June, 2012
John Adams to Wife
“I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study Mathematicks and Philosophy, Geography, natural History, Naval Architecture, navigation, Commerce and Agriculture, in order to give their Children a right to study Painting, Poetry, Musick, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry and Porcelaine.”
John Adams to Abigail Adams, [post 12 May 1780]
17 years after this letter was penned, John Adams was elected the 2nd president of the United States. 45 years after, John Quincy Adams succeeded his father as the 6th.
Summer is here!
The Photographer’s Creed
Ramblings of the day.
History is repetitive. History is not selectively repetitive. The continuation of history is a reflectance on the nature of humanity, which society is predicated upon. The progress of society moves much faster than the progress of humanity.
Invention and enforcement of social structure has been mildly successful at the moderation of human nature. People at times are known to act outside their capacity of societal expectation, presenting the best and the worst of our humanity through action. Events of these super-normal actions, of individuals or groups, recorded, form the body of our historical knowledge.
General Nguyễn Ngọc Loan
Ramblin’ Man
Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man.
Trying to making a livin’ and doing the best I can.
And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you understand,
That I was born a ramblin’ man.
- Allman Brothers Band
Remembrance
Every step you tread,
every breath you take,
an exercise in human freedom.
Every cool drink of water,
every summer breeze you feel in peace
because the price has been paid.
Every smile,
every word between friends,
each hand held,
because you can.
When each breath you draw is drawn from you,
when the knifepoint is upon your breast,
Will you remember then?
Or will you honor today,
those who have already paid.
19th May 2010
