Books

Every dichotomy contains within it the seeds of a debate, and that between “Rationalism” and “Traditionalism” is one of the more fertile.

So in that sense, there isn’t anything particularly new about Gavin Leech’s viewpoints on this topic - Rats and trads. It is well written and an enjoyable read (his site has more!), but that’s not why I bring it to you today. I bring it to you because of a quote that the post quotes:

At the coming of evening, I return to my house and enter my study… I enter the ancient courts of ancient men, where, received by them with affection, I feed on that food which is mine only and which I was born for; I am not ashamed to speak with them and to ask them the reason for their actions; and they in their kindness answer me; and for four hours of time I do not feel boredom, forget every trouble, do not dread poverty, am not frightened by death; entirely I give myself over to them.

— Machiavelli

I’d never expected such heart-wrenchingly beautiful feelings to get named by such maligned a man as Machiavelli. The nectar he got from books, alone in his study, is the nectar I’ve also swam in (and I think you all too, at various times in your life), yet never had it occurred to me to name the feeling, nor realize how privileged I am whenever I get to swim therein.

If you like reading Joy, please recommend it to your friends. Having an audience helps.