Long known and respected for his scholarship on liberalism, regime types, and the nation, Pierre Manent has also contributed to discussions on natural law, prudence, and agency in the face of contemporary confusions about meaning and the human good. On his account, Europeans have attempted a religion of Humanity devoid of human nature or a substantive good; in fact, any definition or limiting principle risks exclusion, and thick meaning must be prohibited so that Humanity can be celebrated.
Nonetheless, it remains the case, as Manent has carefully articulated, that living well requires virtuous action, and classical reflections on courage, wisdom, moderation, and justice retain their force and relevance. Still, Manent has always recognized the importance of Christianity for the taxonomy of political form—and also for living well. Cardinal virtues, while needed, cannot replace theological virtues, and the human, however naturally virtuous, remains all too human and thus in need of grace.
Read Full Article »