In 1862 George Matheson had a great deal going for him. He had been a successful student in classics, logic, and philosophy from the University of Glasgow, and at the age of 20 he was engaged to marry a young woman he loved. However, that year, he became ill and tragically lost his sight. Rather than be comforted by his betrothed, the story goes that his fiance said that she … [Read more...]
This Vale of Tears: Leo, Fenelon, and Greene on Christian Life
"nothing is more effectual in prevailing with God than that a man should judge himself and never cease from asking pardon, knowing that he is never without fault. For human nature has this flaw ... from the corruptible body springs that which may corrupt the soul also. Hence although the inner man be now reborn in Christ and rescued from the bonds of captivity, it has unceasing … [Read more...]
Modern Man and Original Sin
It's remarkable how often one sees the nature of original sin questioned. It is implicitly questioned every time someone asks why the tragedy in Colorado happened? How could a 'normal' (white, American, bourgeoise, grad student) person do such a thing? Without knowing it, the world seems to be dancing to Aristotle and Rousseau's tune without even realizing it. The great, … [Read more...]
Thoughts Before Work Tonight
“Historians are left forever chasing shadows, painfully aware of their inability ever to reconstruct a dead world in its completeness however thorough or revealing their documentation. We are doomed to be forever hailing someone who has just gone around the corner and out of earshot.” - Simon Schama (pictured above making cheese soufflet in his home)I had a fine day today. I … [Read more...]
Music as a Cure
When I get depressed certain songs help. I've already posted a ton of zelda songs I like listening to, so there's no use in posting more of that.A song that I've savoured for the last bit is the blue danube waltz by Strauss:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CTYymbbEL4One of my favourite games from childhood was called Earthbound for SNES and this is a theme from it that I played … [Read more...]