Welcome to Day 2173 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 3:11-20 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2173 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2173 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of Wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we explore the wisdom of the ages in the Book of Proverbs. We are diving into Proverbs 3:11-20 from the New Living Translation. This passage offers valuable insights into the rewards of embracing wisdom and trusting in the Lord. So, let’s embark on this quest for wisdom together!   Our trek begins with verses 11 and 12, reminding us that the Lord’s discipline is essential to our growth. Let’s read the verses together: Proverbs 3:11-12 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. It might not always be pleasant, but just as a loving parent disciplines their child for their benefit, our Heavenly Father disciplines us out of love. These verses encourage us to embrace this discipline, knowing it’s for our good. Moving forward, we encounter a beautiful passage that extols the value of wisdom. Verses 13 to 18 capture the incomparable worth of wisdom: Proverbs 3:13-18 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Did you catch that? Wisdom is more precious than silver, gold, or even rubies! It brings us understanding, happiness, and a fulfilled life. As we seek wisdom, we draw closer to God’s heart and align ourselves with His divine plan. Our journey through these verses brings us to a captivating image – the Tree of Life. Let’s read verses 19 and 20: Proverbs 3:19-20   9 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. The Tree of Life, a symbol of God’s provision and sustenance, takes us back to the Garden of Eden. Through wisdom, God laid the earth’s foundations and established the heavens. It’s a reminder of His creative power and ongoing involvement in the world around us. As we conclude our trek through Proverbs 3:11-20, let’s reflect on how these verses apply to our daily lives. First, we should embrace the Lord’s discipline with humility, recognizing that it molds us into better versions of ourselves. Let’s view it as a pathway to growth and transformation. Second, let’s seek wisdom above all else. Let’s commit to continually learning and growing in

Welcome to Day 2172 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 3:1-10 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2172 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2172 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of Wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we explore the wisdom of the ages in the Book of Proverbs. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 3:1-10 from the New Living Translation. This passage offers valuable insights into the rewards of embracing wisdom and trusting in the Lord. So, let’s embark on this quest for wisdom together! Proverbs 3:1-4 reads: “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” In these verses, we encounter the precious counsel of a parent to their child, emphasizing the importance of treasuring God’s commands and living a life of loyalty and kindness. The passage begins with an earnest plea not to forget the teachings of wisdom. It’s a call to store these wise instructions in our hearts, making them an integral part of our lives. The passage assures us that we will experience a long and satisfying life by heeding this counsel. Embracing wisdom leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, the passage encourages us never to let go of loyalty and kindness. These virtues are to be treasured and remembered, woven into the fabric of our being. Loyalty and kindness are not merely superficial traits. They are virtues that guide our interactions with God and people alike. When we embody these qualities, we find favor with God and those around us, earning a good reputation in the process. As we move further into the passage, verses 5-6, we encounter a pivotal piece of wisdom that guides our trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Here, we find a foundational principle that anchors the pursuit of wisdom - trusting in the Lord completely. The passage advises us not to rely solely on our human understanding, which can be limited and flawed. Instead, we are to trust in the infinite wisdom and guidance of the Lord. By seeking God’s will in all aspects of our lives, we open ourselves up to divine direction. God promises to show us the path we should take, providing clarity and guidance along the way. As we come to the final verses of the passage, 7-10, we find wisdom’s counsel on humility and trust in the Lord’s provision. Proverbs 3:7-10 proclaims: “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good...

Welcome to Day 2171 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Gospel of John – 34 – Three Key Words That Keep Us Going – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 10/09/2022 The Gospel of John – Part 4 Confirmation Of The Word – Three Key Words That Keep Us Going   Today we continue our series on the Good News according to John the Apostle. Last week, Jesus taught us the functions of the Holy Spirit, both within believers and in the World. In John 16:15, Jesus said, All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” Our scripture for today is John 16:16-33, starting on page 1679 in the Pew Bible. Jesus shows us the Three Key Words That Keep Us Going. Follow along as I read.  16 Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 17 At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. 25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” 29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” 31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own

Welcome to Day 2170 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 2:12-22 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2169 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2169 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of Wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we explore the wisdom of the ages in the Book of Proverbs. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 2:12-22 from the New Living Translation. This passage sheds light on the importance of wisdom in guarding us against evil influences and guiding us toward a life of righteousness. So, let’s embark on this quest for wisdom together!   Proverbs 2:12-15 reads: “Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong.” In these verses, we gain insight into how wisdom acts as a shield against the deceitful and wicked ways of the world. The passage begins by acknowledging that wisdom is not just a theoretical concept but a practical and powerful tool that can save us from falling into the traps of evil people. With their twisted words and dark paths, these individuals seek to lead others astray from the right way. They take pleasure in wrongdoing and embrace the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their methods are wrong. As we move further into the passage, verses 16-19, we see the consequences of succumbing to the allure of wickedness. Proverbs 2:16-19 says: “Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life.” Here, the focus shifts to the dangers of immorality and the seductive lure of forbidden relationships. The passage uses the imagery of a seductive woman who has abandoned her commitments and disregarded her covenant with God. Entering into such immoral relationships leads to spiritual death and destruction. This is a powerful warning against the temptation to indulge in sinful desires that may offer fleeting pleasure but ultimately lead to a path of ruin and despair. As we come to the final verses of the passage, 20-22, we find assurance for those who choose to walk in the way of wisdom. Proverbs 2:20-22 proclaims: “So you will follow the ways of good people and keep to the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.” Here, the passage highlights the beautiful outcome of embracing wisdom and living a life of righteousness. Choosing to walk in the ways of wisdom means aligning ourselves with good people and following the paths of the righteous. It’s a life of integrity that brings stability and peace. On the other hand, those who persist in wickedness and deceit will...

