An Interlude to Political Theory

After reading The Sovereign Individual, my picture of the world felt incomplete. The book clarified the material conditions that influenced the rise and fall of civilizations, but none of the more human aspects. Where was the role of beliefs, values, or cultures? 

Surely, a culture that values beauty over practicality will behave differently than one that prioritizes the other. Cultures that place great value on aesthetics have beautiful architecture and those that reverse these priorities sacrifice awe-inspiring churches for greater economic gain. I wanted to know the consequences of these trade-offs to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of our own culture. I hoped this would give me a better understanding of what to value in my own life, and what I can contribute to my culture and civilization at large.

So, I’m turning toward political theory—see you there!