The Unbroken Thread: Discovering the Wisdom of Tradition in an Age of Chaos

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We've pursued the modern dream of self-definition, but at what cost? The New York Post op-ed editor presents a compelling argument for embracing inherited traditions and ideals that provide meaning in our lives. As a young father and "radically assimilated immigrant," Sohrab Ahmari recognizes that today's America falls short in shaping his son's moral foundation. For centuries, ethical and religious traditions have taught that true happiness comes from pursuing virtue and accepting limits. However, in our current era, we are free to choose lifestyles that often prioritize ease over substance. This freedom has led to a society marked by conflict and individual lives characterized by alienation and unhappiness. In response to this crisis, Ahmari poses twelve fundamental questions that challenge modern certainties. These include inquiries about the reasonableness of God, the purpose of freedom, and our obligations to parents, bodies, and one another. By exploring these questions through the lives and ideas of influential thinkers—from Saint Augustine to Howard Thurman—Ahmari encourages us to examine the hidden assumptions that shape our behavior, inviting a return to a more humane way of living in a world that has lost its way.