an annotated bibliography

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince and Other Writings. Trans. Wayne A. Rebhorn. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003.

Originally written to Lorenzo dé Medici to attain favor, The Prince is the chef-d’oeuvre of Machiavelli’s career. Encouraging the emergence of totalitarian rulers, Machiavelli compiled realpolitik paradigms to write an instructive discourse on how an ideal prince should intolerantly reign, exercising authoritative leadership. He suggests that a ruler, vying for power, should not let ethic morality hinder him from achieving his design. Modern scholars still read and debate the issues discussed in the pages of this philosophical work; it has been one of the most controversial political treatise since it was written in 1513.

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Discourses. Trans. Leslie J. Walker S.J. London: Penguin Books Ltd., 1970.

Written in 1531, this book takes on a whole new set of ideals. The Discourses on Livy are an insightful collection of articulate musings. Depicting a society of peace and prosperity, Machiavelli states that a government should have its root firmly embedded in an ethical groundwork. The result would be a civic people who showed deference to the proper authorities. Consequently the people are urged to respect the state more than themselves and to give of oneself in order to assist others. It is radical but pragmatic with a hint of the ideal thrown in--almost those of a republic--to consider.

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Art of War. Trans. Christopher Lynch. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2003.

Known as one of the worlds most informative books on war strategy and tactics, The Art of War, was revolutionary in its own time period. Considered a classic, it is one of the main texts used to teach the thought of western warfare, as well as the fundamentals behind the scene. Many of the most famous commanders, Napoleon Bonaparte and Fredrick the Great to name a couple, read and were influenced by Machiavelli’s ideas. It is a great read after reading both The Prince and The Discourses--it further explores Machiavelli’s thought in writing his other two books.

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The History of Florence: the affairs of Italy from the earliest years to the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Trans. Henry G. Bohn. London: Tilden Library, 1895.

Cardinal Guilio de’ Medici commissioned the writing of this book. Machiavelli took extensive pains to detail the land and surrounding towns, the family heritage of the prominent people in Florence. It is an in depth study and meant for readers who are ready for a challenge and an astute academic survey to understand the circumstances and details of the ancient Tuscan saga.

about Machiavelli

Politician, playwright, historian, philosopher, and an Italian by birth, Niccolo Machiavelli lived during the budding of the Renaissance and is closely associated with the literary influences from that era. From 1469-1512 Machiavelli was simply a Tuscan statesman interested in political science. He was privately educated and quickly rose to a level of importance, holding the position of Secretary of the Florentine Republic until the Medici family regained authority in 1513, at which time Machiavelli was imprisoned, tortured, and exiled from his homeland on suspicion of treason. Pope Leo X eventually acquit him of sedition and allowed him to return to his family in Florence. It was during these last 15 years of his life that he wrote the books that have made him famous today. The Prince, originally written to Lorenzo dé Medici to attain favor, is the chef-d’oeuvre of Machiavelli’s career. Encouraging the emergence of totalitarian rulers, Machiavelli compiled his realpolitik paradigms to write an instructive discourse on how an ideal prince should intolerantly reign, exercising authoritative leadership. Today, “machiavellian” refers to devious or unethical methods of obtaining something for the betterment of an individual at the expense of others--derived directly from his chimerical book. Some of his other writing include: The Art of War, The Mandragola, and Discourses Upon the First Ten Books of Livy. He also wrote The History of Florence, commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici. After a brief re-introduction into society after his expulsion, Niccolo Machiavelli died in 1527 at the age of 58.

Slant Narrative of Beauty and the Beast

I am always filled with such joy to think of how I was freed from my bondage. My aunt had always loved to play with magic when she was a little girl, or so my mother told me. When she grew up, she still held a fascination for it and it turned out to be my down fall. Once I was a cute little prince, son of the royal King and Queen. One day my mother's sister was in a terrible mood and I happened to be the first one she crossed. Maybe she didn't like me because I was the only heir to the thrown, and if I had been out of the way, her son would have been next in line for the crown. Whatever reason she had, if she even had one, she cast a spell on me, turning me into a horrific beast. My future looked grim.

