Percy-L: Literary, Religious, Scientific, and Philosophical Discussion of Walker Percy

[Lauren Stacy Berdy <lauren.stacy.berdy AT gmail.com>]

I believe that Dr. Percy had what Marcel called
" the gift of presence"
he looked at us with unblinking eyes.
He knew that we humans, including himself, were all unique messy specimens.
He sucked crayfish with Klansman ( citizen council ) and he spoke up for integration.
we were all equally  in his sights.

Liberalism  and conservatism are just rotations...yes? ( better than everydayness!!)

Take gd care,
Lauren Stacy Berdy

On 10/8/2015 7:55 PM, Michael Larson wrote:

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Janet,

I think it depends on how one defines the terms, "liberal" and "conservative." Modern Americans tend to define that continuum based on positions taken with regard to certain divisive moral issues--like abortion and gay rights, at present (though the issues have been different at different times)--and leave it at that. The root of conservatism, however, lies in the belief that there is an objective moral order and that society is best when it conserves whatever has been learned (or revealed) about that order and tries to live in harmony with it. The root of liberalism lies in the belief that there is no objective moral order and that therefore the will of the individual or, when there is conflict between individuals, the will of the greatest number of individuals, is best for society.

By these definitions, at least, Percy was a conservative.

Best wishes,

Mike Larson

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-- 
Lauren Stacy Berdy
Lauren.Stacy.Berdy AT gmail.com

AmericanGarum AT gmail.com
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