“The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuries.” — René Descartes
“The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is moonlight by the sun of Lincoln. His example is universal and will last thousands of years. Washington was a typical American, Napoleon was a typical Frenchman, but Lincoln was a humanitarian as broad as the world. He was bigger than his country-bigger than all the Presidents put together”
"If I saw a venomous snake crawling in the road, any man would say I may seize the nearest stick and kill it. But if I found that snake in bed with my children that would be another question. I might hurt the children more than the snake, and it might bite them. But if there was a bed newly made up, to which the children were to be taken, and it was proposed to take a batch of young snakes and put them there with them, I take it no man would say there was any question how I ought to decide."
As my year of studying the Civil War draws to a close, I wanted to share my thoughts on my favorite figure: Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. My first encounter with Chamberlain was through a reference in Ken Burns' PBS documentary series. Although not a primary figure, his contributions and background immediately appealed to me. He was... Continue Reading →
"Buford's role in securing the high ground at Gettysburg was crucial. Bringing that to life on screen, especially in such a detailed and respectful manner, was a deeply moving experience"
"He must be hunted down and killed if it costs 10,000 men and bankrupts the treasury.” -General Sherman
“The crimes of this guilty land can never be purged away but with blood.” -John Brown
"The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, while follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring."
Thomas J. Jackson in many ways is the archetype of Southern honor, bravery, faith and leadership. Growing up in the Deep South, I've seen portraits and paintings of Jackson in pastor's offices, boardrooms of lawyers, bankers, insurance agents and in various homes throughout my life. There is a certain admiration even reverence for Stonewall Jackson... Continue Reading →
Brains and Brawn 