Latest news with #AgeofEnlightenment
The Hill
4 days ago
- General
- The Hill
Famous shipwreck confirmed to be in Rhode Island waters
NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — Australian researchers have issued a final report on a decades-long search for a famous shipwreck believed to be off the coast of Rhode Island. Researchers confirmed the final resting place of 18th-century British explorer Captain James Cook's lost ship is in Newport Harbor. 'For some, the Pacific voyage led by James Cook between 1768 and 1771 embodies the spirit of Europe's Age of Enlightenment, while for others it symbolises the onset of colonisation and the subjugation of First Nations Peoples,' the executive summary of the report said. Originally called the 'HMS Endeavor,' the vessel was later renamed 'Lord Sandwich' and used as a troop transport and prison ship before it was deliberately sunk in 1778. The approximate location of the wreck is just north of Goat Island and east of Rose Island, near Newport, Rhode Island, according to the report. The Australian National Maritime Museum said it's working with the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission to protect the site.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Captain Cook's Endeavour confirmed to be in Rhode Island waters
Researchers have confirmed that the 18th-century British explorer Captain James Cook's lost ship found its final resting place in Rhode Island's Newport Harbor, solving a decadeslong mystery, according to the Australian National Maritime Museum. Two Australian historians, Mike Connell and Des Liddy, originally pinpointed the location of the ship, called HMS Endeavour in 1998, the museum said in a report released earlier this month. The museum's report detailed how a 26-year archival and archaeological research program ultimately determined that the Endeavour was, in fact, at the bottom of Newport Harbor as Connell and Liddy had thought. Captain Cook famously sailed the Endeavour across the Pacific Ocean multiple times in the mid-1700s. He is remembered for his voyage to Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia, which he claimed for Britain, as well as Hawaii, where he ultimately met his fate in a dispute with indigenous residents. Cook's exploration of the islands laid the foundation for British colonization in those areas, which is why, for different reasons, it's an important part of Australian history, according to the museum's report. "For some, the Pacific voyage led by James Cook between 1768 and 1771 embodies the spirit of Europe's Age of Enlightenment," the executive summary of the report reads, "while for others it symbolises the onset of colonisation and the subjugation of First Nations Peoples." After Cook's death, the Endeavour returned to England, which went on to use it for transporting British troops and detaining prisoners during the American Revolutionary War. It was sold to private owners, who renamed the ship Lord Sandwich, and deliberately sunk in Newport Harbor in the midst of war in 1778. When Australian maritime experts initially announced in 2022 that they believed the Endeavour was among a number of ancient shipwrecks still scattered across Newport Harbor, the claim was widely debated. But a partnership between the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission and the Australian National Maritime Museum forged ahead with the research that eventually led to the wreck's identification. They are working to ensure that the wreck site is protected from now on. "Given Endeavour's historical and cultural significance to Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, England, the United States of America and First Nations peoples throughout the Pacific Ocean, positive identification of its shipwreck site requires securing the highest possible level of legislative and physical protection," the report says. American stranded in Israel with her family speaks out amid airstrike exchanges with Iran May retail sales drop more than expected Everything we know about Israel, Iran and where Trump stands on the conflict
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
The insecurity of power
Listen to article For millennia, humankind has feared ferocious beasts, unforeseen calamities, "divine retributions", forces beyond comprehension, and natural phenomena beyond their control. Notwithstanding the powerlessness and inherent ignorance in prehistoric times, some individuals seized opportunities to emerge as leaders — such as the 'big men' or chiefs — who embodied mythical figures like Prometheus, Heracles, Theseus, Perseus, Apollo and Asclepius, selflessly pursuing their people's welfare and guiding them, however briefly and imperfectly, to safety and light. This was primarily because the legitimacy of most of them was rooted in transparency, proven abilities and a consensus built sincerely, albeit informed by limited knowledge. However, as societies became more complex and knowledgeable, so did the rules of legitimacy and the nature and scope of transactions between the rulers and the ruled. The evolution of language, which drives reason, logic and philosophy, has equipped humans with reliable tools to examine themselves and their environment, shedding light on their ignorance and gaining a deeper understanding of their surroundings. From nascent reasoning to the Socratic and dialectical methods, and from the Age of Enlightenment and the Renaissance to the dawn of the