The Cathedral of Learning

I've spent the weekend presenting at a conference, and learnt that Eastern European fantasies of salvation must be put into context. Firstly, the victory of anti-communism should never be diminished by the struggles of post-communism. Of the many broken eggs, omelette's (and chocolate cakes) have been eaten. I've seen it.

Secondly, the nationalism that's since emerged is not intrinsically bad. The development of self-identity and self-governance is something profound, but we should lament the fine line between patriotism and nationalism - the difference being the collectivist mindset.

Like Matthew below, I too like the Czech Republic and perhaps his history of Eva Jiricna within the context of architectual  modernism can be assimilated with dissident dramatist (and future President) Vaclav Havel (pictured) - the champion behind the Magic Lantern which lit the Velvet Revolution.

We wonder if these were revolutions at all, (wanting more bloodshed?) and all-too-easily claim it was a Pandora's Box. But to do so belies the cathedrals of learning - serious academic scholarship must declare victory for freedom over oppression. Amidst Post-Soviet uncertainty and the necessary thirst for truth we shouldn't lose sight of black and white. The Wall came down, and buried the intellectual left.