All through history, a nation or a civilization's enduring glory is articulated by its mega constructions - the pyramids, the lofty cathedrals of the Christian world. F. Sionil Jose articulatecathedralchristian Change image and share on social
From antiquity, Latin died but is still studied in seminaries and elite universities. So did Sanskrit in Asia. iI was replaced by Pali, but even Pali died, too. Linguists say the only ancient language which was resuscitated from the grave was Hebrew of Israel. F. Sionil Jose ancientantiquityasia share on social
Colonialism subdues in many dulcet guises. It conquered under the pretext of spreading Christianity, civilization, law and order, to make the world safe for democracy. F. Sionil Jose christianitycivilizationcolonialism Change image and share on social
Contemplation is a luxury of the middle class, the very rich. F. Sionil Jose classcontemplationluxury Change image and share on social
The past could liberate or imprison - it creates a nation's character, provides the nourishment or the poison a people imbibe in their very marrow. F. Sionil Jose charactercreateimbibe Change image and share on social
For them who delay aging, who infuse decrepit bodies with youth and beauty - they must rejoice in the fullness of their deeds. F. Sionil Jose agingbeautybody Change image and share on social
The Japanese covet important symbols - their heroic past as enshrined in Yasukuni, the Imperial family which has never been sullied by scandal. F. Sionil Jose covetenshrinefamily Change image and share on social
A weak people and its equally debilitated leaders are bludgeoned by history. It maims them into the cripples that they are meant to be. F. Sionil Jose bludgeoncrippledebilitate Change image and share on social
Professional societies are sooner or later fractured by the ego of their leaders. Everyone wants to be president, chairman, CEO; no one wants to be a mere follower. F. Sionil Jose ceochairmanego Change image and share on social
As artists, we must not go down to the level of the masa; we should bring them up, intellectualize our languages, create classics out of our folk arts. We can do this if we are true to our roots and strive for excellence. F. Sionil Jose artartistbring share on social
