Commentary
Canadian national identity and culture is in a state of precipitous decline. However, history teaches us that in the past nations have managed to reinvigorate themselves through sheer force of will, touching off periods of unparalleled cultural achievement.
The hardcore fringe of activists who wield disproportionate power over academic and cultural institutions could seek to take advantage of Canada’s apathy by further reshaping the country according to their whims. The last few years have offered a snapshot of what this would look like.
Hostile ideological forces are waiting to fill the vacuum of a disappearing national identity with their own vision. This is a precarious position for a country to find itself in. However, the history books offer us examples of nations that have rekindled their identity and fostered cultural renewal.
Today, we take for granted that Russian novels hold a place of honour in the Western Canon, but their prominence is the result of a particular historical circumstance—Russia’s 19th-century cultural efflorescence. Once a cultural laggard, Russia burst onto the scene in a flash of brilliance in the 1800s and became a literary and artistic powerhouse in a comparatively short period of time.
This period saw Russians achieve excellence across disciplines. Tchaikovsky composed internationally renowned classical music still centrefold in the Western repertoire, including “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.” The playwright Chekhov, a founding father of psychological realism and early modernism in theatre, produced plays of enduring renown such as “The Seagull” and “Uncle Vanya.”
This dramatic shift was the result of an intentional effort to foster a national cultural identity through the promotion of high culture. One of the key components was education. Aristocratic households used their wealth, and the newfound freedom they had acquired under Catherine the Great in the late 18th century, to hire tutors from France to instruct their children. Thus, young generations of Russians obtained access to the best of what Western civilization had to offer.
A cultural renewal of this sort could take place in Canada—and there are encouraging signs.
Alberta is currently experiencing a surge in the establishment of traditional charter schools such as the Calgary Classical Academy. This institution is committed to providing a classical liberal arts education that focuses on cultivating virtues, knowledge, and habits essential for responsible citizenship.
By supporting this trend, Alberta has the potential to replicate the remarkable growth of classical education witnessed in the United States. In the span of four years, 264 new classical schools were opened in the US, showcasing the increasing demand for this educational approach.
History has demonstrated that national rejuvenation is achievable. Through the dedication of proactive citizens, we can embark on a much-needed course correction, rediscover our roots as inheritors of Western civilization in North America, and usher in a new era of cultural excellence that will instill a sense of pride in being Canadian.
Please note that the views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and may not necessarily align with those of The Epoch Times.
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