Ancient World

A very brief opener to the work "Ethics" by Aristotle. A main point is that happiness is in accordance to the "virtuous activity of the soul", with an emphasis on the on-going activity, and the deep importance of one's actions, as in the quote:



"We are what we repeatedly do."



Which also opens up for the building of good character, creating a life, and also changing a life - through action.

In the 22nd Canto of Paradise, Dante the Pilgrim discovers what the thunderous cry ("the sound of which no one on earth has heard") from the previous Canto meant.



He also has a symbolic vision of his own spiritual growth through looking down at the Earth, from the 8th sphere of Paradise:



My vision travelled back through all the spheres, 


Canto XXII, 133-135.

In the 17th Canto of Paradise, in the fifth sphere of Mars, Dante meets one of his ancestors who tells him about his future of exile and writing the big work of the Comedy. Dante is first filled with doubts, but is then convinced that he has to be truthful, and use real historical people to create the effect of true nutrition for the future readers. 



His ancestor tells him:





130-132, Canto XVII.



Meaning that his work will not be well recieved by everyone at first, but eventually be vital nutrition for future generations, and also the regenerative process of cultural rebirth in Florence. Which indeed happened during the three centuries that followed!

In this episode we talk about the contrasts between two different quotes on the same timeless theme, small beginnings and great endeavors. The first is a Greek quote from Episode 12;



"From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow."




And the more passionate Italian version is:


We also discuss how this contrast shows the beauty and wealth of a variety of expressions on knowledge and experience, and the treasures of the Ancient World - as inspiration for today.

A brief introduction to the complete works of Aristotle, the language style, and where to start or approach this foundational set of books - in Greek Philosophy.



Recommended editions for the texts: 



A great version for short introductions to each part (very helpful):

The excerpt, the opening of "Physics":




Comments and questions: [email protected]

A brief look at the introduction and overview of Dante in the brilliant version from Penguin Classics by Mark Musa. Also with commentary and reflection as to why this work is important and relevant today, as both inspiration, support and deep learning about the world and human nature.



"The Divine Comedy is one man's vision of the state of souls after death written with the purpose of saving all mankind."


A first introduction to traveling in Italy and experiencing physically some of the environment of the Ancient World, mainly with Rome and the rebirth in Florence - and also the little village Vinci which is the birthplace of Leonardo.



A journey into the timelessness of this world - with its beauty and wisdom!

In the episode we look at and compare two different quotes that address the nature of learning, and the process of growth. One is from Dante

:

"The path to paradise begins in hell."



The other, more concrete about education is Aristotle:


"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."



Both reminders and inspiration for approaching new challenges in life and finding support in understanding the necessary beginnings of the process, that leads to great things!

Reflections on the long history of the Ancient World, and the immediacy of the wisdom in Greek philosophy from 2.500 years ago.

Today's quotes are:

"The energy of the mind is the essence of life."

"We are what we repeatedly do... excellence, therefore, is not just an act, but a habit, and life is not just a series of events, but an ongoing process of self-definition."

And

"The soul never thinks without a picture."

And please contact us at [email protected] for questions or comments, we will read and respond, and discuss them in future episodes!

Reflection and commentary on Aristotle's view on knowledge and education.



"The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself, the most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery. To know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, you must not be afraid to be alone. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."



And a practical advice:



"Be a free thinker and don't accept everything you hear as truth. Be critical and evaluate what you believe in."