My parents were horrified when they found out. My aunt said it was not permanent, but the only thing that would cause me to return to my normal state as a human, would be for a young lady to accept me as I was. I felt sure that no one would ever love a beast as ugly as me. Still outraged by her rash action, my parents threw our relative out of the kingdom. I lived in the palace until I was capable of living on my own. At that point, I wanted to be alone, sort things out, and try to figure out what the rest of my life would hold. My parents, the rightful owners of a vast wealth, bestowed on me a gigantic estate. It was truly beautiful and I was satisfied--for a while.

I had been lonely for quite some time and had become desperate to find someone to free me; but more than that, to love me. One day, though I did not know it at the time, the key to my freedom arrived: an old man, obviously poor and out of sorts. Finding no one inside he began to wander around my palace. I almost kicked him out for intruding, but he was so fascinated by everything and looked so tired and unhappy, I had pity on him and, to his astonishment, provided him with several meals. The next morning, as I wondered in my garden, still holding a grudge against my aunt, my guest came out to my garden and picked a rose. "How dare he?" I thought. After all I had done for him, he had the audacity to steal from my garden!

I approached him, nearly forgetting how ugly I was. He was taken aback at being spoken to by a beast. He tried to explain how he had been lost the previous night on his way home from a journey which he thought would have been a success, but had turned out a failure. Intrigued by this statement, I questioned him and found that he had once been a royal, wealthy person living happily with his six sons and six daughters. "Daughters??? Could it be? No. Surely not." I tried to remind myself there would never be a girl for me. My mind turned back to the story at hand. He had lost everything by a series of terrible misfortunes. At one point he had several trade ships, all of which he had thought to have been lost, burned, or stolen; but just recently he had been informed that one of them had docked safely and was loaded with cargo. My guest had left his home only after being pestered by his daughters who longed for the pleasures they had once been accustom too; for dresses, jewels, and luxuries of every kind--all but the youngest. I could tell he had a soft spot in his heart for her. This daughter had asked only for a rose. When he arrived, the cargo had been divided by his former companions who thought him to be dead. The journey had proved worthless. The merchant, began his return home empty handed, when he was caught in a terrible storm. He spent the night in the cold and the next morning renewed his journey upon which he found my castle.

What a story! I wanted to be angry with this man. I wanted to be angry with everyone and everything in the world. Yet how could I? He was obviously not trying to take advantage of me. He was merely trying to bring happiness to his daughter. Could I be so cruel as to deny him this one happiness? I could tell he was being honest with me so I let him off the hook; only on one condition. While he had been telling me his story, my mind kept drifting back to the six daughters. I had to take a chance. I made up my mind. He could go home as long as he brought back one of his daughters. She had to come willingly though, and he had to tell her the truth about me. I didn't want just any girl, I wanted a girl of character, this had made my chances even slimmer, but I had to try. The merchant was agreeable to this and to make sure he didn't fail me, I promised that if he didn't return with one of them in a month, I would find him and it would get ugly after that.

My guest gave me his word and returned home. I wondered if he would really keep his promise, and had begun to give up hope when one day, upon the horse I had given him, my merchant friend returned. In front of him sat a young lady. I knew from his description of his youngest daughter, Beauty, that this was she. Now that she was here, the rest of my life was up to her.

I did not show myself immediately, lest I scare her off too soon. The father and daughter enjoyed their dinner in the solitude of their room, as the merchant had done on his previous visit. As soon as they had finished, I could wait no longer. I walked into the room. I could tell the man was deeply sorrowed at the thought of leaving Beauty in the hands of a beast like me. I could tell the young lady was terrified, but she did such a good job of disguising her fear. She was bold and responded with confidence. I stayed and talked to them for a while and I learned that she really had come of her own choice and was willing to stay even after she had seen just how horrific I really was! "She was willing to stay!" I was thrilled for that much at least.

