QU4RTETS from Pilar Timpane on Vimeo. In the winter, Bruce Herman shared about this "robust 'cross-pollination' . . . between visual, literary, and musical forms" through Scholar's Compass: QU4RTETS: A Collaboration. As we're in the summer I thought that it would be good to once again soak in the work. May you likewise find the video, paintings, and reflection a blessing as you take a time of rest. To God be the glory! … [Read more...] about QU4RTETS (Scholar’s Compass)
t s eliot
Scholar’s Compass: QU4RTETS: A Collaboration
Image: Bruce Herman, detail of QU4RTETS #4 (Winter) At the still point of the turning world’there the dance is’ T. S. Eliot, cf. “Burnt Norton” from Four Quartets Reflection When I began my art training in the early 1970s, among the relatively small circle of art cognoscenti it was thought that traditional observation-based painting was largely a moribund practice. Painting itself had been declared “dead” and literary or narrative elements in art were thought simply beyond the pale of current … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: QU4RTETS: A Collaboration
Who are your favorite poets?
Poetry appeals more directly to the whole person than prose does. It stimulates our imaginations, arouses our emotions, feeds our intellects and addresses our wills. Perhaps this is why poetry is the preferred mode of communication of the prophets, whose purpose depends on capturing the attention of the listeners and persuading them their message is urgent. —Tremper Longman III, quoted by Tom Grosh Is there anything better than a good mail day? In yesterday's mail, I received a new pair of glasses, a 2-pack of David … [Read more...] about Who are your favorite poets?
Religion, Education, and the Meaning of Life
Over the last couple of weeks, I've been sharing my reflections on Anthony Kronman's 2007 book Education's End: Why Our Colleges and Universities Have Given Up on the Meaning of Life. While I believe that his core argument is insightful, it's marred by a few blind spots. Originally, I was going to address Kronman's treatement of religion as one of his blind spots, but I've decided that his handling of religion is so problematic —and so harmful to his case —that it deserves its own post. Here's a brief summary of … [Read more...] about Religion, Education, and the Meaning of Life
Three Blind Spots in Education’s End
Last week, I shared my appreciation for Anthony Kronman's critique of higher education and defense of the humanities, Education's End: Why Our Colleges and Universities Have Given Up on the Meaning of Life. This week, I'd like to examine a few of Kronman's blind spots. Next week, I'll take a look at how Kronman treats religion in his discussions of education and the meaning of life. The first two blind spots, in my view, don't necessarily undermine Kronman's central argument, but the book could have been much … [Read more...] about Three Blind Spots in Education’s End