Welcome to Day 2169 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Gospel of John – 33 – Function of the Holy Spirit – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 10/02/2022 The Gospel of John – Part 4 Confirmation Of The Word – Function of the Holy Spirit   Today we continue our series on the Good News according to John the Apostle. Last week, Jesus warned the disciples of the coming persecution, and based on our study, we understand that we should live displaying ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’ in both times of peace and freedom, and in times of persecution. In verse 16:1, Jesus said, “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.      Our scripture for today is John 16:5-15, starting on page 1678 in the Pew Bible. Jesus encourages the disciples and us that although he would not be physically present, we would have the Holy dwelling in us. The messages provides us with the “Functions of the Holy Spirit” Follow along as I read. 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. 12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”   Jesus’ words must have sounded like a jumble of puzzle pieces to the bewildered disciples. (Jigsaw puzzle) After announcing His imminent departure from the earth (John 13:33; 14:1–6), He urged His followers to/ obey His commandments/ (14:12–15; 15:1–11), to love one another /(15:12–17), and to beware of the hostility of the world/ (15:18–27). While offering these predictions, promises, and commands, Jesus alluded to the coming of the Holy Spirit to teach believers all they would need to know (14:16–17, 26; 15:26). But these passing references could only have been perplexing. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was reserved for kings and prophets, and occasionally for regular people when the Lord wanted to accomplish something extraordinary. The idea that the Spirit of God would indwell each believer was unthinkable—an unbelievable extravagance of which no one was worthy. The disciples’ heads must have been spinning.   Although the disciples didn’t ask about the Holy Spirit—/they were too preoccupied with the thought of Jesus going away,—/the Lord returned to this particular promise to clarify...

Welcome to Day 2168 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 2:1-11 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2168 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2168 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of Wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we explore the wisdom of the ages in the Book of Proverbs. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 2:1-11 from the New Living Translation. This passage delves into the pursuit of wisdom and its immense value in our lives. So, let’s embark on this journey of discovery together! First, let’s read Proverbs 2:1-5 reads: “My child, listen to what I say and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.” In these verses, we find the key to unlocking the treasure trove of wisdom - a process that requires intention, diligence, and a heart eager to learn. The passage begins with a loving call from a parent to their child. It’s an invitation to listen, not just with our ears but our hearts. By treasuring and obeying wisdom’s commands, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of life and its mysteries. Tune your ears to wisdom, the passage advises. This means we must be attentive and receptive to the teachings of wisdom, both from God’s Word and from the experiences and insights of those who have walked before us. But it doesn’t stop there. The pursuit of wisdom requires action on our part. We’re encouraged to actively seek understanding, cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Imagine searching for valuable treasures like silver or precious gems. It requires effort, determination, and a clear focus. In the same way, seeking wisdom should be a relentless pursuit, one that we value above all else. As we move further into the passage, verses 6-8 reveal the rewards of diligently seeking wisdom. Proverbs 2:6-8 says: “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.” Here, we see that wisdom is a gift from God Himself. It is not something we can obtain solely through human effort; rather, it is granted by the Lord. When we diligently seek wisdom, we tap into the divine source of knowledge and understanding. Moreover, wisdom comes with practical benefits. It provides us with common sense and discernment, enabling us to navigate life’s complexities with integrity and honesty. It’s important to note that wisdom is not just theoretical knowledge. It’s a guide that leads us on the paths of righteousness and protects us as we walk in faithfulness to God. As we come to the final verses of the passage, 9-11, we gain further insights into the profound impact of wisdom on our lives. Proverbs 2:9-11 proclaims: Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will...

