Background and Advance Apology I’ve been hesitant to write about suffering and Christian hope, because I have very little experience or knowledge of either, having lived a mostly sheltered life. I fear that my posts might be too superficial, even offensive, to people who are in the midst of suffering. But, I somehow backed myself into this position, by writing two blog series that converge on the subject of suffering, one […]
Read moreLatest Post
Francis Bacon: New Atlantis
The end of our foundation is the knowledge of causes, and secret motions of things; and the enlarging of the bounds of human empire, to the effecting of all things possible. New Atlantis is a Utopia ruled by scientist-kings, viz. the elite with supreme knowledge of causes of Nature. Bacon’s vision is awe-inspiring, in both senses of the word. On the one hand, it is mind-boggling to ponder the vast […]
Read more
Thomas More: Utopia
More’s erudition, great sense of humour, witty and lucid style make Utopia an enjoyable read. He draws upon ancient Greek philosophy and Utopian literature, most notably Plato’s Republic and Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, and weaves a fascinating, though controversial, account of an ideal state. Among other things, there is a governing principle which has appealed to me since my youth and I think is necessary for a just and vibrant society. Another […]
Read more
Iamblichus: Life of Pythagoras
Why Pythagoras Called Himself a Philosopher Pythagoras was the first who called himself a philosopher; a word which heretofore had not been an appellation but a description. When Leon the tyrant of Phlius asked him who he was, he said, “A philosopher”. He likens the entrance of men into the present life to the progression of a crowd to some public spectacle. For there men of every description assemble with different views. One […]
Read more
Diogenes Laertius: Life of Pythagoras
The Learning and Piety of Pythagoras While still young, so eager was he for knowledge, Pythagoras left his own country and had himself initiated into all the mysteries and rites not only of Greece but also of foreign countries. He learned the Egyptian language, and also journeyed among the Chaldaeans and Magi. While in Crete he went down into the cave of Ida with Epimenides; he also entered the Egyptian […]
Read more
John Locke: A Letter Concerning Toleration
As an armchair Platonist, I find Locke’s idea of toleration lacking in justice for the following reasons: The Goods of Man According to Locke, states and churches are founded on the voluntary and rational consent of people who share common interests. The common interests of the people of any state is to protect their lives and properties, and the common interests of the churchgoers is to obtain the salvation of […]
Read more
Lives of the Eminent Philosophers II
Diogenes’ Repartees One day when Plato had invited to his house friends coming from Dionysius, Diogenes trampled upon his carpets and said, “I trample upon Plato’s vainglory.” Plato’s reply was, “How much pride you expose to view, Diogenes, by seeming not to be proud.” Others tell us that what Diogenes said was, “I trample upon the pride of Plato,” who retorted, “Yes, Diogenes, with pride of another sort.” Some one […]
Read more