Many thanks for the link to this excellent article, CB. Not long after I started blogging, I tried to gather a few thoughts about stoicism, and there's a few comments in the post that might relate to some of the things that were said about the people who on 7/7 acted heroically (not "were heroes," because such people almost always seem to say that they aren't heroes, they just did what they felt they "should," or "had to.." But they certainly acted heroically, and they are heroes of mine!) Hope you don't find it too irrelevant or lengthy.
You're most welcome GM. And thank YOU for the link to your wonderful and thought-provoking post, which was most certainly relevant and I enjoyed every word. It's very interesting to take terms such as stoicism, duty, bravery, and see how they hold up as values today. I would say they are still very much evident, but perhaps not in the way they were when the globe was pink and we sported a damn fine array of facial whiskers...
Gosh, it's brilliant, isn't it? Actually, the part that really grabbed me was the silliness and ordinariness of the bombers -- a theme explored by Chris Morris in his film Four Lions (very, very good). While researching, Morris encountered an extremist who spelled out his terrifying vision of the caliphate and worldwide Sharia law. When asked why he had yet to establish Sharia law in his own home he explained that his wife wouldn't let him.
Very interesting what you say about words embodying values. See how many have become obsolete. Valour. Honour. Decency. For all that, those who went to help were possessed of all of those.
Many thanks for the link to this excellent article, CB. Not long after I started blogging, I tried to gather a few thoughts about stoicism, and there's a few comments in the post that might relate to some of the things that were said about the people who on 7/7 acted heroically (not "were heroes," because such people almost always seem to say that they aren't heroes, they just did what they felt they "should," or "had to.." But they certainly acted heroically, and they are heroes of mine!) Hope you don't find it too irrelevant or lengthy.
ReplyDeletehttp://mortality-branchlinesblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/cast-cold-eye-on-life-on-death.html
You're most welcome GM. And thank YOU for the link to your wonderful and thought-provoking post, which was most certainly relevant and I enjoyed every word.
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting to take terms such as stoicism, duty, bravery, and see how they hold up as values today. I would say they are still very much evident, but perhaps not in the way they were when the globe was pink and we sported a damn fine array of facial whiskers...
Gosh, it's brilliant, isn't it? Actually, the part that really grabbed me was the silliness and ordinariness of the bombers -- a theme explored by Chris Morris in his film Four Lions (very, very good). While researching, Morris encountered an extremist who spelled out his terrifying vision of the caliphate and worldwide Sharia law. When asked why he had yet to establish Sharia law in his own home he explained that his wife wouldn't let him.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting what you say about words embodying values. See how many have become obsolete. Valour. Honour. Decency. For all that, those who went to help were possessed of all of those.
Good to re-read GM's post, too!
That Morris comment is hilarious. I haven't seen Four Lions yet, but will certainly seek it out!
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