A GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, PRACTICALLY DESTROYED BY WAR, ITS ROSE WINDOW STILL INTACT
The ability (or inability) of personal fortunes and social structures to survive the blows of fate. Cultural preservation (art, architecture). Allegiance to an old-fashioned world view. Life of the soul rooted in the spiritual light of bygone days (or ill-fated attempt to hold on to the past in all of its more concrete manifestations). Centering oneself in the inner light. Embodying a spiritual tradition.