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Often appears with: justice as a virtue · education and the training of the young · duty, conscience, and obligation · pleasure, pain, and the good life · the passions and the emotions · prudence and practical wisdom · courage and cowardice · sin, guilt, and repentance · will, choice, and freedom · reason and the intellect · the fear of death · marriage and betrothal
Usually: argument (242) · exhortation (207) · detachment (196) · reflection (109) · temptation (89) · censure (79) · the test or trial (63) · narrative (43) · skepticism (41) · indignation (35)
“External objects press in upon him; passions solicit him; his philosophical melancholy dissipates; and even the utmost violence upon his own temper will not be able, during any time, to preserve the poor appearance of scepticism.” David Hume, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion · observation
“There is, said Michael, if thou well observe The rule of Not too much; by temperance taught, In what thou eatest and drinkest; seeking from thence Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,” John Milton, Paradise Lost · precept
“And therefore, I said, Glaucon, musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul, on which they mightily fasten, imparting grace, and making the soul of him who is rightly educated graceful, or of him who is ill-educated ungraceful;” Plato, The Republic · insight
“we were contriving influences which would prepare them to take the dye of the laws in perfection, and the colour of their opinion about dangers and of every other opinion was to be indelibly fixed by their nurture and training” Plato, The Republic · vivid
“for a time he struggled and covered his eyes, but at length the desire got the better of him; and forcing them open, he ran up to the dead bodies” Plato, The Republic · observation
“Those then who know not wisdom and virtue, and are always busy with gluttony and sensuality, go down and up again as far as the mean; and in this region they move at random throughout life.” Plato, The Republic · vivid
“Is it possible, and probable, that nine millions of men can make effective progress in economic lines if they are deprived of political rights, made a servile caste, and allowed only the most meagre chance for developing their exceptional men?” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · insight
“And inasmuch as this feeling is renewed as often as a man contemplates his own virtues, or his own power of activity, it follows that everyone is fond of narrating his own exploits, and displaying the force both of his body and mind, and also that, for this reason, men are troublesome to one another.” Benedictus de Spinoza, Ethics — Part 3 · observation
“Remember there is no jewel in the world so precious as a chaste and virtuous woman, and that the whole honour of women consists in reputation;” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · precept
“A clear proof to us that the passion of love is to be conquered only by flying from it, and that no one should engage in a struggle with an enemy so mighty; for divine strength is needed to overcome his human power.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
“Had your worship told me at the beginning of your story that the Lady Luscinda was fond of books of chivalry, no other laudation would have been requisite” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · wit
“There is the point,” replied Don Quixote, “and that is the beauty of this business of mine; no thanks to a knight-errant for going mad when he has cause; the thing is to turn crazy without any provocation, and let my lady know, if I do this in the dry, what I would do in the moist; moreover I have abundant cause in the long separation I have endured from my lady till death, Dulcinea del Toboso;” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
It continues the Qur’anic narrative of Satan’s counsel: Adam and Eve are tempted, their nakedness becomes known, they are expelled to earth, and children of Adam are instructed in piety, limits on excess, and avoidance of Satan’s trouble.
And he sware to them both, "Verily I am unto you one who counselleth aright." So he beguiled them by deceits: and when they had tasted of the tree, their nakedness appeared to them, and they began to sew together upon themselves the leaves of the garden. And their Lord called to them, "Did I not forbid you this tree, and did I not say to you, 'Verily, Satan is your declared enemy.' " They said, "O our Lord! With ou…
It instructs listeners to be silent when the Qur’an is recited and to remember God with humility, then contrasts those who worship and prostrate near God’s Lord with those who disdain divine service.
SAY: I only follow my Lord's utterances to me. This is a clear proof on the part of your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy for those who believe. And when the Koran is read, then listen ye to it and keep silence, that haply ye may obtain mercy. And think within thine own self on God, with lowliness and with fear and without loud spoken words, at even and at morn; and be not one of the heedless. Verily they who are …
Penelope orders her servants to wash and clothe the stranger as a guest, but when Odysseus refuses elaborate baths and insists on resting like in past hardships, Penelope invites Eurycleia to wash him.
all these things shall surely be accomplished even as I tell thee. In this same year Odysseus shall come hither, as the old moon wanes and the new is born.” Then wise Penelope answered him: “Ah! stranger, would that this word may be accomplished. Soon shouldst thou be aware of kindness and many a gift at my hands, so that whoso met with thee would call thee blessed. But on this wise my heart has a boding, and so it …
Darwin argues that closely related island species—like the Galápagos islands’ plants and animals—fit his view of shared ancestry, while insisting island differences come from competition as well as physical conditions.
