A conversation on American culture and society with David Brooks, The New York Times Editorialist; Rusty Reno, Managing Editor, First Things, and Maurizio Maniscalco (moderator), President of New York Encounter

- - -

What life have you if you have not life together?
There is no life that is not in community, 
And no community not lived in praise of GOD…. 
…And now you live dispersed on ribbon roads. 
And no man knows or cares who is his neighbour
Unless his neighbour makes too much disturbance, 
But all dash to and fro in motor cars,
Familiar with the roads and settled nowhere. 
Nor does the family even move about together.  
But every son would have his motor cycle, 
And daughters ride away on casual pillions.

Much to cast down, much to build, much to restore; 
Let the work not delay, time and the arm not waste;
Let the clay be dug from the pit, let the saw cut the stone,
Let the fire not be quenched in the forge.

(T.S. Elliot, Choruses from “The Rock”) 

Our speakers, a few days before the presidential inauguration, will reflect on the state of our nation.                                                                                                       

<-- Back to 2017 events