TFAS Public Policy Fellows Explore The Roots of American Order at Piety Hill
From October 15–18, the Russell Kirk Center welcomed twenty Public Policy Fellows from The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) for a thought-provoking seminar on Russell Kirk’s magisterial The Roots of American Order.
The seminar was led by Dr. David Corey, Director of Baylor in Washington and Professor of Political Science in the Baylor University Honors Program. He was joined by Dr. Bradley Birzer, Professor of History at Hillsdale College, who co-led the discussions. The weekend opened with remarks by Michael Lucchese, associate editor of Law & Liberty. Drawing on Kirk’s thought, participants discussed the many aspects of our Western and American heritage that are worthy of gratitude and preservation.
Participants arrived from institutions including Advancing American Freedom, The Heritage Foundation, the Hudson Institute, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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This present life here below, Kirk had perceived often in his mind’s eye, is an ephemeral existence, precarious, as in an arena rather than upon a stage: some men are meant to be gladiators or knights-errant, not mere strolling players. Swords drawn, they stand on a...
“If the goal of Kirk’s work and the retreat itself was ever in part to think of conservatism as a way of life rather than an ideology, I can think of no better practice than what we embarked on at the Kirk Center in Mecosta. […] At the heart of conserving the permanent things is first to find gratitude and to be able to recognize beauty and what is worth conserving. Both gratitude and beauty are present at the Kirk Center, but perhaps more importantly, the Center and its programs stir the soul to be capable of taking those things with them.”
“I learned so much from these discussions. Talking through the content with my peers and the professors helped me crystallize my own ideas about our nation’s past, and where it might be headed.”
“The Kirk Center was extremely hospitable and homey. I felt valued in my time spent there. The environment and the staff made our group feel as though we are a central part of the Kirk Center. Contemplating, discussing, and building friendships in this environment was fruitful. I would greatly encourage anyone with the opportunity to come experience the beauty of the place and be sharpened by the scholarship.”