Her father returned to his home the next day with trunks filled with all the gold, jewels, rich fabrics, costly gowns, and treasures they could fit in them. After he was gone, I let Beauty do as she wished, roaming the palace and gardens to her hearts delight. I truly did want her to be happy; maybe somehow she would learn to like me -- maybe even love me. Each night after her supper, I went to the suite in which Beauty lived and talked to her for one hour. After that time I always asked her if she would marry me. Every time I was rejected; I had to keep trying.

One day, I found Beauty nearly at the point of tears. I was distraught. I asked her the cause of her sorrow and found she wanted to return to her father and siblings. She said she would come back after two months. She had told me she had grown very fond of living here and would be very sorry not to come back. I knew if she left for any longer that two months that it would kill me. I had grown so used to her being here. I truly did love her and would do anything for her. I granted her this wish as long as she would come back. She promised she would. I gave her a couple trunks in which to take back everything she could fit in them.

The two months dragged on for ever and I truly thought she had forgotten me. As the last week began to draw to a close I became terribly sick and lethargic. I was not myself. She had promised. I was holding on to that. Surely she would not have lied to me. On the second to last day, I lay out in my garden, drifting ever closer to death's door, when my "savior" came. Her voice was distant at first almost as a dream, mocking me. But the voice drew nearer and more distinct. She had really come. I gathered all the strength that was left in me and opened my eyes. There she was! She had come back just as she said she would! My Beauty was there beside me, stroking my fur which had gown tangled from lack of care the last few days. She was here! That's all that mattered now.

I had nearly resigned myself to never marrying her, but as long as I could see her and talk to her every night, I could be happy enough. I had to be content with that. A few days went by. Each night I talked to her after dinner. Each night I asked if she would marry me. Each night I was rejected. But one night, my whole life was transformed. As I got up from the chair and said my "good-night" I asked the question again; this time I was astonished by the answer I had longed to hear, but never thought could cross her lips. Yes. "She said yes!" The moment she spoke the word, the spell, cast so many years ago, was broken. Light shattered the room and there stood the prince who had been lost under the disguise of a beat. I had been set free by one word, but more than that, she loved me! We were to marry! I was filled with more joy than ever could be expressed. My mother traveled from my parents castle to congratulate us, and the whole kingdom celebrated with us the next day at our wedding. My Beauty and her Beast have lived very happily thus far and will continue to do so until "death do us part."

The Importance of Leo Tolstoy

Celebrated as Russia’s most renown author, Leo Tolstoy left and indelible mark on the world. He was a man full of new ideas; a visionary; a brilliant mind; a perspicacious author. He suffered through traumatic trials and came out strong. He took his education upon himself and learned more in the first 20 years of his life than many moderns today learn in a lifetime. He lived a self-imposed life of pauperism and ventured to better others with what he had been blest. He influenced writers, laymen, poets, politicians, and average people--his prestige in literature cannot be erased.

Count Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy was born in 1828 to a wealthy Russian family. In the early years of his life, Tolstoy faced some of life’s toughest challenges. He was only two years old when his mother died--that was just the beginning of his suffering. His father, a recognized military officer, did not have much time to spend with his family but did provide good educations for his children and encouraged them to pursue the fine arts. One of his aunts and his paternal grandmother helped Count Tolstoy look after and care for his four children; family life and relationships were prized highly by all his close relatives. By the time young Tolstoy was 13, his father, aunt, and grandmother had all died and it would be just a matter of years before both of his brothers would succumb to death as well.

