In my latest National Post column I argue that the G7 summit was a festival of empty pomposity because the participants had no idea what constructive purpose it had or even that it should have had one.

“The influence which writers of history thus exercise on public opinion is probably more immediate and extensive than that of political theorists who launch new ideas.”

Friedrich Hayek, quoted in appendix to R.M. Hartwell, “The Unfinished Agenda: Some Reflections on Completing the History of the Mont Pelerin Society”, September 1992

Here’s a long-overdue link to a talk I gave at RCMI in March on how Canada’s traditional neglect of national security is even more dangerous than usual in a high-tech world.

“History presents many occasions for citing Charles Peguy’s aphorism that God writes straight with crooked lines.”

Richard John Neuhaus in First Things August/September 2000

“It is better to play for nothing than to work for nothing.”

Adam Smith, quoted in Jan de Vries The Economy of Europe in an Age of Crisis, 1600-1750

“The road to glory cannot be followed with much baggage.”

Confederate General Richard Ewell quoted in James M. McPherson, Ordeal by Fire: The Civil War & Reconstruction

“As no one ever reads history, it was natural enough that there should be a great deal of disappointment, and a great deal of astonishment.”

Hugh Walpole, “Major Wilbraham,” in Chancellor Press Great Ghost Stories [the specific focus of the disappointment is with the immediate results of the end of World War I]