mazement

So I've been studying Klimt. One of my History textbooks, Fin-De-Siecle Vienna, devotes an entire chapter to his cultural, historical, and political significance for Vienna and for the world. That book also addresses the architecture of the Ringstrasse, Sigmund Freud, Schonerer's Pan-Germanism, Lueger's Christian Socialism, and Herzl's Zionism. Rattling these off makes me feel well-read, but in reality I feel as though the majority of the content whistles between my ears and merrily on its way into the Limbo of Forgotten Knowledge. I am excited about drawing from this book as I wander Vienna in a few weeks, however, and it has definitely awakened me to the complexity and ambiguity of human existence, especially as regards art and politics...and yet how everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) is connected. How these impressive historical figures were raised determined so much about the course of their lives! It made me reflect on my own upbringing, and wonder how the Dutchness, the nurturing sheltering atmosphere of a conservative Midwest family, the deep religious conviction, have influenced the angle my own life has bent. Praise God that I also have the assurance that he will keep me in perfect peace, will light my path, and never let me fall out of his hand! It's also good to be conscious of my upbringing and my instinctive reactions to situations as I go through life, and not confuse God's will with the things that I've been trained to think.

Life is such a complex affair!

However, before I lapse too far into philosophical drivel, I must admit that I rarely acknowledge that complexity as I meander around in the maze. I'm too involved in the life of the senses, both negatively and positively...too caught up in the sensations and emotions incited by the moment to constantly probe deeper. And to an extent, I can rest easy as I do this, knowing that the Lord is my Shepherd and if I wander, he'll hook me and drive me back on the correct path. But I must take care that I don't get too complacent in this world.

Levoca was a particularly fascinating stretch of the maze. I loved studying the cathedrals, churches, museums, ancient libraries, city walls, and other historically and spiritually rich structures. It was almost too much to absorb, however...I could devoted twice the time to half the material. But our time was short, and we made the most of it, and I am enriched.

Now I'm back "home" at the Prestige, with a cup of coffee, ready to tackle Fin-De-Siecle Vienna once again!