Areopagus Volume XLIV

Seven short lessons every someday.

Welcome one and all to the forty fourth volume of the Areopagus. We begin this week not with poetry but with some words of wisdom from one of the wisest there's even been:

We ought to read devout and simple books as willingly as those that are high and profound. Let not the authority of the author be in thy way, whether he be of little or great learning; but let love of simple truth lead thee to read. Inquire not who may have said a thing, but consider what is said.

That was written by Thomas à Kempis in the 15th century. A worthy attitude, even six centuries later. I cannot claim to be high or profound, neither devout nor simple, nor even if my words are simple truth. Only you, considering what is written, can be the judge of that. And so, for your consideration, seven more chapters of the Areopagus...