“Past and Present” by Gertrude Himmelfarb

This is a collection of Himmelfarb’s essays, mostly written this century, but going as far back as 1951. The subjects span a wide range from Leo Strauss to Winston Churchill, but most remain within her wheelhouse of Victorian history. The essays are also mostly united by tying themes of the Victorian era to the politics and moralities of today. Some of the connections work better than others. Having been married to Irving Kristol and the mother of William Kristol, it is perhaps not surprising that many essays describe America’s current political decay and the disfunction of modern society at large. However, Himmelfarb has always shown great breath and depth in her moral commentary. She is not a superficial neoconservative shill. The parallels between Victorian England and America today are, at best, illuminating and insightful. Primarily, they show that the social debates and divided opinions of today have a longstanding tradition, that the dividing lines are often blurred, and that there are trenchant arguments possible for both sides. After all, if one side was so obviously right, the debates would have been settled a long time ago. Nonetheless, Himmelfarb leaves no doubt on what side her sympathies lie. One of her best essays is on Walter Bagehot’s comparison of the English and American Constitutions. Bagehot critiques the American system of separation of powers, while declaring that the heart of the English unwritten Constitution rests in the culture and temper of its people. He writes, “the most essential mental quality for a free people whose liberty is to be progressive, permanent, and on a large scale, is what I provocatively call stupidity…. Stupidity [is] the roundabout common sense and dull custom that steers the opinion of most men…. Nations, just as individuals, may be too clever to be practical, and not dull enough to be free. Dullness is the English line.” Another of Himmelfrab’s most thought provoking essays is on William James’ conception of religion. She contrasts his views with the modern militant atheists of our day, like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. In contrast, Himmelfarb describes James’ conception of once-born and twice-born believers. She concludes that, in the end, James’ belief beyond reason did not conflict with his scientific studies. She states that today’s moralistic atheistic evangelists cannot deny “the fact that something like a will to believe is the motivating force for many people who are distrustful of those [religious] institutions and skeptical of those dogmas and rituals but who nevertheless feel a spiritual need and seek a faith responsive to their personal needs and passions.” Other essays deal with Albert Einstein’s pacifism, Cardinal John Henry Newman’s ideas on a gentlemanly education, Richard Carlyle’s anti-materialist philosophy, and Benjamin Disraeli’s defense of Judaism in England. Himmelfarb’s skill is tying these men’s ideas to the modern era and making their thoughts relevant in the context of today.