Hope, is a far more remarkable case, and is at present inexplicable: but this affinity is confined to the plants, and will, I do not doubt, be some day explained. The law which causes the inhabitants of an archipelago, though specifically distinct, to be closely allied to those of the nearest continent, we sometimes see displayed on a small scale, yet in a most interesting manner, within the limits of the same archi…
Du Bois lists a “triple paradox” in Washington’s position—economic self-help without suffrage, thrift alongside civic submission, and industrial common schools while relying on higher-trained teachers—then contrasts Black revolt and reformist critiques.
3. The steady withdrawal of aid from institutions for the higher training of the Negro. These movements are not, to be sure, direct results of Mr. Washington’s teachings; but his propaganda has, without a shadow of doubt, helped their speedier accomplishment. The question then comes: Is it possible, and probable, that nine millions of men can make effective progress in economic lines if they are deprived of politica…
Paul insists that circumcision profits nothing and that liberty must serve others in love, then contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit and urges walking by the Spirit.
unto you, that ye should not obey the truth? Even that counsel that is not of him that called you. A little leaven doth leaven the whole lump of dough. I have trust toward you in God, that ye will be none otherwise minded. He that troubleth you shall bear his judgement, whatsoever he be. Brethren if I yet preach circumcision: why do I then yet suffer persecution? For then had the offense which the cross giveth cease…
Paul urges unity and mature growth in Christian faith, then tells readers to abandon the old life, speak truthfully, control anger, and live as light rather than participating in darkness.
hope of your calling. Let there be but one lord, one faith, one baptism: one God and father of all, which is above all, thorow all, and in us all. Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith: He is gone up on high, and hath led captivity captive, and hath given gifts unto men. That he ascended: what meaneth it, but that he also descended first into the lowes…
Scipio becomes anxious when he learns Masinissa married Sophonisba in haste without consulting Laelius; Laelius admonishes Masinissa to master passions and reminds him that Syphax and his entire kingdom will be treated as Roman booty, likely including Sophonisba’s fate.
more firm than Syphax; but even more incautious by reason of his youth. Doubtless he had shown greater folly and want of self-control in marrying her than he himself had." 14. These words, dictated not merely by the hatred naturally felt towards an enemy, but also by the anguish of jealousy, on seeing the object of his affections in the possession of his rival, affected the mind of Scipio with no ordinary degree of …
Masinissa weeps and retires; he orders a servant to give Sophonisba poison to prevent her delivery alive to Romans, and Sophonisba drinks it calmly, after which Scipio soothes him with honors and titles to maintain stability.
deform many good qualities by one vice, and mar the credit of so many meritorious deeds by a degree of guilt more than proportioned to the value of its object." 15. While Masinissa heard these observations, he not only became suffused with blushes, but burst into tears; and after declaring that he would submit to the discretion of the general, and imploring him that, as far as circumstances would permit, he would co…
Aeneas follows Anchises’s instructions: he deselects the cowardly women and old men, reorganizes resources to sail, founds a city near the Eryx temple, honors Anchises as a god, and sets out with renewed winds.
of heav’n’s approaching light.” He said, and mix’d with shades, and took his airy flight. “Whither so fast?” the filial duty cried; “And why, ah why, the wish’d embrace denied?” He said, and rose; as holy zeal inspires, He rakes hot embers, and renews the fires; His country gods and Vesta then adores With cakes and incense, and their aid implores. Next, for his friends and royal host he sent,…
God’s sovereignty and mercy are asserted alongside instructions for prayer and moral conduct; it also describes Eden, Satan’s role in deceiving Adam and Eve, and moral prohibitions including worship only God.
treated like him who seeth things aright? Verily God misleadeth whom He will, and guideth whom He will. Spend not thy soul in sighs for them: God knoweth their doings. It is God who sendeth forth the winds which raise the clouds aloft: then drive we them on to some land dead from drought,1 and give life thereby to the earth after its death. So shall be the resurrection. If any one desireth greatness, all greatness …
Equiano reflects on surviving Baker’s rage and preserves his life through patience and scripture, expressing the idea that uncontrolled anger is like an unbridled horse.
