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

His very first speech as prime minister was on May 13, 1940 to the House of Commons. It begins with these words:

"I beg to move, that this House welcomes the formation of a Government representing the united and inflexible resolve of the nation to prosecute the war with Germany to a victorious conclusion."

Peace with Hitler was out of the question. The war was already upon them. All he could offer his nation was "blood, toil, tears and sweat."

Churchill had one policy:

" You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."

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

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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 "Easter 1916" Yeats commemorates the failed Irish Nationalist uprising of April 24, 1916. Its participants are

In "Death" the poet muses on the nature of human consciousness as unique and tragic: creative, noble, brave and self-aware.

In the sonnet, "Leda and the Swan," Yeats recounts Zeus's rape of Leda, mother of the Trojan war. This is one of Yeats' most celebrated poems.

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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!

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Book 9 of REPUBLIC begins by addressing the psychological makeup of the tyrant. It is remarkable for it psychoanalytical depth and insight. Using the content of the previous 8 books, Socrates argues that the tyrant is the most miserable of men, and his opposite, the philosopher-king, the most blessed and just.

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The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) became an iconic moment in American history. "Remember the Alamo" was a battle cry meant to inspire us with the honor and bravery of those who defended it with their lives.

James Bowie's letter (yes, that James Bowie who invented the Bowie knife) was sent on February 2nd, 1836. It is perhaps both amusing and comforting to note that he designated the year as 1835 in his letter. You know how difficult it is to make the transition when a new year comes around! The most famous words from the letter are these:

"Col. Neill & Myself have come to the solemn resolution that we would rather die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy. These citizens deserve our protection and the public safety demands our lives rather than to evacuate this post to the enemy."

The second selection, the Travis letter, is also a plea for reinforcements. Sent a day after the siege of the Alamo had begun, it ends with the iconic declaration, "victory or death."

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My friend Raymond Mulholland wrote this essay on the puzzling theological issue of Jesus as the "begotten" son of God. Raymond invites you to his discussion group "One hundred eighty nine."

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William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was Irish, and is one of the great English poets. We center his poetry this month, beginning, appropriately, with love poetry.

In this month of Valentine's Day, each poem I read speaks of my love for my Jenny, and Yeats is fertile ground!

In "Words" the poet muses on his hard-won gift for poetry. He references what T. S. Eliot calls the "intolerable wrestle with words and meanings," the discipline of the poetic diction. It is a struggle, he declares, to be understood, to express the deepest meanings of the heart and mind. While fighting the battle, the poet "grew weary of the sun," until he succeeds, he thinks, in making his thoughts "plain" to his beloved - "I have come into my strength / And words obey my call." Alas, each success is also failure, but had SHE yielded to his suit:

I might have thrown poor words away

In "The Two Trees," Yeats contrasts reality and self-perception, Time and eternity , and the eternal internal truth with the infernal internal lie. We nurture with our attention each thing that grows in our soul, and the fruit we reap follows upon that fertilizing attention. As in our podcast, The Christian Atheist, our self-reflection requires our choice and direction.

One of Yeats' most famous poems, "Sailing to Byzantium," written in 1926 is rich with poetic metaphor, and expresses well those years l'entre deux guerres. It is a journey well worth taking. Enjoy!

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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!

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