I was pleasantly surprised to find Lucian Blaga's "I Do Not Crush the World's Corolla of Wonders" and Adrian Codrescu's "Defense of the meek" in this I was pleasantly surprised to find Lucian Blaga's "I Do Not Crush the World's Corolla of Wonders" and Adrian Codrescu's "Defense of the meek" in this great collection....more
A witty treatise against fake historians and philosophers composed of mostly lies, Trips to the Moon is an early example of science fiction and a satiA witty treatise against fake historians and philosophers composed of mostly lies, Trips to the Moon is an early example of science fiction and a satire of travel tales (a kind of Gulliver's Travels).
The author and his companions seek out adventures, sailing westward through the Pillars of Hercules. They meet men of different species, even Moon people who were at war with the king of the Sun, were swallowed by a great whale and reached a sea of milk, an island of cheese and the isle of the blessed. There they meets the heroes of the Trojan War, other mythical men and animals, and even Homer. They find Herodotus being eternally punished for the "lies" he published in his The Histories.
P.S: the author does not hold Thucydides in high esteem either....more
Olga Broumas' poetry wears its influences on its sleeves from the Greek myths to the American South. I like how erotic some of her poems are so I may Olga Broumas' poetry wears its influences on its sleeves from the Greek myths to the American South. I like how erotic some of her poems are so I may read Beginning with O next. Several poems from the second half of the book explores darker themes from poverty to trauma....more
This was beautifully written, but a bit too formal for my comfort. I mean I get the whole Stoicism thing, but this is taking it a little too far for mThis was beautifully written, but a bit too formal for my comfort. I mean I get the whole Stoicism thing, but this is taking it a little too far for my 21st century sensibilities. ...more
When it comes to Plato, I'm always surprised at how easy the text is to understand and how it is still relevant even in our society.When it comes to Plato, I'm always surprised at how easy the text is to understand and how it is still relevant even in our society....more
If you stop people in the street and show them how little thought they've put into their own understanding of the worldWhat do you mean by x, y and z?
If you stop people in the street and show them how little thought they've put into their own understanding of the world, I can see why people would be angry and you'd end up on trial. Socrates was the renowned for doing it, he made people feel stupid and the state ordered him to the choose between renouncing his beliefs or drinking the cup of hemlock. He chose death.
Luckily, Plato recorded his method and in this book the people who engage in Socratic dialogue are much more interested in gaining knowledge than appearing to be the masters of it. 450 pages of pure dialogue can be at times repetitive and I'm not really a fan of generalization, but overall, I found this book useful and enjoyable even now, approx. 2400 years after it was written....more
Every time you read something misogynistic, take a shot. You'll love the Greeks by the time you've read the bookLet's play a drinking game, shall we?
Every time you read something misogynistic, take a shot. You'll love the Greeks by the time you've read the book!
But now, in all seriousness, I think the most important thing to know before reading this book of poems is that it was never intended to be written, rather it was meant to be heard. Homer basically read this out loud at banquets and only a story at a time. So don't feel pressured to read this all in one sitting and take you time. Or you can just get an audio book like me :)
I have read this book twice: first in 10th grade high school and now as a an adult (sort of...). The first time around the emphasis was on all the adventure and the bravery and cunning of the hero,so to be honest I found it boring. On my second read though, this tale revealed itself to me to be about the journey back home and how someone can reclaim their place among friends and family and society, when all has changed since his departure.
The book reveals a lot about how Greek society functioned based on the principle of hospitality and being adventurous in order to secure a good reputation. There is the question of the role of women and how do you transfer power from the the father to the son.
Odysseus is kind of an anti-hero, because although he has a number of excellent qualities, his flaws also get him into trouble. He is curious about everything and never thinks that he will not succeed and he is cunning. He is also a liar and can be very cruel. His journey from a soldier covered in glory from sacking Troy to a beggar in his own house getting kicked by his wife's suitor is relatable and fresh. I like his relationship with Telemachus, the son that grew up without him.
Penelope is by far my favorite character, her actions are so ambiguous. As a woman back then you had to be under the control of a man, whether your father or husband. She protects her husband's realm but also needs to prepare herself in case he is dead and her father decide to marry her off again. How did she manage to keep her husband's throne intact and also play games with her marital status is something I admire in her. I think the weepy, marital faithfulness aspect of her is not all that meets the eye.
I recommend this book to all since I will be revisiting it again for sure!...more
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