I was enabled to do. I found him a present help in the time of need, and the captain's fury began to subside as the night approached: but I found, "That he who cannot stem his anger's tide Doth a wild horse without a bridle ride."
He mourns the widening conflicts between Church of England and dissenters, then turns to plague-era horrors: people danced naked, families feared each other, and he describes his own vacillating decisions to stay in town or flee.
harmony and affection—I say, why we cannot do so here I can say nothing to, neither shall I say anything more of it but that it remains to be lamented. I could dwell a great while upon the calamities of this dreadful time, and go on to describe the objects that appeared among us every day, the dreadful extravagancies which the distraction of sick people drove them into; how the streets began now to…
Spartan “phiditia” are described as regulated group meals for temperance: contributions in food and wine, children educated there, auditions for membership, black broth, and dark, light-free dining.
Be this as it will, certain it is, that, after this misadventure, the Lacedaemonians made it a rule never to carry so much as a staff into their public assemblies. But to return to their public repasts;--these had several names in Greek; the Cretans called them andria, because the men only came to them. The Lacedaemonians called them phiditia, that is, by changing l into d, the same as philitia, love feasts, becaus…
Plutarch argues that Spartan jokes and songs convey serious moral lessons, recounting examples of pointed answers and describing choral songs that praise brave men and mock cowards.
all the Greeks have learned none of your bad qualities." One asked Archidamidas what number there might, be of the Spartans; he answered, "Enough, Sir, to keep out wicked men." We may see their character, too, in their very jests. For they did not throw them out at random, but the very wit of them was grounded upon something or other worth thinking about. For instance, one, being asked to go hear a man who exactly…
Plutarch introduces Caius Marcius Coriolanus, arguing that early loss of a father need not prevent virtue, and that undisciplined natural greatness can produce both excellence and harsh, uncooperative character.
CORIOLANUS The patrician house of the Marcii in Rome produced many men of distinction, and among the rest, Ancus Marcius, grandson to Numa by his daughter, and king after Tullus Hostilius. Of the same family were also Publius and Quintus Marcius, which two conveyed into the city the best and most abundant supply of water they have at Rome. As likewise Censorinus, who, having been twice chosen censor by the people,…
It describes Aemilius Paulus’s modest conduct and household life, including his divorce from Papiria and remarriage, plus reflections on how poor-but-virtuous relatives avoid quarrels compared to wealthy ones.
lived freely and generously on what he had, which was so far from being excessive, that after his death there was but barely enough left to answer his wife's dowry. His first wife was Papiria, the daughter of Maso, who had formerly been consul. With her he lived a considerable time in wedlock, and then divorced her, though she had made him the father of noble children; being mother of the renowned Scipio, and Fabiu…
Marcus Cato is portrayed living temperately—water and minimal wine—and learning frugality by observing Manius Curius, refusing gold from Samnite ambassadors and returning to intensify labor on his own farm.
used to drink only water; unless, perhaps, when extremely thirsty, he might mingle it with a little vinegar; or if he found his strength fail him, take a little wine. The little country house of Manius Curius, who had been thrice carried in triumph, happened to be near his farm; so that often going thither, and contemplating the small compass of the place, and plainness of the dwelling, he formed an idea of the mind…
The comparison continues by contrasting their temperance and use of wealth: Lysander is said to remain disciplined, while Sulla is portrayed as licentious and financially draining Rome through confiscations and sales of privileges.
Lions at home, but foxes out of doors; and ever maintained a sober, truly Spartan, and well disciplined course of conduct. Whereas Sylla could never moderate his unruly affections, either by poverty when young, or by years when grown old, but would be still prescribing laws to the citizens concerning chastity and sobriety, himself living all that time, as Sallust affirms, in lewdness and adultery. By these ways he…
The passage describes Alexander’s character—his early ambition for glory, restrained pleasures, athletic preferences, education under Leonidas and Lysimachus, and his early conversations with Persian ambassadors.