It was through these miserable years that Leo Tolstoy found comfort in perfervid study. Over the course of his scholastic pursuits, Tolstoy, inspired by his father and grandfather, improved his mind my memorizing poetry, songs, and Russian history, learning to converse fluently in more than 12 different languages, and reading English, French, and Russian authors. He graduated from school and enrolled in a university to study law and languages. Unsatisfied with the quality of education he was receiving, he did not remain long at college and moved on to educate himself. Shortly afterwards, Tolstoy began his stupendous literary career when wrote and published his first book in 1852--the first of an autobiographical trilogy (the other two were soon to follow).

Disapproving the general method of schooling available to the public, he started a school for the peasants, hoping to reform the modern system of education. This endeavor failed, but his aspirations for changing the way people thought did not flicker. All in all, Leo Tolstoy wrote 19 books and countless short stories and essays. Tolstoy decided to use pen and ink to inspire his readers to greatness. Most of his writings are based on his life experiences, as evidenced in his two most esteemed novels. Following in his father’s footsteps, Tolstoy joined the Russian army, commanding and fighting in the Crimean War (1853-1856). From this experience, Tolstoy drew the lion’s share of information needed to write the famed War and Peace. Written over four years and published in 1878, Anna Karenina is based solely on Tolstoy’s firsthand knowledge of the twists, turns, and sorrows of humanity, “happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”An exorbitant amount of his life story appears in the pages of this book. After it was published, he actually said that his whole life was part of his novel, “I wrote everything into Anna Karenina and nothing was left over.”

Plagued about the meaning and importance of life and death, Tolstoy struggled internally over these philosophical questions for a better part of his life. He searched for answers everywhere and eventually found his way to the Russian Orthodox Church. For the first time he could make sense of his confused and perturbed questions, ideas, and beliefs. Immediately he began to rectify his thoughts and put his faith into practice. This step towards Christianity radically changed him. Striving for peace and a “better” life, he gave away the majority of his money, lived as a peasant, and tried to show Christ’s loving care to the people around him.

Until Tolstoy was brought to a saving faith in Christ, his life was one of debauchery and vile pursuits. He kept a journal of his activities, which ended in causing marital strife later on. After his conversion he wrote several essays and short stories in which he laid out the basis of his faith and showed how Christianity had changed his life. In 1862 Leo Tolstoy married Sofia Andreyevna Behrs. Together, over the next 33 years, they had 12 children (one died right after birth). Undervaluing the time spent with his family, Tolstoy eventually abandoned his wife and children to find a “deeper meaning” in life--he died at the railroad station that night (1877). Throughout his life, Tolstoy remained active in the political arena, was interested in reforming Russian society, and was writing dynamic literature.

During his lifetime Tolstoy was heavily influenced by ancient authors as well as many of his contemporaries--he actually kept up a correspondence with Noah Webster. Some of his “mentors” were: Charles Dickens, Aristotle, Jean Jacques Rousseau, George Elliot, Henry David Thoreau, Plato, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Alexander Pushkin.

*Tolstoy lived during the same time as a plethora of classic authors. Here are a few that I found:

Emily Bronte

Charles Dickens

Alexandre Dumas

Wilkie Collins

Fydor Dostoevsky

George Elliot

Mahatma Gandhi

Elizabeth Gaskell

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Victor Hugo

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Henry David Thoreau

Noah Webster

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers..."

October 25, also called St. Crispin's Day, used to be a celebrated Catholic, Church of England, and Eastern Orthodox holiday. Crispin and Crispinian were twin brothers in Rome during the 3rd century. They preached the gospel to the people during the day and made shoes by night. Under the rule of Maximian, they were martyred for their faith. The church canonized them and dedicated a day of feasting to them. In 1662, due to the doubt of the actual existence of the brothers, the feast day was taken off the church calendar and is no longer observed. However, this day is still remembered by some; why, you ask? Shakespeare wrote a speech in his play Henry V given by the king on St. Crispin's Day, just before the battle at Agincourt (King Henry V and his army defeated the vast army of the French on this day).

notable happenings on October 25:

1400- Geoffrey Chaucer died

1415- the battle at Agincourt during the Hundred Year's War

1854- the battle of Balaklava during the Crimean War (the Charge of the Light Brigade)

1881- Pablo Picasso was born

St. Crispin's Day Speech

What's he that wishes so?

