An Introduction and the Q&A that Inevitably Follow.

[Flutterquill]

God graced me with a strong voice, once projected across halls of learning. To any many who engages in some form of edifying oration it is important that he be quick witted, but he must also have a powerful voice capable of bearing his meaning with the force of conviction. I was once much louder than I am, but I have not suffered nearly as badly as others in my position from clergyman's throat. I am much softer spoken than the recording would reveal, which made me sound much louder, though that is an effect of the microphone being so close to my mouth as I speak. I have often been told that my mental faculties and oratory have been well preserved in someone whose age assumes a slow decay of said faculties. God gave me vocal cords of iron and lungs of brass. Though the brass is rather tarnished and the iron a bit rusty.

[Flutterquill]

I have also made a presumptuous theory about your theory and only shake my head at the cynicism which should be reserved to those of a far greater age, who have a right to it. Youth should be filled with great trust and optimism, disappointment will come in its good time, and pessimism will follow. You needn't turn yourself over to such a fate so young.

[Catholicmilkman]

You needn't turn yourself over to such a fate, so young.

It may be too late for me. But, Lord, save me.

[SemperTraditio]

Dear professor, it is a joy to have you on this discussion board. It is a pleasure for me to welcome you on behalf of me and the other Italian member of the forum (i. e. Lumen). I am 21, and study Political Sciences and International Relations in the Catholic University of Milan. I am considering actually to go on and get a Ph. D. myself, and then teach somewhere (UK?)
I am sure a man of your wisdom and culture will prove an invaluable contributor to all the discussions in here. Your presence here also helps, I think, to close the gap between generations, and that is an extremely necessary thing, in a time as ours that sadly sees old people (at least here in my country) as more often than not only annoying and boring persons that should not be listnened to or taken too much care of.

Welcome aboard, prof.
Matteo
.

[AgnusDei1989]

Delighted to meet a true gentleman and sorry for the late welcome. I thought people like you only existed in Jane Austen books, at least by your style -- wow, I wish I knew someone who wrote and talked (do you talk?) like that...

I echo SemperTraditio, welcome aboard.

[Longinus]

Delighted to meet a true gentleman and sorry for the late welcome. I thought people like you only existed in Jane Austen books, at least by your style -- wow, I wish I knew someone who wrote and talked (do you talk?) like that...

I echo SemperTraditio, welcome aboard.

Contrary to the natural course of things, the later echo here is not the weaker for it. 

I too echo the others' welcome and look forward to reading your posts with great pleasure.

[Flutterquill]

I just found three more have welcomed me, I thought this "thread" had died.

Dear professor, it is a joy to have you on this discussion board.

My pleasure, I'm sure.

It is a pleasure for me to welcome you on behalf of me and the other Italian member of the forum (i. e. Lumen). I am 21, and study Political Sciences and International Relations in the Catholic University of Milan. I am considering actually to go on and get a Ph. D. myself, and then teach somewhere (UK?)

A joy to hear from my Italian brethren. That may or may not be wise, our great universities are less liberal than the Ivy League abominations, our less-than-great universities probably more so.

I am sure a man of your wisdom and culture will prove an invaluable contributor to all the discussions in here.

I try to be a humble man and look what everyone insists on doing.

Your presence here also helps, I think, to close the gap between generations, and that is an extremely necessary thing, in a time as ours that sadly sees old people (at least here in my country) as more often than not only annoying and boring persons that should not be listnened to or taken too much care of.

An appalling sentiment, as a young man we always had great admiration for the aged, and I always thought that if I lived long enough I would have that admiration returned. Little did I know that it would be the other way around. Has anyone read Romano Amerio? He spoke well on this cult of youth.

 

Delighted to meet a true gentleman and sorry for the late welcome. I thought people like you only existed in Jane Austen books, at least by your style -- wow, I wish I knew someone who wrote and talked (do you talk?) like that...

Delighted, in return. For my generation, we were still very much raised by Victorians, and yes, Victorians acted in very much the same way as Jane Austen depicted them.

Well, you know one now, and yes I do talk, but it is rather difficult to accomplish when my primary means of electronic communication is typing.

Thank you, Longinus.

[DJMitch]

Professor, I have just read several of your posts, and add my welcome to that of everybody else.  I feel that I have learnt much even in the last few minutes, and I hope that you will continue to grace us with your presence here for a very long time.  It did not take long for me to develop a deep respect for you.  I second AgnusDei's description of you as "a true gentleman".  You are very welcome here.

[Laurentius]

Welcome!  I read the first page of posts and I am much edified by your writings.  Thank-you for joining us.

[diotima]

I can only add my greetings and express my feelings of gratitude, to find someone of your stature among the members of this forum.
What you said about the developments in our culture over the last century puts into words, what I have long thought and felt about it.
Rest assured, Professor, that not all "younger people" (if at 43 I can call myself that) feel you are "past it" and compassion all left for you - you have my highest regard and I look forward to reading whatever you wish to tell us of your experience and thoughts. It is indeed an honour!