Oh my goodness, Chris. I thought I had been thrust into the dustbin of history. You are so very generous and kind in your comments. I remember you well, and have very positive memories of the fine young man you were and still are. I’m enjoying your writing and podcasts and I’m looking forward to reading your new book.
AMFAS was chosen because it related, although somewhat remotely, to the subject matter we were discussing in class. I wish Terrence Malick’s film, “A Hidden Life” had been available. That would certainly be one you would have seen as well.
I believed, considering the culture you all were about to enter, that understanding and claiming ultimate allegiances would become more important than ever. At that time, I could never have imagined the AI world we’re currently in, with social media and the 24/7 news cycle making everything - good and bad - so much more visible, but here we are. Our loyalties and ultimate allegiances are being challenged now more than ever.
I always considered Bolt’s preface to the book to be as important as the content of the story itself. I believed that even high school seniors could benefit from the content, particularly later in life, as you began to navigate through the challenges ahead; and there certainly are challenges. I’ve never agreed with the comment that we shouldn’t take life too seriously. Life is serious business, and, perhaps, only those who take it seriously can be truly happy. Life is tough, and many try to inoculate themselves from that reality through whatever “drug” might numb the pain. But sooner or later these all run their course and then folks are left on the precipice with the reality, “well, what now?” To me, Christianity answers the ”what now” question. Stoicism doesn’t seem to work-ask Cicero. More was a true Christian saint of courage and integrity.
I’m glad you remembered that experience. It would be a privilege to have lunch with you sometime soon. I’ll continue to enjoy your writing and podcasts. I loved Amy’s comments about the book and movie.
Ha, I knew you were reading Tommy but wasn’t sure if you were listening! Great comments, as usual. Btw: I have precisely one notebook from HS in my possession—and it’s from your class. Happy to get lunch. I can’t remember: are you on Facebook?
I’m not on Facebook anymore. I gave up all social media about 2 years ago. I got hacked several times and decided it just wasn’t safe.
Sorry for my diatribe. I should have stopped halfway through.
Maybe one day next week we could meet for lunch. Sam’s Deli in Edgewood, if that’s convenient for you? I kept up with you on FB before I canceled, so I’d be happy to reconnect and catch up after so many years. Just let me know what’s convenient for you. If not Sam’s anywhere you’d like is good for me. I hope you and your family are well.
Oh my goodness, Chris. I thought I had been thrust into the dustbin of history. You are so very generous and kind in your comments. I remember you well, and have very positive memories of the fine young man you were and still are. I’m enjoying your writing and podcasts and I’m looking forward to reading your new book.
AMFAS was chosen because it related, although somewhat remotely, to the subject matter we were discussing in class. I wish Terrence Malick’s film, “A Hidden Life” had been available. That would certainly be one you would have seen as well.
I believed, considering the culture you all were about to enter, that understanding and claiming ultimate allegiances would become more important than ever. At that time, I could never have imagined the AI world we’re currently in, with social media and the 24/7 news cycle making everything - good and bad - so much more visible, but here we are. Our loyalties and ultimate allegiances are being challenged now more than ever.
I always considered Bolt’s preface to the book to be as important as the content of the story itself. I believed that even high school seniors could benefit from the content, particularly later in life, as you began to navigate through the challenges ahead; and there certainly are challenges. I’ve never agreed with the comment that we shouldn’t take life too seriously. Life is serious business, and, perhaps, only those who take it seriously can be truly happy. Life is tough, and many try to inoculate themselves from that reality through whatever “drug” might numb the pain. But sooner or later these all run their course and then folks are left on the precipice with the reality, “well, what now?” To me, Christianity answers the ”what now” question. Stoicism doesn’t seem to work-ask Cicero. More was a true Christian saint of courage and integrity.
I’m glad you remembered that experience. It would be a privilege to have lunch with you sometime soon. I’ll continue to enjoy your writing and podcasts. I loved Amy’s comments about the book and movie.
Ha, I knew you were reading Tommy but wasn’t sure if you were listening! Great comments, as usual. Btw: I have precisely one notebook from HS in my possession—and it’s from your class. Happy to get lunch. I can’t remember: are you on Facebook?
I’m not on Facebook anymore. I gave up all social media about 2 years ago. I got hacked several times and decided it just wasn’t safe.
Sorry for my diatribe. I should have stopped halfway through.
Maybe one day next week we could meet for lunch. Sam’s Deli in Edgewood, if that’s convenient for you? I kept up with you on FB before I canceled, so I’d be happy to reconnect and catch up after so many years. Just let me know what’s convenient for you. If not Sam’s anywhere you’d like is good for me. I hope you and your family are well.
Not at all! Email me at c[dot]barnett[at]villanova[dot]com. We’ll figure something out!
I believe I replied in the wrong place.
The email I sent you came back undeliverable. I know I used the email address you sent me. Maybe just glitch?