My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;

If we are mark'd to die, we are enow

To do our country loss; and if to live,

The fewer men, the greater share of honour.

God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.

By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,

Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;

It yearns me not if men my garments wear;

Such outward things dwell not in my desires.

But if it be a sin to covet honour,

I am the most offending soul alive.

No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.

God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour

As one man more methinks would share from me

For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!

Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,

That he which hath no stomach to this fight,

Let him depart; his passport shall be made,

And crowns for convoy put into his purse;

We would not die in that man's company

That fears his fellowship to die with us.

This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.

He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,

Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,

And rouse him at the name of Crispian.

He that shall live this day, and see old age,

Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,

And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'

Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,

And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'

Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,

But he'll remember, with advantages,

What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,

Familiar in his mouth as household words-

Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,

Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-

Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.

This story shall the good man teach his son;

And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,

From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered-

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,

This day shall gentle his condition;

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed

Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,

And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks

That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

Xmas and Christmas: A Lost Chapter from Herodotus

by C. S. Lewis

Here's a fun Christmas story that I read:

"And beyond this there lies in the ocean, turned towards the west and north, the island of Niatirb which Hecataeus indeed declares to be the same size and shape as Sicily, but it is larger, though in calling it triangular a man would not miss the mark. It is densely inhabited by men who wear clothes not very different from the other barbarians who occupy the north western parts of Europe though they do not agree with them in language. These islanders, surpassing all the men of whom we know in patience and endurance, use the following customs.

"In the middle of winter when fogs and rains most abound they have a great festival which they call Exmas and for fifty days they prepare for it in the fashion I shall describe. First of all, every citizen is obliged to send to each of his friends and relations a square piece of hard paper stamped with a picture, which in their speech is called an Exmas-card. But the pictures represent birds sitting on branches, or trees with a dark green prickly leaf, or else men in such garments as the Niatirbians believe that their ancestors wore two hundred years ago riding in coaches such as their ancestors used, or houses with snow on their roofs. And the Niatirbians are unwilling to say what these pictures have to do with the festival; guarding (as I suppose) some sacred mystery. And because all men must send these cards the marketplace is filled with the crowd of those buying them, so that there is great labour and weariness.

"But having bought as many as they suppose to be sufficient, they return to their houses and find there the like cards which others have sent to them. And when they find cards from any to whom they also have sent cards, they throw them away and give thanks to the gods that this labour at least is over for another year. But when they find cards from any to whom they have not sent, then they beat their breasts and wail and utter curses against the sender; and, having sufficiently lamented their misfortune, they put on their boots again and go out into the fog and rain and buy a card for him also. And let this account suffice about Exmas-cards.

"They also send gifts to one another, suffering the same things about the gifts as about the cards, or even worse. For every citizen has to guess the value of the gift which every friend will send to him so that he may send one of equal value, whether he can afford it or not. And they buy as gifts for one another such things as no man ever bought for himself. For the sellers, understanding the custom, put forth all kinds of trumpery, and whatever, being useless and ridiculous, they have been unable to sell throughout the year they now sell as an Exmas gift. And though the Niatirbians profess themselves to lack sufficient necessary things, such as metal, leather, wood and paper, yet an incredible quantity of these things is wasted every year, being made into the gifts.

"But during these fifty days the oldest, poorest, and most miserable of the citizens put on false beards and red robes and walk about the market-place; being disguised (in my opinion) as Cronos. And the sellers of gifts no less than the purchaser’s become pale and weary, because of the crowds and the fog, so that any man who came into a Niatirbian city at this season would think some great public calamity had fallen on Niatirb. This fifty days of preparation is called in their barbarian speech the Exmas Rush.