rhapsodists also, strove to outvie one another; and delighted in all manner of hunting and cudgel-playing, but never gave any encouragement to contests either of boxing or of the pancratium. While he was yet very young, he entertained the ambassadors from the king of Persia, in the absence of his father, and entering much into conversation with them, gained so much upon them by his affability, and the questions he a…
The narrative shifts to Cato the Younger, describing his early character traits—stubbornness, patience, and seriousness—his slow learning, and his strict obedience coupled with constant questioning.
to laughter; his countenance seldom relaxed even into a smile; he was not quickly or easily provoked to anger, but if once incensed, he was no less difficult to pacify. When he began to learn, he proved dull, and slow to apprehend, but of what he once received, his memory was remarkably tenacious. And such, in fact, we find generally to be the course of nature; men of fine genius are readily reminded of things, but…
Cato argues in the Forum over the pillar in the Porcian Hall, impressing with powerful, unadorned speech; he then hardens his body, practices severe self-discipline, and speaks in moderation while managing drink and gambling.
him, men blamed his silence, "But I hope not my life," he replied, "I will begin to speak, when I have that to say which had not better be unsaid." The great Porcian Hall, as it was called, had been built and dedicated to the public use by the old Cato, when aedile. Here the tribunes of the people used to transact their business, and because one of the pillars was thought to interfere with the convenience of their …
Plutarch continues the moral comparison, criticizing Agis’s lack of resolve and Cleomenes’s violence, while defending the Gracchi’s retreat as avoiding harm to others and noting debates over Antyllius’s death.
distinguished courage. So that their early actions were no small argument, that afterwards they might have rivaled the best of the Roman commanders, if they had not died so young. In civil life, Agis showed a lack of determination; he let himself be baffled by the craft of Agesilaus; disappointed the expectations of the citizens as to the division of the lands, and generally left all the designs which he had deliber…
Plutarch describes Demetrius Poliorcetes’ beauty and character, his easy luxury as well as violent energy in action, praises his affection for his parents, and argues that power is usually jealous and suspicious of heirs.
the son of Antigonus, but of his brother; and that his own father dying young, and his mother being afterwards married to Antigonus, he was accounted to be his son. Demetrius had not the height of his father Antigonus, though he was a tall man. But his countenance was one of such singular beauty and expression, that no painter or sculptor ever produced a good likeness of him. It combined grace and strength, dignit…
Antigonus plans a land-sea push against Ptolemy, but a dream proves ill and a storm and difficulties ruin the expedition; the passage then contrasts Demetrius’ war-like sobriety with Antigonus’ indulgent temperament.
formerly dissembled their power, and the influence of which had often made them gentler and less exacting to their subjects. A single pattering voice effected a revolution in the world. Antigonus, extremely elevated with the success of his arms in Cyprus under the conduct of Demetrius, resolved to push on his good fortune, and to lead his forces in person against Ptolemy by land, whilst Demetrius should coast with a…
When Cardenio mentions Luscinda’s love of chivalric books, Don Quixote praises her and boasts about his own library; he then breaks the no-interruption promise, causing Cardenio’s focus to shift to a belief about Master Elisabad and Queen Madasima.
Don Quixote no sooner heard a book of chivalry mentioned, than he said: “Had your worship told me at the beginning of your story that the Lady Luscinda was fond of books of chivalry, no other laudation would have been requisite to impress upon me the superiority of her understanding, for it could not have been of the excellence you describe had a taste for such delightful reading been wanting; so, as far as I am con…
Sancho asks why Don Quixote would go mad; Don Quixote says his “madness” will be strategic penance until a letter to Dulcinea del Toboso brings a response, after which his state will end.
content myself with the simple imitation of Amadis, who without giving way to any mischievous madness but merely to tears and sorrow, gained as much fame as the most famous.” “It seems to me,” said Sancho, “that the knights who behaved in this way had provocation and cause for those follies and penances; but what cause has your worship for going mad? What lady has rejected you, or what evidence have you found to pro…
Sancho offers practical advice to avoid injuring himself during Don Quixote’s penance, but Don Quixote insists all self-harm must be real and valid; Sancho urges him to write the plan and send him with the letter.
