Europe: A Continent in Economic and Cultural Crisis (Dr. Samuel Gregg - Acton Institute)

Acton Lecture Series (February 23, 2012) - Less than 100 years ago, Europe ruled most of the globe. Now, however, it seems to be the sick man of the global economy. In this lecture. Acton research Director Dr. Samuel Gregg outlines the economic characteristics of Europe's present crisis, and examines some of the cultural and religious developments that have contributed to its present turmoil and long-term decline.

[@anduruco]

@SecondLifeEnglish How deep your engagement with his main arguments is!

[@CalKnox]

Theology and faith influence culture influencing economics and politics. Something known for a long time. For example: THE PROTESTANT ETHIC AND THE SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM, by Max Weber, 1904-1905: " Weber valued ideas as motivating actions of individuals, at least in the big picture." Opposed to Marx- The material world has the dominant influence over ideas.

[@peanutbutter110]

It's about justice in the here and now. Another lecture pointed out that European welfare state produces "insiders" or bureaucrats and those who can get their way from the government and "outsiders" or immigrants and the young. This is what takes the place of the haves and have nots of the class war now being proposed by the Obama re-election campaign.

[@SecondLifeEnglish]

thx for the reply...regarding the degree?...what's your point?...do you mean to suggest a degree (regardless where from) automatically places one beyond critique/scrutiny?...or makes one honest/non-manipulative?...re "Australian", the sort of word choice and body language i am referring to has little to do with national or cultural background...and seems the comment: "shooting the messenger, bc so effective"...is more of a rushed conclusion than an opinion based on inquisition or reflection...

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Sweden was headed down the same road as the rest of the E.U., but it reformed itself dramatically, whittling away many of the worst excesses of the welfare state -- and shifting from far left to a more centrist position on the political spectrum.

[@SecondLifeEnglish]

@anduruco thanks for your reply...are you gauging my total "engagement" based on the one comment left here?...and please feel free to elaborate...what do you see as the "main argument(s)"?...

[@peanutbutter110]

Manipulate? Not honest? He is an Oxford Ph.D. The voice, body language and word choice is Australian. He is an Australian. Some might say he is an effective lecturer. You are just shooting the messenger, because he is so effective.

[@SecondLifeEnglish]

@MrCleatsketch an interesting comment...but i question the intent...do you mean to initiate constructive conversation...or to merely insult?...i'd be happy to participate in the former...

[@SecondLifeEnglish]

this guy speaks in such a way so as to manipulate and convince...not to simply present an honest perspective...notice the tone of voice, body language and word choice...

[@MrCleatsketch]

@SecondLifeEnglish Problems of the real world shouldn't be any concern to you. Go live your Second Life and leave us humans be.

[@marcopellegrini8752]

if i judge on the facts of life I do not see at all more Christianity in the US. On the contrary I see a moral decadence I hope will not reach Europe

[@marcopellegrini8752]

a lots of generalization and sterotyps this guy mention. I lived in the Netherlands and in Italy. Two complete different realities. the first one with a strong welfare system the second with one almost not existing despite night taxes been paied. Plus the quality of life in Holland before the crises was one of the best on the planet with investors from all of we the word coming. Actually thety claim the first investors where American companies. unemployment rate was less the 3 percent with people not working more than 8 hours per day. Was this a big failure dump ignorant Americans? countries instead like Portugal and Greece with 40 per cent unemployment rate with people workings more than 10 hours per day.. Is this a uniformed Europe?