"But when the day of the festival comes, then most of the citizens, being exhausted with the Rush, lie in bed till noon. But in the evening they eat five times as much supper as on other days and, crowning themselves with crowns of paper, they become intoxicated. And on the day after Exmas they are very grave, being internally disordered by the supper and the drinking and reckoning how much they have spent on gifts and on the wine. For wine is so dear among the Niatirbians that a man must swallow the worth of a talent before he is well intoxicated.

"Such, then, are their customs about the Exmas. But the few among the Niatirbians have also a festival, separate and to themselves, called Crissmas, which is on the same day as Exmas. And those who keep Crissmas, doing the opposite to the majority of the Niatirbians, rise early on that day with shining faces and go before sunrise to certain temples where they partake of a sacred feast. And in most of the temples they set out images of a fair woman with a new-born Child on her knees and certain animals and shepherds adoring the Child. (The reason of these images is given in a certain sacred story which I know but do not repeat.)

"But I myself conversed with a priest in one of these temples and asked him why they kept Crissmas on the same day as Exmas; for it appeared to me inconvenient. But the priest replied, “It is not lawful, O stranger, for us to change the date of Chrissmas, but would that Zeus would put it into the minds of the Niatirbians to keep Exmas at some other time or not to keep it at all. For Exmas and the Rush distract the minds even of the few from sacred things. And we indeed are glad that men should make merry at Crissmas; but in Exmas there is no merriment left.” And when I asked him why they endured the Rush, he replied, “It is, O Stranger, a racket”; using (as I suppose) the words of some oracle and speaking unintelligibly to me (for a racket is an instrument which the barbarians use in a game called tennis).

"But what Hecataeus says, that Exmas and Crissmas are the same, is not credible. For first, the pictures which are stamped on the Exmas-cards have nothing to do with the sacred story which the priests tell about Crissmas. And secondly, the most part of the Niatirbians, not believing the religion of the few, nevertheless send the gifts and cards and participate in the Rush and drink, wearing paper caps. But it is not likely that men, even being barbarians, should suffer so many and great things in honour of a god they do not believe in. And now, enough about Niatirb."

(Niatirb is Britain spelled backwards =D) enjoy "plundering the egyptians" this season!

Courage

Bravery is defined as courageous behavior or character. A person with courage is prepared for nearly every task. They are willing and capable of facing rough situations without hesitation and are willing to step forward when a hard task comes along. A man may possess many characteristics, but without bravery or courage, he is unprepared for life. The journey of life is full of unexpected, surprising, and sometimes difficult situations that requite a person to be intrepid. It takes spunk and boldness to stand up for political and biblical issues; to be a salt and light in a world of darkness; to embark on a new stage of life, whether high school, college, marriage, or something else; to be willing to confront people on issues that need to be address; or even to talk to people you've never met. Every day we face situations of one kind or another which demand some level of grit.

A person lacking bravery will not make it very far in this world of constant change, uncertainty, and difficulty. Christians especially, must be courageous enough to stand up for what the believe and be willing to face a world of different opinions and worldviews with confidence. People who are unaccustomed to living fearless lives are cowards. How strong will a coward stand in the mist of a spiritual battle?

God told the people of Israel through Joshua, "have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Where could anyone ever find a better command to be strong and courageous?

People are not born with courage and fearlessness, but rather are trained up in such a way as to instill courageous character in the young people. It takes dedication from the parents to train their children to become what they should be. Teaching them the importance of spending time in God's Word, living a life honoring to Christ, and standing up in the face of giants. The family and friends surrounding a person play a huge roll in who they will become and thus it is important that the parents help guide and council their child as to wise relationships. It take hard work and dedication to produce the caliber of young adult with bravery that our nation is in such need of.

Courageous people are well worth of praise. They have withstood trials and faced difficulties with endurance. They stood when others would fall, and persevered when others would quit. They are also influential in inspiring other around them to pursue the same quality.

bravery.