Welcome to Day 2167 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 1:20-33 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2167 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2167 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of Wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   Today we continue with a new wisdom segment called Wisdom Nuggets which will be published on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We will continue to publish our extended series of messages I delivered at Putnam Congregational Church over the past couple of years on Tuesday and Thursday.   Today’s Wisdom Nugget is taken from the Book of Proverbs 1:20-33. I will read the passage as segments and then dive in on the content. Let’s begin.   Let’s start with verses 20-23 “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: ‘How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.’” In these verses, we encounter a vivid personification of wisdom as a wise and caring woman, calling out to all who would listen. The first thing we notice is the setting in which wisdom is calling out. Not in some hidden or hard-to-reach place but right in the midst of the city, where people gather and interact. Wisdom is not reserved for a select few; it’s available to everyone, regardless of background or status. The call of wisdom is not just a one-time message. She persistently cries out, longing for people to embrace knowledge and understanding. It’s as if wisdom pleads with us, “How long will you remain stuck in ignorance and mock the truth? Come, learn from me, and I will make you wise.” Moving on to verses 24-27, we witness the consequences of ignoring wisdom’s call. “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—when calamity overtakes you like a storm when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you.” These verses paint a poignant picture of the unfortunate outcome of rejecting wisdom. The consequences of our choices, shaped by our refusal to heed wisdom’s counsel, can lead us into distress and calamity. It’s essential to remember that wisdom doesn’t impose herself on us. She stands at the ready, offering guidance, but we must embrace her and incorporate her teachings into our lives. The passage doesn’t end on a note of despair, though. Verses 28-33 present a glimmer of hope for those who turn and listen to wisdom’s voice. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will search for me, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord, they rejected my advice and paid no attention when I...

Welcome to Day 2166 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Gospel of John – 32 – The Promise of Persecution – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message - 09/25/2022   THE GOSPEL OF JOHN -  PART 4 CONFIRMATION OF THE WORD -                       THE PROMISE OF PERSECUTION     Today we continue our Good News series according to John the Apostle. Last week, Jesus taught us to keep his command to love one another, and in doing so, we would be elevated to the status of being His friend. 15=12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.       As Jesus's friend, and with the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, taking up residence in us, we will have the strength to endure, even when the world hates us, and we may suffer persecution for our faith. Our scripture for today is John 15:18 -16:4, starting on page 1677 in the Pew Bible. 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.'1121If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 221/ I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuseJor their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among   them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.,ffJ The Work of the Holy Spirit   26 "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father-the Spirit of truth

Welcome to Day 2165 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 1:8-19 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2165 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2165 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of Wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   Today we continue with a new wisdom segment called Wisdom Nuggets which will be published on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We will continue to post our extended series of messages I delivered at Putnam Congregational Church over the past couple of years on Tuesday and Thursday.   Today’s Wisdom Nugget is taken from the Book of Proverbs 1:8-19. I will read the passage first, and then we will dive in on the content. Let’s begin.  

• A Father’s Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom

8 My child,[a] listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. 10 My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! 11 They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! 12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave[b]; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. 13 Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. 14 Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” 15 My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. 16 They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. 17 If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. 18 But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. 19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.   In these verses, we witness a powerful contrast between the trek of wisdom, represented by the guidance of parents, and the trek of wickedness, portrayed by the enticement of sinners. The passage begins with a tender plea from a parent to their child, emphasizing the value of listening and learning from their parents’ correction and instruction. This parental advice is not meant to stifle or control but to instill wisdom and honor in the child. In ancient times, the parents’ teachings were highly esteemed. They were considered the custodians of practical knowledge, morals, and values. The...

Welcome to Day 2164 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Gospel of John – 31 – Qualities of a Friend – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 09/18/2022 The Gospel of John – Part 4 Confirmation Of The Word – Qualities Of A Friend   Today we continue our Good News series according to John the Apostle. Last week, Jesus taught us through the allegory of the vine and branches. The emphasis was on bearing fruit by staying attached to the main vine so that we could receive the nourishment of the Holy Spirit. To do this, we must remain in Christ as we read in John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.    Our scripture for today is John 15:12-17, starting on page 1677 in the Pew Bible. Jesus gives us the command to “Love each other. Follow along as I read. “12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.   Let me start with a story today. Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a lonely genius. Born to aging parents in Devonshire, England, the youngest of ten children, he did not receive the love most children are given and, therefore, never had the opportunity to cultivate close relationships. His father died before his tenth birthday, after which he was sent to a boarding school notorious for its harsh treatment, and then to live with various family members. Nevertheless, his caretakers did recognize his exceptional intellect and enrolled him at Cambridge, where he quickly distinguished himself as a scholar.   Coleridge became known for three notable habits in school: voracious reading, prolific writing, and radical thinking. Eventually, his philosophical pursuits led him away from his father’s faith and away from Cambridge before graduating. He accumulated a large debt, pursued French philosophy, attempted to found a utopian society in Pennsylvania, married, divorced, became hopelessly addicted to opium, and eventually managed to estrange himself from family and friends.   Then, he met William Wordsworth, who befriended the rootless genius. This led to his most productive period of writing and publishing, during which he wrote the poems “Remorse,” “Love,” “Kubla Khan,” and his most famous work, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” The main character in this emotional autobiography laments, Alone, alone, all, all alone; Alone on a wide, wide sea! And never a saint took pity on My soul in agony.   Eventually, Wordsworth discontinued his relationship with Coleridge, who became excessively dependent upon opium, separated from his second wife, abandoned his children, and could no longer sustain any meaningful workload. He moved into the home...