scientific method, all helped liberate humankind from threats - real or perceived - posed by nature and from fears rooted in nature's apparent meaninglessness or the metaphorical tabula rasa of human cognition. These developments, which have dispelled the fog of ignorance and introduced humanity to greater knowledge, ethical understanding and political education, should ideally have fostered greater transparency in statesmanship and collective affairs, promoting an informed collective will and legitimacy in statecraft. However, greater knowledge has fostered enlightened deceit and hypocrisy, which perpetuate carefully controlled ignorance or empower influential figures with vested interests in society, thus fostering opacity and undermining legitimacy in modern statecraft and statesmanship. This manifests, among other ways, in the rising authoritarianism and securitisation of democracies worldwide. Under the guise of the people's will, totalitarian and Orwellian tendencies are being fostered by the very institutions and leaders tasked with upholding democratic values. Consequently, hard power and brute force supplant the collective public will, imposing self-serving policies that disregard the interests of the people. Although marked by authoritarianism and disdain for the people's will, such regimes rarely abandon democratic forms entirely for three reasons: First, a democratic façade shields them from international sanctions. Second, it legitimises their authority under the pretense of democracy. Third, it sustains false hope among the populace, thereby deterring rebellion against those in power. This is because, unless informed, transparent and popular, those in power - whether individuals or institutions — tend to channel most of their resources and energy into masking their insecurities, sustaining their authority, and guarding their misdeeds against potential retribution. In other words, power obtained through questionable means or brute force both stems from and reveals underlying insecurities, driving all efforts to maintain it. This underlying insecurity of power ultimately and inevitably succumbs to the weights of its follies, corruption and abuse. Had it not been so, all the states that our status quo gets inspiration from would not have been consigned to the dustbin of history. Thus, rather than being lasting and self-sustaining, the autocratisation of democracy is both a cause and a manifestation of insecurity, fear of losing control, and potential retribution for wrongdoings. In other words, authoritarian power reflects the hidden insecurities of vested interests, ill-gotten resources, and fear of retribution for past transgressions. Like dogs or snakes that strike when threatened, authoritarian power escalates aggression toward its people as its insecurities deepen. These insecurities drive further aggression and unlawful acts, ultimately leading the regime to collapse under the burden of its errors, delusions and misdeeds.
Arab Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Francophonie month ends on high note in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, May 1: The 'Francophonie Month 2025' closing ceremony was held recently under the patronage and in the presence of Honorary President of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie in Kuwait (CPFK) His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad. In his speech on the auspicious occasion, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad underscored the importance of the event, expressing his pride in participating in it in appreciation of the cultural role played by Francophonie. He highlighted its notable contribution to contemporary global culture and its vital role in promoting dialogue and cultural diversity in a world rapidly moving toward globalization. He affirmed 'the French language occupies a prominent position in the world of thought and culture; characterized by its clarity, delicateness and logical precision. These characteristics have made it a popular language in the fields of Philosophy, Law and Diplomacy. Since the 17th century, it has been supported by the efforts of the Académie Française to standardize the language.' He pointed out that French is a refined and melodious language deeply intertwined with the artistic expressions of poetry, song and storytelling. It helped express complex philosophical ideas in an understandable language, facilitating their dissemination during the Age of Enlightenment. He stressed that Francophonie played a distinctive role in enriching Arab culture, especially since French was the official language of European culture from the 17th century until the end of the 19th century. He said that intellectual, political and diplomatic elites used it as a means of dialogue and openness; adding that it was used by kings, ambassadors and non-native thinkers, most notably the Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu and Pascal. He continued saying that the French language played a major role in spreading the concepts of rationalism, politics and human rights; and clearly contributed to the emergence of modern concepts like the social contract, individual freedom and separation of powers. He stated that these concepts were first formulated in French before being translated into the rest of Europe's languages. He added the French language has produced a rich world literature, ranging from novels like those of Balzac and Flaubert, to theater such as those of Molière and Corneille, and poetry such as those of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. He asserted that French literature has won the largest number of Nobel Prizes and has a prominent presence in the arts, fashion and cinema; ranging from Impressionism and painting to pioneering French cinema. He emphasized that Francophonie is not merely a means of communication, but rather a carrier of cultural heritage and concepts that have shaped modern western consciousness. He described French as 'the language of reason and beauty' for its phonetic elegance and philosophical and poetic vocabulary. 