Finished Reading: “Spirit of Laws”

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  Finished reading the 1752 edition of “The Spirit of Laws” by Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieux. This concludes the 10th reading in the “The Development of Political Theory and Government” reading guide. A few highlights and timely observations: Montesquieux notes this work took 20 years to write, the product of careful study of mankind and the absolutes of self-evident truth. He held that a republic should be a small state, consisting of people who can manage because they are familiar with one another. A large state, or empire would be despotic while an intermediate state should be monarchical. He also held that mankind should make every effort to maintain peace but be ready for war, if necessary—and ready to restore peace. Public voting is necessary (show of hands) whereas secret ballots lead to fraud.   This translation was clear and the assisting footnotes provided helpful commentary. 

. . . and we're back.

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What a week. My wife is taking her second Disney class at the University (required in her major) which included a study tour to all the Disney parks in Orlando. I got to tag along. Yes, CIU offers a class that does this. We even got to do a 5-hour walking tour behind the scenes at The Magic Kingdom. Amazing!

The short version: got sick Tuesday and spent all Wednesday and part of Thursday in hotel room so we missed many attractions we were supposed to see. The professor was good to work with us and let us rest when necessary. We left Orlando the day the park closed for COVID precautions.

Regardless, here are a few pics from when we arrived and later ventures out:








The Polynesian Lobby.


Space Mountain, where I almost died!


Haunted Mansion. Best. Ride. Ever.

Get that song stuck in your head!







Mission Mars Orange. I nearly died. No, really. The ride was designed with NASA scientists. Barf bags at every station. Look it up. As close to getting into space as I'm going to get, and don't regret it. But I nearly died.




Found a quiet spot to relax. No people!






No Bebers, ok Justin?

Disney Hollywood for a couple of hours


Update: The University has extended Spring Break for another week, so am working from home for a few days.

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