In Memoriam, JFK: Poetry’s Reminder

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.
–John F. Kennedy

In memoriam, November 22, 1963

 

Moderation in a Time of Extremes

The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom.
–Aristotle

A word for our immoderate times.

Matthaei Woods, Michigan

Awaken the Glow of Happiness

When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
Albert Camus

The first snow of winter fell in Michigan today, which also happens to be the birthday of my favorite writer, Albert Camus.

 

Fleming Creek, MIchigan

Begin to Understand

To be surprised, to wonder, is to begin to understand.

Jose Ortega y Gasset

Summer sunset on Newburgh Lake, Michigan

Shadow of a Divine Perfection

The true work of art is but the shadow of a divine perfection.
—Michelangelo

On this day in 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was opened to the public for the first time.
Several years later, I took this photo at one of my favorite haunts, Iargo Springs in the Huron National Forest, Michigan

Huron National Forest, Michigan

Grateful for Octobers

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

Anne of Green Gables, via Lucy Montgomery

Nature’s Tutelage

The object of education is to teach us to love beauty

Plato

Matthaei Woods, Michigan