MLK and Abe lincoln – cadences from these two are poetically and inspiringly embedded in Obama the man as well as his speeches. The influence of MLK is from the sound of his oratory, fresh in our ears. From Lincoln the cadence is from his mastery of prose.
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On the issue of inauguration speeches Ted Widmer in the American Scholar wrote a very interesting article entitled So Help Me God: What all fifty-four inaugural addresses, taken as one long book, tell us about American history
Interwoven in Obama along with the rhythms of ‘I have a dream…’ is the prose mastery of such passages as;
“I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth-stone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
Widmer’s article covers much more – based on 54 inaugural addresses in all.
Obama’s first act in office? See HERE
Author: Roger - Dr Roger Prentice
Now I write, teach and coach mainly self-understanding. At advanced levels About 21stC 'interfaith as inter-spirituality' - and how we can grow closer to our True Self.
In the past I :
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1) I ran courses and give talks at conferences and in universities and colleges in the UK, China, USA, Canada, Scandinavia etc.
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2) I provided materials, outlines and lessons for Schools.
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3) My range of interests include personal development, learning and teaching, photography and film, the arts generally, spirituality and educational practice and theory.
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4) At the same time I continue developing the human-centred studies SunWALK PDS (People Development System) - a whole-person, high-achievement model for individuals, and for use in, NGOs, schools and other organizations.
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5) The key question that continues to animate me and my work remains, "What is it to be fully and positively human?"
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Contact me via onesummit AT gmail DOT com (replace At with@ etc.).
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All good wishes
Roger (Dr Roger Prentice)
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For those interested;
My first degree is in English and Education.
My masters is in Adult and Community Education.
My doctorate presented a new holistic meta-model of education called SunWALK.
View all posts by Roger - Dr Roger Prentice
Soul Needs - One Garden 