I ran across this quote in a book, and the author said 9 out 10 college students guessed incorrectly. I figured I would put it up here.

The idea is to read the quote and determine what time period it refers to. Without looking it up, can you guess? (He gets to watch his students, but being online, we'll go with the honor system.)

"The frequency of assassination, the perennial plots, the constant vicissitudes, encouraged superstition and a romantic view of Fate. Men felt themselves to be the prey of strange destinies and turned to astrologers and magicians to strengthen their hope, to check despair, and to help them meet the uncertain future with confidence. The stars were studied as intensely as diplomatic dispatches, as a guide to action; and superstitious dread threaded the daily course of men’s lives."

It startled me when I first read it.

In answer to my earlier "Can You Guess?" post - HERE - answer below the cut.

(Don't click if you don't want to spoil your guess...)

( Answer )

I'll be lingering in this era for a bit, mostly to explore the people of the age - the Founding Fathers and the Framers of the Constitution. However, it did behoove me to glance at the War of Independence and the steps leading up to it before starting on the people.

( Independence )

Recommended reading:

The Best of Burke: Selected Writings and Speeches of Edmund Burke edited by Peter J. Stanlis

The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History Thomas E. Woods (source)

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers Brion McClanahan (source)

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution Kevin R. C. Gutzman (source)