Descriptions of Browne as a writer tend to be backwards, in that they present his private face before his public face. The reason is that his private face seems unusually accessible. His greatest work is a kind of personal confession or stylised journal that he never intended to publish. People read Browne for Browne, simplyContinue reading “Smatterings of the Philosopher’s Stone – Chapter 1, part 2”
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Smatterings of the Philosopher’s Stone – Chapter 1, part 1
Some years ago, the Western world succumbed to the force of its own personality and arrogated itself to one of the most bizarre titles in the history of civilisation. There is something quaint in the old Roman idea that a golden age might come after an iron age and outshine it, as if, having progressedContinue reading “Smatterings of the Philosopher’s Stone – Chapter 1, part 1”
Smatterings of the Philosopher’s Stone – Preface
Having indulged myself to the full in that vastly superior manner of blogging, to wit, not blogging at all, I take up my pen once more. The definite disadvantage of this new method is that I have to write. The dubious advantage is that other people can read. I am often led to reflect uponContinue reading “Smatterings of the Philosopher’s Stone – Preface”
Maps
Detailed research, vague conclusions – ironic but indispensable.
The Philosophy of Trees
Since we have undertaken to offer an unsystematic explanation for what will hopefully amount to almost a visible fraction of everything, we cannot neglect trees.
Stoicism
An apology for stoicism
Castles and Castellans: A Debate
That mass of worn stone you see sitting atop the rock is a castle. It is primarily a military device, though it is unfortunately so outdated that it is not only of no use, but a positive hindrance. Hence its dereliction. It has no use. You see the great gate of black iron? It isContinue reading “Castles and Castellans: A Debate”
Language Learning
I am sometimes asked why anyone would learn dead classical languages. Practically the only reason that there can be is, for the books. If you would seek out what reasonable and eloquent people have to say in different places, there is no reason not to seek out what reasonable and eloquent people have to sayContinue reading “Language Learning”
Aphorisms by and about Cats
The above cat is usually quite pleasant, but like all cats he is a good actor. It may be asked, could any human being be happy living as a cat does, devoting their whole time to meticulously satisfying the necessities of life? But it may be answered that no one ever has. The cat perceivesContinue reading “Aphorisms by and about Cats”
Entourage
Nero with his entourage of evil men, Arthur with an entourage of virtuous men. The people we see influence not only our behaviour, but also our worldviews.
theparsnipoftime 