'The language is still used in international forums and centers of intellectual and legal legislation, most notably the United Nations and the International Organization of La Francophonie. Kuwait is keen on providing all the necessary facilities to support Francophonie, as it has always been an incubator for culture and arts in the region. Its doors will remain open for the exchange of knowledge and cultural cooperation with various French-speaking countries,' he stressed. He pointed out that the French language, with its long history, is present on all continents -- from Asia to Africa, from Canada in the North to Haiti in the South, and even New Caledonia and Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean. He wished it further spread and prosperity until it reaches the North and South Poles. His Highness concluded his speech by conveying feelings of friendship and celebration to all French-speaking peoples, extending his thanks to the ambassadors of the member states of the Francophonie Organization for their participation in this celebration and praising the successful organization of the evening. On the other hand, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin, said 'thanks to the collective efforts of the members of the Council for the Promotion of La Francophonie -- 44 ambassadors -- and our partners. We held an exceptional celebration that coincided with the announcement of Kuwait as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media.' He asserted that La Francophonie promotes the values of participation and cultural diversity. He said the French language -- which is spoken by more than 320 million people in 130 countries, including 500,000 in Kuwait -- is considered a tool for building bridges between cultures and promoting dialogue and exchange. He stated that around 50,000 students in Kuwaiti public schools learn French annually, reflecting the growing local interest in the language. He then quoted French writer and Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, stating, 'Francophonie is a space for dialogue and exchange, a place where cultures meet.' Addressing His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad, he said; You are the father of Francophonie in Kuwait. You took the initiative to support it in the 1980s. On this occasion, the Council for the Promotion of Francophone Languages in Kuwait unanimously chose you as its honorary president. So, Your Highness, allow me to reiterate by deep gratitude to you.'
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Indian Express
Why do many people still believe in witches?
'I'm a modern witch, I admit it,' says 59-year-old Barbara. She has spent her entire life feeling that she is in contact with the spirit world. Her room smells of incense, and she's about to consult the runes for her future. In the Early Modern period, Barbara would likely have ended up burned at the stake. This fate also threatened Maria Anna Schwegelin, for the people wanted to see the former maid burned in April 1775. She had confessed to fornication with the devil. Maria Anna Schwegelin was the last witch to be sentenced to death in Germany, in the Bavarian town of Kempten, even though leading thinkers and authorities no longer truly believed in witchcraft in the Age of Enlightenment. However, they didn't want to disappoint the people, who were still deeply mired in superstition. It wasn't until 1995 that a historian discovered that the sentence was never carried out. Maria Anna Schwegelin died in prison in 1781. Belief in witchcraft spreads worldwide Whether the supposed witch truly met the devil or was mentally disturbed remains a mystery. What is certain, however, is that even in the 21st century, there are still people who believe in witchcraft. Barbara is by no means the only one. According to 'Witchcraft Beliefs around the World: An Exploratory Analysis,' a global study released in November by economist Boris Gershman of American University in Washington, D.C., a remarkable 40% of the global population across 95 countries is convinced that witches exist. That figure fluctuates from country to country: In Tunisia, it is around 90%, in Germany just 13%. The authors of the study also define those who believe in the evil eye and in curses as 'believers in witches.' Barbara, however, doesn't want to put a curse on anyone, she told DW emphatically: 'This classic image of a witch sneaking out at night, flying on a broom and conjuring up something evil for people, that's of course total nonsense.' Scapegoats for calamity For centuries, many people, especially women, fell victim to this notion of the witch, and particularly between about 1450 and 1750 in Europe. Whatever the misfortune — disease, dead livestock, failed harvests, a failed business — a scapegoat was needed. This was common in the past, but still exists today in some countries. 