Delving into the details of history.
I went to a seminar at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, with three academic project speakers and three creative project speakers. All projects have some connection to the Prime Ministers of Australia.
Highlights for me were many. Professor Haig Patapan, talking about the meanings of magnanimity in leadership, using Aristotle’s depiction (described here.) Particularly fascinating is the idea that there is a time for greatness, and once that greatness has passed, there is time for indolence.
Sarah Howell’s discussion of her graphic novel based on the life of Enid Lyons. Part old-fashioned love story, part historical record of the first woman in Parliament, it’s going to be a really good read, looking at the nitty -gritty real-life stuff of history.
Mitchell Welch, talking about the PMs and poetry. The next day, Mitchell gave a great talk about the poetry of various leaders, including Clive Palmer, who wrote a LOT about love in his young poet’s book.
This is the collaborative poem we wrote in a workshop with Mitchell after his talk.
Fascinating stuff. I have have an exercise book full of notes from this!
Kaaron Warren 