✏️ Against Modern Architecture
Despite the technological and material limitations, architects and builders of the past were able to create buildings and structures that put modern architecture to shame. Why is it that modern architecture has traded in the artistic beauty of the past for the bland, post-modern designs we see today?
The great churches and cathedrals of old were not created in years, even decades. St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican took over 150 years to build. The architects who designed it would not live to see its full beauty. Today, I highly doubt a major funder of a new building would be willing to wait 15 years, let alone 150, for the completion of the new building. This patience allowed the architects and builders to spend the necessary time creating a true work of beauty that would not only be beautiful in the eyes of man but in the eyes of God Himself. Perhaps it is the post-modernist perspective of our societies, which focuses on the pursuit of worldly pleasures where things get done immediately, that does not allow for such a commitment. We are willing to pay extra money for something to ship to our house the next day as opposed to waiting 4 or 5 days for it to come.
We value minimalism and profitability over beauty. And I think this shows in our architecture.
Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness
Frank Gehry
📸 Photo of the Week
📖 Book of the Week — The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant
The Story of Philosophy chronicles the ideas of the great thinkers, the economic and intellectual environments which influenced them, and the personal traits and adventures out of which each philosophy grew.
I recently received this book in the mail and find it to be the perfect book for the individual looking to get into philosophy. We are a product of our environments, and this book provides the political and social context necessary to understand how many of the great philosophers and philosophies came to be. I have always struggled with understanding and working through many of the primary texts from philosophers like Plato, and this book makes their ideas much more accessible.
💭 Quote of the Week
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
St. Frances de Sales
🔭 Sunday Best
After This by Theodore Matthews — “So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”
David Silva Playing 1-Touch — the magician.
💡 Food for Thought
One who has mastered alcohol drinks without fear and without excess.
Thanks!
AT