“But what more have I to see besides what I have seen?” said Sancho. “Much thou knowest about it!” said Don Quixote. “I have now got to tear up my garments, to scatter about my armour, knock my head against these rocks, and more of the same sort of thing, which thou must witness.” “For the love of God,” said Sancho, “be careful, your worship, how you give yourself those knocks on the head, for you may come across s…
Using diamond, ermine, mirror, and garden metaphors, Lothario claims Camilla’s chastity should not be risked by forced trials; obstacles should be removed rather than created, and she must be protected rather than ‘tested’ like an object.
lesson worthy of attention and study and imitation. Moreover by what I am about to say to thee thou wilt be led to see the great error thou wouldst commit. “Tell me, Anselmo, if Heaven or good fortune had made thee master and lawful owner of a diamond of the finest quality, with the excellence and purity of which all the lapidaries that had seen it had been satisfied, saying with one voice and common consent that in…
Anselmo interprets Camilla’s letter as proof of Lothario’s successful initiation, tells her not to leave, and she wrestles with conflicting duties until flattery and persistence overturn her resolve and she falls.
his own pleasure than to what concerns you: as you are possessed of discernment I need say no more to you, nor indeed is it fitting I should say more.” Anselmo received this letter, and from it he gathered that Lothario had already begun his task and that Camilla must have replied to him as he would have wished; and delighted beyond measure at such intelligence he sent word to her not to leave his house on any accou…
Don Quixote argues at length that children are portions of their parents’ bodies and that poetry should be governed by virtue, urging the son to pursue his natural inclination while using art to perfect nature.
Spanish poetry, just now his thoughts are absorbed in making a gloss on four lines that have been sent him from Salamanca, which I suspect are for some poetical tournament.” To all this Don Quixote said in reply, “Children, señor, are portions of their parents’ bowels, and therefore, be they good or bad, are to be loved as we love the souls that give us life; it is for the parents to guide them from infancy in the w…
After Sancho departs, Don Quixote is sad; the duchess offers her attendants, but Don Quixote refuses anyone entering his chamber, stressing chaste virtue and locked privacy while praising Dulcinea del Toboso.
“Indeed, Señor Don Quixote,” said the duchess, “that must not be; four of my damsels, as beautiful as flowers, shall wait upon you.” “To me,” said Don Quixote, “they will not be flowers, but thorns to pierce my heart. They, or anything like them, shall as soon enter my chamber as fly. If your highness wishes to gratify me still further, though I deserve it not, permit me to please myself, and wait upon myself in my …
Altisidora continues her ballad by claiming she is only fourteen and “Altisidora,” while Don Quixote shifts into jealous devotion to Dulcinea, declares only she is beautiful, then shuts the window and storms to bed.
O for to be the happy fair Thy mighty arms enfold, Or even sit beside thy bed And scratch thy dusty poll! I rave,—to favours such as these Unworthy to aspire; Thy feet to tickle were enough For one so mean as I. What caps, what slippers silver-laced, Would I on thee bestow! What damask breeches make for thee; What fine long holland cloaks! And I would give thee pearls that should As big as oak-…
Don Quixote’s ballad warns that love is fed by idleness, praises modesty for maidens, distinguishes transient loves from lasting constancy, and declares Dulcinea “painted on my heart” as an ineradicable image.
And to proper-minded maidens Who desire the matron’s name Modesty’s a marriage portion, Modesty their highest praise. Men of prudence and discretion, Courtiers gay and gallant knights, With the wanton damsels dally, But the modest take to wife. There are passions, transient, fleeting, Loves in hostelries declar’d, Sunrise loves, with sunset ended, When the guest hath gone his way. Love that springs up swift and sud…
After six days hiding, a wounded Don Quixote expects Altisidora but instead Doña Rodriguez the duchess’s duenna enters; startled, she drops her candle and Don Quixote guards his chastity and questions her presence.
sent here from hell to tempt me. Why, you villain, I have not yet had the government half a day, and you want me to have six hundred ducats already!” The carver made signs to the farmer to leave the room, which he did with his head down, and to all appearance in terror lest the governor should carry his threats into effect, for the rogue knew very well how to play his part. But let us leave Sancho in his wrath, and…
Don Quixote claims the visitor may be a phantom or demon trying to tempt him, while Rodriguez insists she is no spectre but comes with a grievance; Don Quixote then worries about whether he will be safe from being forced.
