Terrific little book. 

George Weigel is a  pundit and Catholic theologian who analyzes European culture from the conviction that, "the deepest currents of history are spiritual and cultural, rather than political and economic.  In this way of thinking, history is not simply the by-product of the contest for power in the world -- although power plays an important role in history.  And history is certainly not the exhaust fumes produced by the means of production, as the Marxists taught.  Rather, history is driven, over the long haul, by culture -- by what men and women honor, cherish, and worship; by what societies deem to be true and good and noble; by the expressions they give to those convictions in language, literature, and the arts; by what individuals and societies are willing to stake their lives on."

A very simple, lightweight book, but refreshing to read (and to practice, I believe.)

Today I am very thankful for the fact that 40-degree afternoon temperatures are coming!

I'm thankful for the character of Hector Naismith Macdonald.

I'm thankful that it seems to be too hot for the squirrels to dig in my flower pots.

I am thankful for my job, and for whoever invented Quickbooks.

I am very thankful for John H. C. Niederhaus, the Patriarch of Nie.