One of the most admired and encomiumized virtues, unfeigned bravery is a jewel of mankind. The popularity of this virtue is not just a current fad of this generation or nation as a whole. Accolades of this character trait have been prominent since ancient times. The Greeks actually prized bravery in a man above all else and the men would gladly die in order to be remembered as “brave.” In the Noah Webster 1828 dictionary, bravery is defined as “courage; fearlessness of danger; generosity or dignity of mind which despises meanness and cruelty, and disdains to take advantage of a vanquished enemy.”

Winston Churchill says that bravery is “what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” This is very true. Being brave does not mean that the person can be prideful and boastful. Quite the contrary. If a person is truly brave, meek and selfless qualities will also follow. To complete the mental picture of this attribute another quote will help round it out to a more full perspective. “[Bravery] doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. (Mary Anne Radmacher)” It often takes very little to get discouraged and quite trying, but persevering through the tough times is what really builds character.

Bravery is not a characteristic that a person is either born with, or not; it is a goal that must be sought after. Acquiring it takes lots of effort and determination. Many trials will come and it is through these that a person gains the courage to struggle and eventually conquer. The friend and family that comprise a person’s companions will determine what kind of man/woman the person will become. If the friends are always trying to make life easy and coddle the person, he/she will never learn proper fear nor how to deal with situations which call for valorous deeds.

When courage and steadfast boldness are nurtured in a person from an early age, bravery will be connate and a lasting virtue. This will result in a person of rich character that will be prepared to face any obstacle in any situation. “Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.” (Morihei Ueshiba)

moderns or ancients?

Throughout present-day America, thousands upon thousands of books are available for the populace to read. With so many choices, how should a person begin to decide where to start in the vast sea of printed pages?

If first-hand accounts are best and truest, then would that not apply to books as well? A great place to begin studying would be to go back to the primary sources and just read them. Yes, it is an gi-normous task, but when all is said and done, the education that will automatically be absorbed by simply reading such great works is incomparable. There are so many books about the same topic and even story, and most of them are just watered-down versions and variants of the original author's points, ideas, worldview, thoughts, and emotions. Why bother even opening the cover to the muddled and confusing interpretations of renown books by inconsequential writers, when, in roughly the same amount of time, the door to an unknown world can be thrown open wide and articulately described and explained by choosing an original title over a newfangled copy-cat?

Even though the classic books may appear daunting, a person should not give up. After all, the authentic books have already passed the test of time and are really worthwhile to read, unlike so many of the contemporary novels and history rewritings. Plus, the results will be more rewarding and the material exposed/learned will be of much more use and significance to the reader if the tough books are persevered through (not even half of the classics require such arduous and keen reading). However there are times to read commentaries to aid in the understanding of a book or its parts, but this type of reading should not comprise all nor a majority of what a person reads.

What will you read next: an ancient, time-tested classic or a modern and diluted rendition of a classic?

note: I am not discounting the modern and educational writings of all present-day literature, but rather seeking to show the importance to read and understand the ancient classics; after all, goodness, beauty, and truth can be found everywhere, even in pagan books.

The Princess and the Pea- refutation

The Princess and the Pea was written by a famous and renowned author: Hans Christian Anderson. It has received much popular praise, contrary to its misleading and artificial story-line. This story does not just give the impression that a perspective wife needs to be absolutely perfect, but also that people can be put to an unimportant test and be judged, for good or bad, based on the results. Life does not work like that. In this fairy-tale Anderson has given an inaccurate and foolish view of life. Who needs to be exposed to such unhelpful ideas?

