Romanticism: A World that Prizes Love and Community

“The problem of the individual is not clarified by stressing the antagonism between the individual and society, but by stressing their mutual reinforcement.” –Ruth Benedict

Romanticism was a widespread movement in both its origins and influence which began in Germany and England in the 1770s.  Romanticism had swept through Europe by the 1820’s. It traveled quickly from London to Boston to Mexico City to Tokyo to Vladivostok to Oslo; the most popular orchestral music in the world.  Beginning in the last decades of the 18th century, it transformed poetry, the novel, drama, painting, sculpture, all forms of concert music (especially opera), and ballet. It was deeply connected with the politics of the time, echoing people’s fears, hopes, and aspirations. It was the voice of revolution at the beginning of the 19th century and the voice of the Establishment at the end of it.

Since the time of Romanticism, with its emphasis on the opposition between the artist and society, we have tended to stress the values of the person over and against those of the social order.  We speak much of person will and freedom and less about ideas and ideals of the community.

Perhaps that is why many of us feel so alone.  As a male, I have been brought up to be independent, self-reliant, and competitive and there are times now when I find this more of a burden than a blessing.

We now have the chance to forge new bonds and create new relationships.  The path toward personal growth has carefully and deliberately evolved giving to us a world which is a self-supporting community whose basis is mutual help and whose ethic is love, not competition.  As we grow in our personal development and spirituality, we can carry this message to others who may feel lost in a life of isolation, destructive behaviors or addiction.  I am proud to prize love and community.

Related Articles

• The Romantic Revolution by Tim Blanning: review (telegraph.co.uk)

Come to Me (Peace) By Mary J. Blige from her “Growing Pains” Album

I have been wanting to share this track from Mary J. Blige’s “Growing Pains” CD.  By far my favorite song (this week, OK – this month!).  Following are the lyrics, which got me hooked first, then listen to the song.  Enjoy!

Come to Me (Peace)

That was love
That was then
That was us, miracles
I changed you
You changed me
This is how these things go
I was broke
And you were scared
But you stayed by my side, yea

I was yours
You were mine
It seemed we’d last forever, oh yea
I’d be the one you need
You would be the one I marry
And I’m just trying to invite my way back in your heart
And I’m telling you to…

[Chorus:]
Come to me
I’ll restore freedom
I’ll carve away the worries in your heart

Your heart is missed
I’m a mess, what happened to second chance
This is now, this is how easy things can get out of hand
We were cold, and we were slow then, now we end faster than light, than light

And I’m not ashamed cause my love ain’t changed
I’m prepared to beg you back the whole way
Bring me your arms, I’ll bring mine too
And we will heal, mend, me and you, telling you…

[Chorus:]
Come to me
I’ll restore freedom
I’ll carve away the worries in your heart
I’m telling you to…

Come to me
I’ll restore freedom
I’ll carve away the worries in your heart
And I’m here to make peace, peace, peace
I’m here to make peace, peace, peace
I’m here to make peace, peace, peace
I’m here to make peace, between u and I

Through my doors, and take my hand
Replace our love beyond this land
This is just too much to give away
I love you baby, so why don’t you stay

Let the air of your voice dry my tears
Let “I love you”, fall on my ears
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
I want you to just…

[Chorus:]
Come to me
I’ll restore freedom
I’ll carve away your worries in your heart
And I’ll be here to make peace
I’m here to make peace peace peace
I’m here to make peace peace peace
I’m here to make peace peace peace between you and I

Wanna make peace with you baby
I don’t wanna fight, I just wanna do everything right
Show me how to make peace with you
I do wanna make peace with you