OF WHAT BEFELL DON QUIXOTE WITH DOÑA RODRIGUEZ, THE DUCHESS’S DUENNA, TOGETHER WITH OTHER OCCURRENCES WORTHY OF RECORD AND ETERNAL REMEMBRANCE p48a.jpg (131K) Full Size Exceedingly moody and dejected was the sorely wounded Don Quixote, with his face bandaged and marked, not by the hand of God, but by the claws of a cat, mishaps incidental to knight-errantry. p48b.jpg (316K) Full Size Six days he remained withou…
Don Quixote and Doña Rodriguez, the duenna, exchange formal, intimate gestures and talk about timing and seclusion, then he invites her to confess her sorrowful troubles to him as a listener and protector.
“Of whom and against whom do you demand that security, sir knight?” said the duenna. “Of you and against you I ask it,” said Don Quixote; “for I am not marble, nor are you brass, nor is it now ten o’clock in the morning, but midnight, or a trifle past it I fancy, and we are in a room more secluded and retired than the cave could have been where the treacherous and daring Æneas enjoyed the fair soft-hearted Dido. But…
Wollstonecraft claims emancipation is the only route to women’s virtue, asserting that mutual improvement benefits both sexes, and criticizes flirtation as interrupting rational conversation.
man for a subsistence, produces a kind of cattish affection, which leads a wife to purr about her husband, as she would about any man who fed and caressed her. Men, are however, often gratified by this kind of fondness which is confined in a beastly manner to themselves, but should they ever become more virtuous, they will wish to converse at their fire-side with a friend, after they cease to play with a mistress. …
To manage his army and rule, Julian imposes strict temperance modeled on Roman sumptuary ideals and classical authorities, divides his nights between rest, state business, and study, and dedicates himself to philosophy and learning.
gnashing his teeth, because, often as he wished to sally forth, he was prevented from taking such a step by the scantiness of the force which he had with him. 3. At last, after thirty days, the barbarians retired disappointed, murmuring that they had been so vain and weak as to attempt the siege of such a city. It deserves however to be remarked, as a most unworthy circumstance, that when Julian was in great persona…
He concludes that religious rites overlap and can replace one another because they arise from one underlying need and mental state: religion organizes a life superior to individual whim.
only circumstances colour it differently. So, at bottom, it is the unity and the diversity of social life which make the simultaneous unity and diversity of sacred beings and things. This ambiguity, moreover, is not peculiar to the idea of sacredness alone; something of this characteristic has been found in all the rites which we have been studying. Of course it was essential to distinguish them; to confuse them wou…
Faithful replies to Shame by arguing that God values tender conscience and true wisdom over worldly esteem, rejects shame’s accusations, and passes through to sunshine and the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
disdained, in those did I see most glory; and so at last I got past this importunate one. And when I had shaken him off, then I began to sing-- The trials that those men do meet withal, That are obedient to the heavenly call, Are manifold, and suited to the flesh, And come, and come, and come again afresh; That now, or sometime else, we by them may Be taken, overcome, and cast away. Oh, let the pilgrims, let t…
Hopeful and Christian enumerate four reasons why awakened “Temporary” believers suddenly backslide: unchanged minds, slavish fears of people, shame of religion, and aversion to guilt and terror.
he was resolved to go on pilgrimage, as we do now; but all of a sudden he grew acquainted with one Save-self, and then he became a stranger to me. {375} HOPE. Now, since we are talking about him, let us a little inquire into the reason of the sudden backsliding of him and such others. CHR. It may be very profitable, but do you begin. HOPE. Well, then, there are in my judgment four reasons for it:-- {376} 1. Thoug…
Gibbon portrays Severus as mixing despotism with practical governance—restoring justice, stability, and public prosperity—while arguing he could not curb the insolence of victorious legions and their erosion of discipline.
of justice, the judgments of the emperor were characterized by attention, discernment, and impartiality; and whenever he deviated from the strict line of equity, it was generally in favor of the poor and oppressed; not so much indeed from any sense of humanity, as from the natural propensity of a despot to humble the pride of greatness, and to sink all his subjects to the same comm…
He argues that civilization can soften passions but also harms chastity, while presenting German women’s poverty and openness of huts as safeguards, and citing examples like Velleda who led nations as an interpreter of fate.
conduct of the Roman ladies; yet there are some striking circumstances that give an air of truth, or at least probability, to the conjugal faith and chastity of the Germans. 56 (return) [ The adulteress was whipped through the village. Neither wealth nor beauty could inspire compassion, or procure her a second husband. 18, 19.] Although the progress of civilization has undoubtedly contributed to a…
Gibbon paints the pagan sacred grove of Daphne near Antioch—Apollo’s temple, laurels and cypresses, festivals, and prophetic fountain—contrasting its sensual pleasures with the restraint of soldiers and philosophers.
