies.

Islamic Civilization:

• Geography: Primarily associated with regions where Islam has historically been a dominant cultural and religious force, including the Middle East, North Africa, parts of South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
• Cultural Influences: Rooted in the teachings of Islam and the Islamic Golden Age, which saw significant advancements in science, philosophy, art, and architecture.
• Governance: Historically characterized by various forms of governance, including caliphates, sultanates, and empires. Today, a range of political systems exists in predominantly Muslim countries.
• Economic Systems: Historically, Islamic civilizations engaged in trade and commerce, and today, economic systems vary from traditional markets to modern capitalist structures.

It's important to recognize that these categories are broad and oversimplify the rich and diverse histories, cultures, and civilizations within each grouping. Moreover, globalization and the world's interconnectedness have led to the exchange of ideas, cultures, and influences between these traditionally categorized civilizations. Consequently, these broad terms are useful for general discussions but may not fully capture the complexity and diversity inherent in each civilization.

Western Civ Is Evolving Before Our Eyes

We live in America, and our society is rooted in Western Civ, so let's explore the current health of Western Civ.

What are the pressures on Western Civ?

It's essential to note that these can take various forms and may be rooted in political, social, economic, or cultural factors. Here are some steps that could be discussed in the context of challenges or critiques faced by Western civilization:

It's important to emphasize that discussions around Western civilization's challenges are complex and multifaceted.

• Cultural Critiques:
  • Multiculturalism: Debates around multiculturalism and the inclusion of diverse cultures within Western societies.
  • Identity Politics: Discussions about identity, power dynamics, and the representation of different groups in Western cultures.
• Economic Challenges:
  • Income Inequality: Concerns about rising economic inequality within Western societies.
  • Globalization: Critiques related to the impact of globalization on job security, industries, and local economies.
• Political Dynamics:
  • Populism: The rise of populist movements and leaders challenging traditional political establishments.
  • Nationalism vs. Globalism: Debates surrounding the balance between national interests and global cooperation.
• Social Issues:
  • Social Justice Movements: Activism addresses issues such as racial inequality, gender discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Security Concerns:
  • Terrorism: Responses to acts of terrorism and concerns about national security.
  • Cybersecurity: Addressing threats to digital infrastructure and information systems.
• Technological Changes:
  • Automation: The impact of automation on employment and the economy.
  • Digital Divide: Disparities in access to and the benefits of technology within Western societies.
• Global Challenges:
  • Pandemics: Responses to global health crises and the management of public health.
  • International Relations: Challenges in diplomatic relations and global cooperation.

How Do We Preserve Our Roots? The Monks Know (Benedictine and Irish Monks of Skellig Micheal)

The Benedictine monks of Italy were associated with preserving and transmitting ancient Greek, Roman, and Islamic texts during the Middle Ages. This historical period, roughly spanning from the 5th to the late 15th century, is often characterized by a decline in classical learning in Western Europe, partly due to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the subsequent societal upheavals.

One notable example is the Benedictine Monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy, founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century. The monks at Monte Cassino diligently copied and preserved many classical works, and their efforts contributed to transmitting knowledge throughout the Middle Ages.

As the Roman Empire disintegrated, many educational institutions and centers of learning fell into decline or were abandoned. (see Library of Alexandria). However, the preservation of knowledge was not entirely lost, and some monastic communities played a crucial role in safeguarding ancient texts. The monks, residing in monasteries situated in remote and often secluded areas such as the hills, dedicated themselves to a life of prayer, work, and intellectual pursuits.

Cultural Diplomacy - 1300s

Scholars from the Eastern Roman world, exemplified by figures like Manuel Chrysoloras in the late 14th century, were motivated to travel to Italy and teach Western scholars for a form of cultural diplomacy. Their aim was to demonstrate that their own cultural heritage was valuable and virtuous, seeking to showcase the close historical ties between the Greeks and Romans. Manuel Chrysoloras, for instance, held the first chair in Greek in Florence and was resolute in ensuring that the Latin West understood the interconnectedness of Greek and Roman civilizations. This initiative was driven by a desire to foster a joint response to the imminent threat posed by the Ottoman Turks to Byzantine civilization. Essentially, it was a form of soft power projection by the medieval Romans, attempting to persuade the Western world that their cultural legacy was deserving of preservation. Despite these efforts, Constantinople eventually fell to the Ottoman Turks around forty years after Chrysoloras's passing.

