John Gast, "American Progress" (c1872)
Emanuel Leutze, “Westward the Course of Empire Takes its Way” (1861). The title was inspired by a line from the philosopher George Berkeley’s poem, “On the Prospect of Planting Arts and Learning in America” (1726) which resonated with Leutze as emblematic of “American” enterprise through westward migration.
by George Berkeley (1685-1753)
On the Prospect of Planting Arts and Learning in America
The Muse, disgusted at an age and clime
Barren of every glorious theme,
In distant lands now waits a better time,
Producing subjects worthy fame:
In happy climes, where from the genial sun
And virgin earth such scenes ensue,
The force of art by nature seems outdone,
And fancied beauties by the true;
In happy climes, the seat of innocence,
Where nature guides and virtue rules,
Where men shall not impose for truth and sense
The pedantry of courts and schools:
There shall be sung another golden age,
The rise of empire and of arts,
The good and great inspiring epic rage,
The wisest heads and noblest hearts.
Not such as Europe breeds in her decay;
Such as she bred when fresh and young,
When heavenly flame did animate her clay,
By future poets shall be sung.
Westward the course of empire takes its way;
The four first Acts already past,
A fifth shall close the Drama with the day;
Time’s noblest offspring is the last.
[See original for accurate stanza breaks as they don't render well on blogger.]
Jorge Luis Borges wasn't as thrilled with Berkeley's philosophical idealism as Leutze was. In his story, "Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius" (1940) Borges renders the country of "Uqbar"as an invention deprived of ontological substance and, thereby, incomplete. The story begs to be read as emblematic of the creation of "America," and of Berkeley (whose name graces the city where UC has its flagship campus) as a mere peddler of philosophical curios. (I understand Borges could be harsh, very harsh.)
