In “Republic”, Plato constructed an ideal State; in “Timaeus”, he designed an ideal Universe. Plato’s universe is built with proportion, order, beauty, symmetry and cycles according to the pattern of the Eternal Being. Both universe and man are governed by the same principles, such as “like to like”, which are inductive to harmony and stability; Both are composed of mortal body and immortal soul; Both are made of four elements, […]
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“City of God” by Saint Augustine
[Original Latin title: De Civitate Dei] A Masterpiece of Christian Apologetics St. Augustine started the book to address a pressing crisis and the practical problem of suffering, and then gradually rose to the height of Christian philosophy and theology that has rarely, if ever, been surpassed since. He gave a sweeping overview of ancient history, the history of the Jewish people intertwined with the history of the worldly empires (Roman […]
Read more“Night” by Elie Wiesel
A Chinese writer, Lu Xun, writes that comedy is when one witnesses the destruction of what is bad, and tragedy the destruction of what is good. By that definition, this book is the ultimate tragedy, a witness of the utter destruction of many innocent human beings, not only of the body but also of the soul, as people were either mercilessly slaughtered or reduced to mere beasts surviving on instincts […]
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“Confessions” by Saint Augustine
Most Accessible and Inspiring A combination of autobiography, philosophical and theological treatise, and confession of love for God. One of the, if not the, best I’ve ever read. A book that renews the mind, warms the heart and uplifts the spirit. Saint Augustine was an Early Church Father and one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity, and yet his Confessions relate to ordinary people in so many […]
Read more“In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan
A well-written, informative and witty commentary on the dangers of the western food culture. A reminder that the health of individual human beings is closely related to the ecological, cultural and agricultural environment (soil, plants and animals). Pollan argues that reductionist nutrition science takes nutrients out of the context of whole foods and foods out of the context of culture, and advocates instead a holistic approach to food, emphasizing the relationships […]
Read more“The Kingdom of God Is Within You” by Leo Tolstoy
A Pacifist and Anarchist Manifesto and Masterpiece Tolstoy presented to the readers the essence of Christianity as he himself understood it, namely, the Law of Love, stripped of all superstitions, relics, hypocrisies, mystifying rituals and theological arguments. He expounded in a most logical, thoughtful and comprehensive manner how true Christianity is or should be, mutually incompatible with violence and all forms of government founded on violence, including monarchies, capitalists and socialists. […]
Read more“Hadji Murad” by Leo Tolstoy
During the last years of his life, Tolstoy told the story of a freedom fighter, whose vitality and tenacity he admired, though he denounced violence. He perhaps sensed in himself the strength and growth of an inner life despite the deterioration of his health. Quote: I gathered myself a large nosegay and was going home when I noticed in a ditch, in full bloom, a beautiful thistle plant of the […]
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