Irish Monks Preserve Western Culture

Skellig Michael, an island off the southwestern coast of Ireland, holds historical significance as a site where Irish monks, seeking isolation and spiritual contemplation, established a monastic community.

Here's how Skellig Michael and Irish monks played a role in preserving Western texts, protecting knowledge from raiding Vikings, and educating the West.

• Preservation of Manuscripts: Irish monks, including those on Skellig Michael, engaged in the laborious task of copying and preserving manuscripts. At a time when various parts of Europe were experiencing upheavals and invasions, these monks worked diligently to safeguard valuable texts from destruction or loss.
• Transmission of Classical Knowledge: The monks on Skellig Michael, like their counterparts in other Irish monastic communities, were well-versed in Latin and Greek. They copied classical texts, including works by Greek and Roman philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists, preserving crucial knowledge that might have been lost during the upheavals of the Dark Ages.
• Cultural and Educational Centers: Irish monastic communities, including those on Skellig Michael, served as cultural and educational centers. They became repositories of learning, attracting scholars and students seeking refuge from the instability on the European mainland. The monasteries on these remote islands and in Ireland, in general, played a crucial role in maintaining intellectual pursuits.
• Propagation of Christianity: Irish monks, including those on Skellig Michael, were missionaries who ventured across Europe to spread Christianity. They played a key role in the conversion of various regions and helped to reintroduce Christianity in places where its influence had waned.
• Preservation of Ireland's Heritage: The Irish monks contributed to the preservation of Ireland's own cultural and literary heritage. They copied and transcribed not only classical texts but also Irish sagas, laws, and historical accounts, ensuring the continuity of Ireland's unique cultural identity.
• Influence on Later European Scholarship: The manuscripts produced by Irish monks, including those from Skellig Michael, had a lasting impact on later European scholarship. As Europe emerged from the Dark Ages, these texts contributed to the intellectual revival of the Renaissance.

Overall Comparison:

Both the Benedictine monks at Monte Cassino and the Irish monks at Skellig Michael contributed significantly to the preservation of knowledge during periods of upheaval and uncertainty in Western civilization.

The Benedictines were more directly connected to the classical tradition and played a central role in the transmission of classical learning within a more established cultural and educational context.

The Irish monks, while preserving classical knowledge, had a stronger focus on Christian missionary activities and the preservation of Ireland's own cultural identity. Their influence extended through the spread of Christianity and the establishment of monastic communities in various parts of Europe.

The monks worked to preserve and save Latin and Greek culture, mastering these languages and maintaining their influence through the meticulous copying of manuscripts. This cultural preservation was further propagated through the imparting of knowledge in various monastic schools across Ireland.

It's not just Christian Monks working to preserve; check out Digital Dharma to understand the efforts Eastern Culture is undertaking to preserve their foundational beliefs.

Several factors contributed to the monks' involvement in preserving ancient texts:

• Monastic Libraries: Monasteries often had libraries that housed manuscripts and books, including copies of classical texts. Monks were responsible for maintaining these collections.
• Manuscript Copying: Monks engaged in the laborious task of copying manuscripts by hand. They meticulously transcribed texts, including works of ancient Greek philosophers, historians, and scientists. This practice helped ensure the survival of many classical works.
• Education and Learning: Monastic life placed a strong emphasis on education and learning. Monks were often well-educated and appreciated the value of knowledge. They saw themselves as stewards of wisdom and sought to preserve the intellectual heritage of the past.
• Isolation: The isolation of monasteries in remote locations, such as in the hills, provided a level of protection for these manuscripts. Away from the chaos and destruction that often accompanied periods of instability, monasteries became havens for the preservation of knowledge.
• Cultural Continuity: Monasteries served as centers of cultural continuity during times when political and social structures were in flux. Monks helped bridge the gap between the ancient and medieval worlds by preserving classical texts.

While the popular narrative emphasizes the role of monks in preserving classical knowledge, it's essential to note that other individuals and cultures, including Islamic scholars in the Arab world, also played significant roles in preserving and transmitting ancient texts during this period. However, the efforts of these monks remain a testament to the importance of their dedication to knowledge in preserving the intellectual heritage of antiquity.