Ivan Turgenev once said, “I agree with no one’s opinions; I have some of my own.” A sentiment that resonates with me as a Dutch national by birth but European by choice. Brought up in the quiet lanes of Soestduinen, Netherlands, I’ve traversed two centuries, living a life enriched by having lived in different countries and cultures, with a background in Informatics and Corporate Finance.

Cicero’s words echo through my room: “A house without books is like a body without a soul.” To me, books, chess, classical music, and paintings are essential elements of a fulfilling life. As I reflect on my life during eight decades, I acknowledge contradictions, yet a life devoid of these cultural treasures would be a burden.

Being in the winter of my life, at the age of reason, this blog has become my canvas—a space to articulate my thoughts on themes demanding attention and pragmatism amid polarization and tribalism. I observe the difficulty in rising above emotional debates, where contrarian views are often shunned. My judgment, not unreasonable, holds that reason should precede emotions in public discourse.

These essays plunge into today’s polemics, occasionally risking verbosity. Apologies if I test your patience; writing brings me joy, hoping it sparks serious reflection. As we return to dust, the chronicles will etch our achievements, and reflections on Western and America’s primacy will endure.

My writings trace back to 2003, a moment of frankness questioning American policies, particularly the Iraq war’s “multilateralism and international law ‘a la carte.’” Seventy years of American hegemony, while occasionally positive, lacks overall encouragement.

As spectators of the human race, my concern intensifies for Europe and global affairs. The persistent question remains: a Hobbesian world dominated by might, prejudice, and self-interest, or a world rooted in international law and universal values?

Navigating challenges—from artificial intelligence to climate change—requires a re-evaluation of values. Universal values, elusive in a divergent world, become pivotal in facing the defining moment of our era. With global challenges escalating, cooperation and a departure from 20th-century thinking offer a path to a more inclusive and sustainable future.

William J J Houtzager – aka WJJH – 23.12.2023

ABOUT: The content of my Blog emphasizes the need for rational discourse in a polarized world and highlights my concerns about global affairs, while advocating for universal values to address the contemporary challenges.