'Similar ideas of witchcraft to those of the early modern period actually exist today in other parts of the world as an explanation for calamity,' ethnologist Iris Gareis told DW. 'Unfortunately, for decades people believed to be sorcerers or witches have been killed in a cruel way in many parts of the world.' While in countries such as Tanzania or Ghana women accused of witchcraft have to seek refuge in so-called witch camps to escape death, some people in the northern hemisphere openly profess to witchcraft. For example, Justin (name changed): 'As a child, you learn about the witch in the Hansel and Gretel story, as the evil one who eats up the good. And at some point, you address that notion and learn to see the witch as a wise woman.' Justin is a self-professed follower of Wicca — a neo-pagan religious movement named after the Old English word for witch. 'Hexe,' the German word for witch, is derived from the Old High German 'hagazussa,' which means fence-rider. Someone who can see into other worlds, says Justin, and can bring magic into their own life or that of other people. Spirits and magical rituals help him, he says, adding that for him Christianity lacked that sense of magic for him and he never felt at home in that religion. In a parallel universe Barbara likewise did not feel at home in the Christian Church. As a witch, she is a follower of natural religions, she says. She talks to trees, and uses a drum to come into contact with spirits and go into a trance. She says that she learned to do this from a shaman. 'The witchcraft universe is rich and colorful. You live a little bit here and a little bit in a parallel world.' While many modern witches read tarot cards, Barbara prefers to use runes as to predict the future. 'Why should I wait for the powers of fate to give me something?' she asks. 'If I ask a question, the answer is sure to come.' She also always has incense and plant extracts at home — to combat illness. 'It all sounds like herbalism. But it's supposed to sound like it, too, because that's what witchcraft used to be all about, knowing herbs and healing people.' While many modern witches in urban metropolises do not belong to any group, but Wiccans organize themselves in circles. (Photo: Freepik) But from a historical perspective, the image of the witch as a wise woman with special knowledge as a healer and midwife is nothing more than a cliche, says ethnologist Iris Gareis. 'The women who were persecuted as witches were not always some great herbalists, but mostly quite normal people. And they didn't always have red hair, as is often claimed. That's total nonsense and doesn't appear in any historical document.' However, the image has become so entrenched in people's minds that it often cannot be countered even with scientific evidence, she points out. Witches as figureheads for feminists The phenomenon of modern witches is closely linked to the women's movement of the 1970s, which rebelled against the dominance of the male world. 'In the witch, they had a figurehead, so to speak,' says Gareis. 'Of course, these feminists were not witch researchers. They were just normal, even intellectual women who just appropriated this image of the oppressed woman.' In the 1980s, the spiritual aspect was added to this image. It was especially urban women who were attracted to nature-based religions, the ethnologist says. 'What I can imagine is that in times of uncertainty, people seek their salvation in nature.' While many modern witches in urban metropolises do not belong to any group, but Wiccans organize themselves in circles. The Wiccan cult originated in Britain in the first half of the 20th century and is recognized as a religion there, as it is in the US. Justin completed his own initiation ritual years ago. Different kinds of magic 'Some say you have to put a pointy black hat on a witch so that she can be recognized as such,' Justin said. 'I personally like to surprise people by not draping myself with charms and talismans. And then — boom — something unexpected and magical comes from me.' 'That's my little wicked witch community,' he adds, with a twinkle in his eye. In no way, however, does he want to harm anyone, he says. But he is convinced, as is Barbara, that there are witches with dark intentions: 'There are magicians who cast curses and spells with which they can definitely achieve something.' Parallels between belief in witches and conspiracy theories? According to the Gershman study, the belief in witchcraft is less widespread among well-educated and economically sound people but iris Gareis is not so sure: 'In view of modern conspiracy theories, which became especially apparent during the COVID pandemic in the US, and also here in Germany, that is doubtful.' After all, she points out that there are even educated people who believe that reptiloids, or lizard people, live among us and control events in politics and the economy — something that is incomprehensible to her. Witchcraft is not a game Justin warns against getting involved with witchcraft if you don't have your feet on the ground: 'People who are mentally unstable should stay away from magic and sorcery. If they can't get their lives under control, they won't find a way to balance themselves through witchcraft or Wicca. If I am not grounded, then I cannot reach out and explore the heavens.' Or to quote Shakespeare's Hamlet, 'There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'
