By Sarah Morgan
On February 23, the New Canaan Men’s Club, led by guest lecturer John Blankley, delved into the timeless wisdom of Alexis de Tocqueville, a famed French aristocrat, diplomat, sociologist, and more. With a blend of historical context and contemporary parallels, Blankley unraveled the essence of Tocqueville’s profound reflections on democracy.
Established in 1977 by a group of racquetball enthusiasts at the local Y, the New Canaan Men’s Club club has evolved into a symbol of camaraderie and learning in New Canaan. Led by dedicated members, volunteers, and President Ken Novak, the club meets weekly at Morrill Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and strives to provide friendship and fellowship to members in a nonpartisan, nonreligious, and non-profit way.
“What brings us together is the variety of activities and interests members share,” said President Novak. As a result of these varied interests, the club hosts a different guest speaker each week who presents on a timely topic. Friday, February 23, this speaker was John Blankley, a seasoned scholar who has studied Alexis de Tocqueville’s works extensively. Drawing upon his scholarly journey and Tocqueville’s enduring relevance, Blankley painted a vivid portrait of the French aristocrat’s exploration of American democracy during the 19th century.
As Blankley navigated through Tocqueville’s seminal work, “Democracy in America,” he highlighted the profound implications of the famous political scientist’s observations for contemporary society. “His insight into the intricate workings of democracy despite hailing from an aristocratic background remains unparalleled,” Blankley stated. From the delicate balance between liberty and equality to the enduring significance of local governance, Tocqueville’s findings sparked conversation and reflection with the audience.
Throughout the lecture, Blankley deftly intertwined historical anecdotes with philosophical reflections, inviting participants to contemplate the enduring relevance of Tocqueville’s ideas in an ever-changing political landscape. From Tocqueville’s encounters with indigenous tribes during his journey through America to his astute observations on the evolving nature of industrialization, Blankley’s narrative wove together disparate threads of history into a coherent tapestry of enlightenment.
“Perhaps the most poignant lesson we can glean from Tocqueville’s legacy is the fragility of democracy itself,” Blankley remarked. “As we confront the challenges of our time, Tocqueville’s vision serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a more inclusive and equitable future,” he continued.
John Blankley’s lecture on Tocqueville’s insights served as a testament to the power of intellectual inquiry and the boundless potential of human enlightenment. With a different guest speaker every week, attendees can expect enriching lectures and lessons like this one in many new areas.
The club’s next meeting is on March 1st at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. While the group’s regular meeting will begin at 10:00 AM in Morrill Hall, the speakers will lecture in the church’s sanctuary, beginning around 10:40. The week’s guest speakers will include Jonathan Yates and Gunnar Sahlin, Conductor and lead cellist of the Norwalk Symphony. The team will speak to the club about symphonic music before performing a few musical selections.
“What it comes down to is this- The New Canaan Men’s Club offers opportunities to meet new people, make new friends, and help others. If this interests you, come to one of our Friday morning meetings and see firsthand who we are, what we do, and what’s coming up,” encouraged President Novak. For more information on the New Canaan Men’s Club and upcoming events and meetings, please visit the organization’s website, www.newcanaanmensclub.org.
