Simple Gifts

In the final book of his masterwork, having answered the central question of the dialogue, Plato turns Socrates back to the question of literature in the Kallipolis. Based on the theory of the Forms developed earlier in REPUBLIC Plato levels a devastating critique of poetry as an imitation three times removed from Truth, or the ideal reality. However, in true intellectual humility he ends this argument against poetry with this passage:

"... if poetry directed to pleasure and imitation have any argument to give showing that they should be in a city with good laws, we should be delighted to receive them back from exile.... Isn't it just for them to come back in this way -- when it has made an apology?... And surely we would also give its protectors ... occasion to speak an argument ... on its behalf, showing that it's not only pleasant but also beneficial to regimes and human life. And we shall listen benevolently. For surely we shall gain if it should turn out to be not only pleasant but also beneficial."

Next, Socrates addresses the immortality of the soul with both argument and the famous myth of Er and its tale of the afterlife. There can be no doubt that Robert Frost had this legend in mind when he wrote his poem, "The Trial by Existence," which I read in its entirety on our Simple Gifts podcast, published January 24th, entitled "Poems by Robert Frost, Part 4." The poem ends with this stanza, a fitting conclusion to our reading of what has been perhaps the most important text in philosophy in the Western world:

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June 4th, 1940 marked the final day of "Operation Dynamo," the evacuation of allied forces from Dunkirk, a MIRACLE in the face of a "colossal military disaster." The Battle of France, a 6-week blitzkrieg was ending as a rout, a near total defeat. The evacuation at Dunkirk presaged the surrender of France on June 22nd. It fell upon Churchill to temper the jubilation and relief with the stark reality of defeat and the bleak prospects of the Battle of Britain looming on the horizon.

This speech in its historical context is deservedly considered one of the greatest in world history. We must never forget that darkness looms, and our resolve to fight on despite its apparent victory is the greatest mark of a people's character.

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#churchill #winston #winstonchurchil #worldwarii #worldwar2 #worldwartwo #worldwar #england #america #europe #europeanwar #americanwar #englandwar #warineurope #primeminister #bristishprimeminister #parliament #historicchurchillspeeches #houseofcommons #bbc #britishhistory #thiswastheirfinesthour #finesthour #weshallfightonthebeaches

The movement of historicism as a dangerous attitude pervading the modern and contemporary world is here analyzed. For those familiar with the Christian Atheist podcasts on Hegel, you will find a great deal of value in Lewis's explication of this intellectual movement, and probably greater clarity of expression than I manage!

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In "A Fever" Donne fears the loss of his "world's soul" to illness. The poet's passion recognizes the eternal, which can never perish, in his love:

Thy beauty, and all parts, which are thee,

But while his lover may be eternal, eternity's VALUE is constrained in love's present:

For I had rather owner be

 I can only say, Amen. Take my wife, and you've taken my life.

"Break of Day" contrasts love with material concerns.

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#poem #poetry #verse #literature #aestheticliterature #aesthetic #rhythmic #phonaesthetics #soundsymbolism #metre #prosaic #literarycomposition #poet #ambiguity #symbolism #irony #poeticdiction #muse #prosody #meter #metricalpatterns #rhymescheme #johndonne #donne #hymntochrist #thisismyplayslastscene #ahymntogodthefather #battermyheartthreepersondgod #breakofday #afever #forwhomthebelltolls #avaledictionforbiddingmourning #theecstasy

George Orwell's 1984 is classic dystopian literature, but it is also psychologically astute and prescient concerning the totalitarian tendencies of the 20th century's ideologies. With the rise of 21st century Wokism currently in vogue, its message is a clarion call for the present, too. Let us beware of embracing rather than opposing the lies that are being forced upon us, lest we find ourselves, too, living in a world in which we must guard our very thoughts, lest they betray us. Hold fast to the truth, no matter the consequences!

Enjoy ... and be vigilant!

If you'd like to support us, donate through Paypal at [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured

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https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com

#georgeorwell #animalfarm #classic #classicdystopianliterature #dystopianliterature #dystopianfiction #dystopian #literature #fiction #psychologicalliterature #psychological #psychology #totalitarian #totalitarianfiction #totalitarianliterature #20thcentury #20thcenturyliterature #woke #wokism #orwell

In the final book of his masterwork, having answered the central question of the dialogue, Plato turns Socrates back to the question of literature in the Kallipolis. Based on the theory of the Forms developed earlier in REPUBLIC Plato levels a devastating critique of poetry as an imitation three times removed from Truth, or the ideal reality. However, in true intellectual humility he ends this argument against poetry with this passage:

"... if poetry directed to pleasure and imitation have any argument to give showing that they should be in a city with good laws, we should be delighted to receive them back from exile.... Isn't it just for them to come back in this way -- when it has made an apology?... And surely we would also give its protectors ... occasion to speak an argument ... on its behalf, showing that it's not only pleasant but also beneficial to regimes and human life. And we shall listen benevolently. For surely we shall gain if it should turn out to be not only pleasant but also beneficial."

