Tempus Fugit

   Swiss army (left) -- The Battle of Sempach 1386. From the Luzerner Schilling                          Switzerland is frequently associated with idyllic alpine landscapes, world-renowned chocolate, a distinguished hotel industry, flavorful cheeses, precision watches, advanced pharmaceuticals, the iconic Swiss Army knife, and a long-standing tradition in international banking, which has historically attracted the wealth of various global figures, including dictators. Today, Switzerland is universally regarded as a prosperous and stable nation. Its principal city, Zurich, is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world. However, Switzerland's current affluence belies a past marked by economic hardship. In earlier centuries, especially during the late Middle Ages, widespread poverty prompted many Swiss citizens to seek livelihoods abroad. A significant number of Swiss men were recruited as merc...

Peasants working in a manor. Feudalism  Ora et labora... et bella The life of a peasant in Medieval Europe was often perceived as insignificant, a relentless struggle for survival marked by scarce resources and complete dependence on the landlord. God’s presence loomed heavily over their daily lives, shaping their thoughts and actions. Ora et labora —"pray and work"—was the essence of their existence. As temporal authorities, the Church, and the nobility vied for dominance over society, peasants and serfs were often met with disdain and suspicion. Their essential role in sustaining the very foundation of society was frequently overlooked. Ironically, the oppressive structure of feudalism was sometimes justified as the divine will. The Medieval period was punctuated by wars that brought forth figures of renown from both noble and warrior ranks. Yet amidst the violence and political intrigue of the 13th-century Italian city-states, a saint emerged from the crucible of co...