103 (return) [ Gregory (Orat. iii. p. 90) is satisfied that, by saving the apostate, Mark had deserved still more than he had suffered.] At the distance of five miles from Antioch, the Macedonian kings of Syria had consecrated to Apollo one of the most elegant places of devotion in the Pagan world. 104 A magnificent temple rose in honor of the god of light; and his colossal figure 105 almost …
Theodosius is also criticized for sloth after achievement and a choleric, hasty temper; his lifelong effort is described as suppressing passion so his clemency remains a stabilizing virtue rather than cruelty.
(A.D. 388.) He was afterwards proconsul of Africa; and his friend Ausonius praises him as a poet second only to Virgil. See Tillemont, Hist. des Empereurs, tom. v. p. 303.] 79 (return) [ See the fair portrait of Theodosius, by the younger Victor; the strokes are distinct, and the colors are mixed. The praise of Pacatus is too vague; and Claudian always seems afraid of exalting the father above the …
Gibbon portrays Petronius Maximus as personally cultured and honored, but argues his lust and revenge after Valentinian’s injury led him to accept the purple and quickly despair under the diadem.
of Vandals and Moors, and cast anchor at the mouth of the Tyber, about three months after the death of Valentinian, and the elevation of Maximus to the Imperial throne. The private life of the senator Petronius Maximus 1 was often alleged as a rare example of human felicity. His birth was noble and illustrious, since he descended from the Anician family; his dignity was supported by an adequate pat…
Hunger drives Cortes’s men to seize provisions Díaz brings back, triggering threats and reproach, but Cortes and Sandoval reconcile; Díaz then secretly secures extra food and monks receive their share.
they would shortly get something to eat, if at least the Indians did not kill me, as they had the four other Spaniards he had despatched in search of provisions. As I was thus approaching the camp in the dark, the whole of our troops suddenly fell upon the provisions like ravenous wolves, and took entire possession of them, nor did they leave the smallest quantity, either for Cortes, Sandoval, or the other superior …
The narrator adds Cortes’s gambling habits, nighttime vigilance, health quirks after dinner during the Honduras campaign, changes in weight and beard dyeing, his later reputation for miserliness in 1540, and concludes with hopes for Cortes’s salvation.
a medal, with a bust in relief and some name, but I have forgotten what it was, as latterly he used to wear nothing but cloth caps, without any medal. The style in which he lived was that of a person of high distinction. At the head of his household stood two maestresalas and two mayor-domos; he had many pages to wait upon him, and everything was served up in gold and silver. He always made a good dinner, and drank …
Tocqueville contrasts egotism with democratic individualism: individualism calmly separates people into small private circles, eroding public virtue and eventually turning into selfishness as equality spreads.
I have shown how it is that in ages of equality every man seeks for his opinions within himself: I am now about to show how it is that, in the same ages, all his feelings are turned towards himself alone. Individualism *a is a novel expression, to which a novel idea has given birth. Our fathers were only acquainted with egotism. Egotism is a passionate and exaggerated love of self, which leads a man to connect everyt…
Tocqueville presents interest rightly understood as a clear, widely accessible moral theory that moderates passions through checks, producing small daily self-denials and habits that gradually discipline citizens toward virtue.
are natural to man; but the Americans seldom allow that they yield to emotions of this kind; they are more anxious to do honor to their philosophy than to themselves. I might here pause, without attempting to pass a judgment on what I have described. The extreme difficulty of the subject would be my excuse, but I shall not avail myself of it; and I had rather that my readers, clearly perceiving my object, should ref…
He claims the improvement of the soul is tied to the body, since humans’ appetites resemble animals’ but humans can elevate them using the soul, so any weakening of the soul harms both.
Welfare There is a closer tie than is commonly supposed between the improvement of the soul and the amelioration of what belongs to the body. Man may leave these two things apart, and consider each of them alternately; but he cannot sever them entirely without at last losing sight of one and of the other. The beasts have the same senses as ourselves, and very nearly the same appetites. We have no sensual passions wh…
In “The Academic Chairs of Virtue,” a wise man praises managing sleep through daily self-overcoming, reconciliation, truth-seeking, and controlled virtue, while Zarathustra laughs at its apparent foolishness.