Next, Socrates addresses the immortality of the soul with both argument and the famous myth of Er and its tale of the afterlife. There can be no doubt that Robert Frost had this legend in mind when he wrote his poem, "The Trial by Existence," which I read in its entirety on our Simple Gifts podcast, published January 24th, entitled "Poems by Robert Frost, Part 4." The poem ends with this stanza, a fitting conclusion to our reading of what has been perhaps the most important text in philosophy in the Western world:

If you'd like to support us, donate through Paypal at [email protected]

We continue our series on the speeches of Great Britain's prime minister during World War II, Winston Churchill.

His very first address to the nation (on the BBC) as prime minister was on May 19, 1940. The Nazis were sweeping Western Europe, seeming unstoppable. Holland had fallen only 4 days before, and the French forces, assisted by the British, were overwhelmed  by superior forces. The withdrawal to Dunkirk was already proposed, and potential disaster and defeat looming. The picture was not rosy, and Churchill didn't paint it with pretty colors. His words, though bleak, inspired the confidence of desperation and resolve that would be needed in the battles to come:

"... side by side, the British and French peoples have advanced to rescue not only Europe but mankind from the foulest and most soul-destroying tyranny which has ever darkened and stained the pages of history. Behind them – behind us – behind the Armies and Fleets of Britain and France – gather a group of shattered States and bludgeoned races: the Czechs, the Poles, the Norwegians, the Danes, the Dutch, the Belgians – upon all of whom the long night of barbarism will descend, unbroken even by a star of hope, unless we conquer, as conquer we must, as conquer we shall."

He ends with these words of commitment and resolve:

"Today is Trinity Sunday. Centuries ago words were written to be a call and a spur to the faithful servants of Truth and Justice: 'Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar. As the Will of God is in Heaven, even so let it be.'"

Listen again with us to the inspiring words of one of the great statesmen of the 20th century as the war unfolds.

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#churchil #winston #winstonchurchil #worldwarii #worldwar2 #worldwartwo #worldwar #england #america #europe #europeanwar #americanwar #englandwar #warineurope #primeminister #bristishprimeminister #parliament #historicchurchillspeeches #houseofcommons #bbc #britishhistory #beyemenofvalor #valour #conflict #france

The movement of historicism as a dangerous attitude pervading the modern and contemporary world is here analyzed. For those familiar with the Christian Atheist podcasts on Hegel, you will find a great deal of value in Lewis's explication of this intellectual movement, and probably greater clarity of expression than I manage!

If you'd like to support us, donate through Paypal at [email protected]

John Donne's (1572-1631) poetry has haunted my life from the time I was first introduced to it in high school. He is the preeminent of the metaphysical poets. His poetry is a mix of intense intellectual engagement and profound passion, and his religious works are filled with the same erotic energy as his love poetry.

In "A Hymn to God the Father" Donne plays on his name. Confessing his sin he asks for forgiveness, but acknowledges what when He has forgiven it, God "has not done [Donne], for I have more."

In "Batter my Heart, Three-Person'd God" Donne brings the violence of erotic love to bear on his relationship with God.

If you'd like to support us, donate through Paypal at [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured

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#poem #poetry #verse #literature #aestheticliterature #aesthetic #rhythmic #phonaesthetics #soundsymbolism #metre #prosaic #literarycomposition #poet #ambiguity #symbolism #irony #poeticdiction #muse #prosody #meter #metricalpatterns #rhymescheme #johndonne #donne #hymntochrist #thisismyplayslastscene #ahymntogodthefather #battermyheartthreepersondgod #breakofday #afever #forwhomthebelltolls #avaledictionforbiddingmourning #theecstasy

George Orwell's 1984 is classic dystopian literature, but it is also psychologically astute and prescient concerning the totalitarian tendencies of the 20th century's ideologies. With the rise of 21st century Wokism currently in vogue, its message is a clarion call for the present, too. Let us beware of embracing rather than opposing the lies that are being forced upon us, lest we find ourselves, too, living in a world in which we must guard our very thoughts, lest they betray us. Hold fast to the truth, no matter the consequences!

Enjoy ... and be vigilant!

If you'd like to support us, donate through Paypal at [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured

https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords

https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com

#georgeorwell #animalfarm #classic #classicdystopianliterature #dystopianliterature #dystopianfiction #dystopian #literature #fiction #psychologicalliterature #psychological #psychology #totalitarian #totalitarianfiction #totalitarianliterature #20thcentury #20thcenturyliterature #woke #wokism #orwell