“To do evil a human being must first of all believe that what he's doing is good... Ideology - that is what gives devildoing its long-sought justification and gives the evildoer the necessary steadfastness and determination. That is the social theory which helps to make his acts seem good instead of bad in his own and others' eyes, so that he won't hear reproaches and curses but will receive praise and honors.”
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Thomas Aquinas is credited as one of the greatest proponents of natural law. During his time in Cologne he was taught by Albertus Magnus. Magnus used the teachings of Aristotle in his mentorship of Thomas Aquinas.
Samuel Adams believed in American Independence from Great Britain. He is one of the most well know Son's of Liberty. On August 1, 1776 he gave a speech to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
“In my view, the composer, just as the poet, the sculptor or the painter, is in duty bound to serve Man, the people. He must beautify life and defend it. He must be a citizen first and foremost, so that his art might consciously extol human life and lead man to a radiant future.”
Sergei Prokofiev
Was Nevsky’s cooperation with the Golden Horde a wise act of political realism, or a betrayal of Novgorod‘s independence?
The wolves were on the move. The hunt for land and wealth created an insatiable desire for action. The principalities of Russia had proved to be an easy feeding ground. Riazan, Moscow, Vladimir had all fallen. Kiev would be taken in 1240. The Golden Horde marched west and conquered at will. They were the enemy from the east.
Novgorod was a strategically important city. It was located along the major trade routes of the day. This also made it a wealthy city. Batu as leader of the Golden Horde would clearly like to add its wealth to his conquest.
The Swedes to the west also desired to conquer the city. Surrounded by enemies on both sides this was a precarious time for Novgorod.
Alexander was the prince of Novgorod and the fate of the city rested on his shoulders. His leadership qualities would be put to the test. The Golden Horde wanted tribute. The Swedes wanted to take the land and impose their values and their brand of Christianity on the region. Both enemies would take slaves and ruthlessly murder ...
