You Need to Know These Things

Tom Woods’ Western Civilization course starts with the Hebrew Bible. He notes that this was accepted as history for thousands of years and, after contemporary discoveries in archeology, has regained some of its reputation as a historical text that syncs with our best evidence.

His justification for starting with the Bible for the beginning of Western civilization is simple: You need to know these things.

There is an effort in home education to separate “religious” materials from “secular” materials. I genuinely don’t understand the attempt to ignore the religious texts, rituals, and history of any culture. To remain ignorant of the foundational traditions of your own culture will leave you lost in your own home.

I Didn’t Vote, and Neither Did You

Not every American is eligible to vote, yet they are all governed by the elected. Less than half of eligible voters actually do so during midterm elections. Even during record turnout years for presidential elections, fewer than 3/4 of the voting population goes to the polls.

The winner of any given election is chosen by a minority of the people who will be governed.

Where voter turnout exceeded 2018 highs

The elected are not legitimate. They are chosen by the few to govern the many. We were sold a myth of American Democracy in school, it has never been true.

Join the majority of Americans and escape the elite illusion. I was once a proud and frequent voter and like a series of other bad habits, there was a last time I acted on it. Let your last time be your last time.

Fungi Hunting

We found a beautiful, and potentially deadly, mushroom on our walk today. It may be a type of amanita.

I love watching Kristen experience nature. Mushrooms, insects, and spiders excite childlike responses and I wander off tracking woodpecker sounds while she records these tiny wonders.

Even the simplest trail offers unending discoveries. Slow down and take your time.