(based on a talk by Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira)
The course of history, contrary to the claims of so many philosophers and sociologists, is not traced exclusively or preponderantly by the dictates of matter over men. Without a doubt, these have their influence in human action, but the direction of history belongs to men, endowed as they are with free and rational souls. In other words, it is they who direct the course of events, acting more or less profoundly over the circumstances in which they find themselves and receiving in variable measure the influences of these same circumstances.
Charlemagne, painted by Albrecht Dürer
Now, human action normally takes place in accordance with man’s view of the universe, of himself, and of life. That amounts to saying that religious and philosophical doctrines dominate history, that the most dynamic nucleus of the factors that transform history is found in the successive attitudes of the human spirit in face of religion and philosophy.
Statue of Louis IX de France (Saint Louis), scultped by James Pradier, in Aigues-Mortes
Both the Old and New Laws contain the precepts by which man should model his soul in order to become like unto God, thus preparing himself for the beatific vision. They also contain the fundamental norms of human conduct in conformity with the natural order of things.
Maurice Joseph Louis Gigost d’Elbée, generalissimo of the Vendean Catholic and Royal Army
Thus, while man advances in the life of grace by the practice of virtue, at the same time he elaborates a culture—a political, social, and economic order—in entire consonance with the basic and perennial principles of Natural Law. This is what we call Christian civilization.
George S. Patton III