Peace with God and thy neighbour: so desireth good sleep. And peace also with thy neighbour’s devil! Otherwise it will haunt thee in the night. Honour to the government, and obedience, and also to the crooked government! So desireth good sleep. How can I help it, if power like to walk on crooked legs? He who leadeth his sheep to the greenest pasture, shall always be for me the best shepherd: so doth it accord with …
Zarathustra teaches that virtue comes from overcoming impulses—exaltation above blame, rejecting comfort, willing one will—and then urges devotion of love and knowledge to earth rather than fleeing to “eternal” walls.
When your heart overfloweth broad and full like the river, a blessing and a danger to the lowlanders: there is the origin of your virtue. When ye are exalted above praise and blame, and your will would command all things, as a loving one’s will: there is the origin of your virtue. When ye despise pleasant things, and the effeminate couch, and cannot couch far enough from the effeminate: there is the origin of your …
On the olive-mount Zarathustra praises winter as a harsh but helpful guest, mocks fire-idols, describes playful self-mastery in solitude, and uses long silence as a way to hide depth from envious outsiders.
Him whom I love, I love better in winter than in summer; better do I now mock at mine enemies, and more heartily, when winter sitteth in my house. Heartily, verily, even when I CREEP into bed—: there, still laugheth and wantoneth my hidden happiness; even my deceptive dream laugheth. I, a—creeper? Never in my life did I creep before the powerful; and if ever I lied, then did I lie out of love. Therefore am I glad e…
Zarathustra explains how different people interpret loneliness and pity, claims he flees heated rooms through winter-chattering, sings on the olive-mount, and contrasts pity’s harm with his own warmth in sunlit solitude.
This is the wise waggish-will and good-will of my soul, that it CONCEALETH NOT its winters and glacial storms; it concealeth not its chilblains either. To one man, lonesomeness is the flight of the sick one; to another, it is the flight FROM the sick ones. Let them HEAR me chattering and sighing with winter-cold, all those poor squinting knaves around me! With such sighing and chattering do I flee from their heated…
Zarathustra proclaims the “spirit of gravity” as heavy inherited values and “good and evil,” argues for learning self-love, and rejects universal goodness, whitewashed souls, and passive waiting.
he who will never defend himself, he who swalloweth down poisonous spittle and bad looks, the all-too-patient one, the all-endurer, the all-satisfied one: for that is the mode of slaves. Whether they be servile before Gods and divine spurnings, or before men and stupid human opinions: at ALL kinds of slaves doth it spit, this blessed selfishness! Bad: thus doth it call all that is spirit-broken, and sordidly-servil…
Zarathustra insists that to become light and fly one must love oneself with a healthy self-love, and he attacks early moral training that prevents children from loving themselves.
For to its possessor is all possession well concealed, and of all treasure-pits one’s own is last excavated—so causeth the spirit of gravity. Almost in the cradle are we apportioned with heavy words and worths: “good” and “evil”—so calleth itself this dowry. For the sake of it we are forgiven for living. And therefore suffereth one little children to come unto one, to forbid them betimes to love themselves—so cause…
Zarathustra targets pious backworldsmen who treat the world as filthy, argues that loathing can generate insight, and insists the world is not simply a filthy monster to be escaped.
For these are all unclean spirits; especially those, however, who have no peace or rest, unless they see the world FROM THE BACKSIDE—the backworldsmen! TO THOSE do I say it to the face, although it sound unpleasantly: the world resembleth man, in that it hath a backside,—SO MUCH is true! There is in the world much filth: SO MUCH is true! But the world itself is not therefore a filthy monster! There is wisdom in th…
He shatters maxims that urge renouncing the world, condemns teachings that unlearn violent cravings as a sermon for slavery, and claims willing and creating—not resignation—are the path.
And many such good inventions are there, that they are like woman’s breasts: useful at the same time, and pleasant. Ye world-weary ones, however! Ye earth-idlers! You, shall one beat with stripes! With stripes shall one again make you sprightly limbs. For if ye be not invalids, or decrepit creatures, of whom the earth is weary, then are ye sly sloths, or dainty, sneaking pleasure-cats. And if ye will not again RUN …