Craig Hill
KC Hill
Paladin
Oracle of DelphiCommon law not so common
October 11th 2006 13:17
Welcome blogophiles
This evening David Malouf addressed an audience of mostly middle aged and middle class women at Mosman public library. He read from his new book, Every Move You Make, chatted a bit about the type of stories he is interested in and took a few questions.
He's an engaging, articulate speaker and surprising conservative. He reminisced about his education in Brisbane and waxed lyrical on the importance of rote learning in schools. When asked about his time in Tuscany he surprised the audience by describing how his time there had made him appreciate the English common law. He pointed out the virtues of a law based on fact, case by case as opposed to the European approach which relies on abstract theories and principles. Malouf mused that in the 19th century the English were able to build machines which worked even though they had no theoretical understanding of their operation. In his opinion the French or Italians would never have been able to bring about the Industrial revolution. Only the English had the requisite practical nous, based on observation of facts.
Malouf is famously resistant to jumping on board bandwagons and promoting causes but in this little speech tonight he did greatly assisted a cause much in need of all the support it can get. Bravo!
This evening David Malouf addressed an audience of mostly middle aged and middle class women at Mosman public library. He read from his new book, Every Move You Make, chatted a bit about the type of stories he is interested in and took a few questions.
He's an engaging, articulate speaker and surprising conservative. He reminisced about his education in Brisbane and waxed lyrical on the importance of rote learning in schools. When asked about his time in Tuscany he surprised the audience by describing how his time there had made him appreciate the English common law. He pointed out the virtues of a law based on fact, case by case as opposed to the European approach which relies on abstract theories and principles. Malouf mused that in the 19th century the English were able to build machines which worked even though they had no theoretical understanding of their operation. In his opinion the French or Italians would never have been able to bring about the Industrial revolution. Only the English had the requisite practical nous, based on observation of facts.
Malouf is famously resistant to jumping on board bandwagons and promoting causes but in this little speech tonight he did greatly assisted a cause much in need of all the support it can get. Bravo!
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