If we compare the features of this third-century Roman, represented in a splendid sculpture from the Capitoline Palace, with those of the famous Apollo Belvedere, its irregularities become evident. In this sense, we could not exactly call this man handsome. Nonetheless, no one can deny that his countenance possesses a certain element … Read more
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Recollection, silence, and isolation have always been distinctive characteristics of the Carthusian Order, founded by Saint Bruno in the eleventh century. A modern man would view the Carthusians as antiquated souls, lacking impulse, vitality, or any other type of dynamism. Nevertheless, two splendid accomplishments of these religious, strongly contrasting yet harmonious, belie … Read more
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“What habits have changed? Which ones have caused the greatest scandals and arguments? “Sex magazines for men and pornographic movies and plays have grown in their numbers, becoming ever more daring and unrestrained… “Nowadays, radio programs are common where sex life is freely discussed with psychologists and doctors dispensing free telephone consultations … Read more
I know the case of an old farmer of São Paulo, the master of a vast coffee plantation and of a spacious mansion, square-shaped with two floors, a door in the center and windows of equal size throughout the facade. No external decoration. The farmer, as is traditionally the case in Brazil, … Read more
For a long time, a very long time, I have wanted to convey an impression about the development of Brazil. “Development” is a term I use here in a sense only remotely related to what is usually understood by that word. I am not referring to economic-financial development. This is the supreme … Read more
At first sight nothing is simpler or clearer: if A is the owner of his surplus goods, and the life of B is in danger because he lacks some of those goods and, moreover, if B has no way to pay A, a situation of conflict becomes established between A and B. … Read more
Somebody asked me if I were a man of the right. Enthusiastically and euphorically I answered, “Yes.” On answering, I was already waiting for the concise and venomous little question that would come next: “Of the extreme right, then?” The poor fellow who formulated the question thought he was clever, as if … Read more
Once upon a time, there was a young man torn by a critical conflict of affections. He loved his charming spouse with all his soul. Yet at the same time, he had profound affection and respect for his mother. However, relations between mother in-law and daughter in-law were tense. The enchanting but … Read more
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An authentic piety penetrates every recess of our souls, naturally stirring our most intimate emotions. Piety, however, is far more than feelings. It arises deep within ourselves from our knowledge of the truths that govern an interior life formed in accord with the Faith. To be sure, these life-giving truths are often … Read more
The airplane pierced the ugly clouds that obscured the sky of Guanabara on this damp, winter evening. Somewhat tired from the affairs of the day, I prepared to nap in the tepid warmth of the airplane until our arrival in Congonhas. To my side, a happily unoccupied seat provided the most delightful … Read more