ThinkingWest Profile picture
Feb 27 9 tweets 3 min read Read on X
Art Deco is the incarnation of civilizational energy—the spirit of Achilles and Tesla in architectural form.

The ultimate style for high civilization... Image
Kenneth Clarke said:

“Vigour, energy, vitality: all the civilizations—or civilizing epochs—have had a weight of energy behind them.”

Art Deco embodies this vitality. Image
He claimed civilization had 3 enemies:

"First of all fear — fear of war, fear of invasion, fear of plague and famine, that make it simply not worthwhile constructing things, or planting trees or even planning next year’s crops."

Does this look fearful to you? Image
Art Deco often features exotic materials, such as ebony and ivory, and exquisite craftsmanship.

The fruits of a culture unafraid to try new things. Image
The next enemy is a lack of self-confidence. A culture regrets its past, stifling its ability to progress.

Art Deco's blocky, muscular designs show a civilization secure yet determined. Its aura is simultaneously ancient and futuristic.

A timeless spirit of crushing grandeur. Image
So many Art Deco designs look like they could be 5,000 years old. It's an artistic style that appreciates a civilization's past. Image
Finally Clarke warns against exhaustion:

"the feeling of hopelessness which can overtake people even with a high degree of material prosperity."

Art Deco's imagery is all about vitalism. God-like men, exalted maidens, mythical beasts—dreams of a civilization with a vision. Image
Art Deco embodies faith in social and technological progress.

It fosters a belief that the best is yet to come. Image
We need to be Art-Deco-maxing as a civilization.

It's the architectural style of a people who've triumphed—and aren't done yet. Image

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More from @thinkingwest

Nov 4
The Holy Roman Empire lasted ~1000 years, and it looked like this:

How did such a fractured political entity last so long?

It has to do with a concept called “subsidiarity”, and it holds the key to implementing responsible government today 🧵 (thread) Image
Voltaire famously derided the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) as “neither Holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire”, but what couldn't be denied was its longevity.

Existing from 800-1806, it was birthed before William the Conqueror invaded England and continued on after the American Revolution. Image
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Nov 1
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Roman roads were engineering marvels in their own right 🧵 (thread) Image
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Oct 30
There are a lot of misconceptions about witch trials.

Opponents of religion often point to the Church’s handling of witch hunts, hoping to paint a simplistic picture of an “evil” medieval Church.

But the real story is more complicated…🧵(thread) Image
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Image
And though they’re often portrayed as dark age occurrences, witch trials only became popular in the late medieval and early modern period (~1400-1700).

Early on, the Church rejected witchcraft as a real phenomenon and deemed it a “pagan superstition”. Image
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Oct 28
Galileo called him “superhuman”. Tesla said he was the “ideal” inventor. And da Vinci was directly inspired by him.

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Here’s why...🧵(thread) Image
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Oct 25
In 1831, French aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville traveled to the US to study democracy.

He saw some positives, but also noted flaws such as:

-tyranny of the majority
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He claimed religion was essential to prevent these dangers...🧵 Image
Alexis de Tocqueville was a diplomat sent by the French government to learn about the prison system in America.

While abroad, he used the opportunity to investigate American society as a whole, penning his most famous work ”Democracy in America.” Image
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Tocqueville described America as “a democratic revolution caused by industrialization.” Image
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Oct 23
Everyone dreams of fighting in a "last stand" — battling an overwhelming force against all odds.

The 10 greatest last stands in Western history to fuel your dreams🧵 Image
10. Siege of Antioch, 1098

Shortly after the crusaders took the city, they found themselves besieged by the Seljuk Turks.

Finding inspiration after discovering the Holy Lance—the spear that pierced Christ—they sallied forth and confronted the Seljuks head on, winning the day. Image
9. Roncevaux Pass, 778

The subject of the epic poem “Song of Roland” was a real event.

As a large force of Basques ambushed Charlemagne's army, he assigned a rearguard to delay the attackers until the Franks could retreat. The move was successful, but at a great cost. Image
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