There was a prince who was very busy looking for a princess to marry. He was never satisfied with the girls that he watched and talked to--they always had a flaw that made them imperfect; he must have a faultless wife. After deciding there was not a girl in all of his part of the country that he wanted marry, he left his home and went in search of the ideal wife. His journey was fruitless. He traveled back home and was very disappointed because he had not found a true princess, in all the land, that would suit him. One night as a storm was raging, the king heard a tapping on the door. The door was opened and there stood a young lady who claimed to be a princess. The queenly mother at once took the girl, cleaned her up, dressed her in a courtly gown, and sent her off to chat with her son. Meanwhile she placed a pea under 20 mattresses and 20 quilts. Next morning, when asked, the young lady said that she had not slept one wink that night because there was something hard in her bed (she actually had bruises to attest to the fact). By hearing this account, the prince knew right away that she was a true princess and the perfect match for him. They married as soon as possible and lived happily ever after.

There are many parts of this unbelievable fairy-story that could not possibly have happened. First off, is it realistic that a princess would be out at night, by herself? No. She would be surrounded by attendants and courtly rules preventing her from being outside alone, not to mention in the evening and during a storm. Suppose for some odd reason a princess did find herself alone at night in a storm. How likely would it be that the girl would actually make her way to another castle (probably quite a distance from her home). She would not. Secondly, how could a simple test reveal the true character of a person? If some how a person’s moral nature could be defined by a quick experiment, what is the possibility of the Queen’s pea working? A pea is a soft vegetable; when 20 mattresses and 20 quilts are pilled on top, would not the pea get smashed? Imagine that the pea does not get smashed and is able to make a big enough lump that sleeping on it was impossible. By what standard does the fact that the girl felt a tiny object in her bed mean that the she is a princess? It cannot. How then can the story be read and admired, if the beginning is so fictitiously flawed?

Having been shown full of faults, The Princess and the Pea is unsuitable for people--especially children--to read. To be worth reading a narrative needs to be profitable or beneficial to the reader; this fairy-tale is neither but instead, unwholesome. Since the purpose of writing is to persuade an audience to change or do something, think of the how the readers will be effected by this strange way of looking at the world and life in general. It will have negative effects on them and future generations. To end the discussion on this disagreeable subject, let it be said that Anderson’s fairy-story should not be read or considered grand.

Saint of the Ancient Catholic Church

Athanasius, the renown Christian apologist, was born into a greek family around 293. Very little of his childhood is known. It is not until he became a religious and thus political figure that he is recorded in history. He studied theology and philosophy, graduating to an episcopal position in the Catholic Church of Alexandria. Soon the Arian controversy sprung up and caused many disputes in the Christian church. The Arians were known for their erroneous belief that God the Father was not one in the same with Jesus. They believed that Jesus was a great man, possibly one of the greatest of God’s creations, but not God-incarnate. Needless to say this topic riled many a theologian. Arius and the other leaders of the Church gathered together (the First Council of Nicaea in 325). Here Athanasius spoke out against the heresy and the Nicaean Creed was drafted. Afterwards, Athanasius was said to have mistreated Arius and consequently he was exiled to Tyre by Constantine I. Over the next years 40 years Athanasius came in and out of exile, depending on the bias of the Emperor and the people influencing him. During these years Athanasius wrote many papers and treatis arguing for the Christian faith based on the Bible. Among these is one of his most famous works: On the Incarnation, the dispute over Arianism gave Athanasius incentive to write his book. In the year 366 Athanasius was allowed home and for the rest of his life he was allowed to continue his work in the church.

The Princess and the Pea

Hans Christian Anderson, a danish writer of both prose and poetry, is one of the most esteemed fairy-tale writers of the 19th century. He has numerous pieces of literature published: fiction, short stories, travel diaries, and poems; he has acquired much acclaim for his fabulous children’s stories, the illuminating factor of his métier. At the beginning of his career, he was quite underrated (just as most historical masterminds are). It was not until later in his life that people paid attention to him. By his death he had won international fame and accolades. His writings are now translated into more than 150 languages. The Princess and the Pea, only one of the illustrious fairy tales written by this author, is known throughout the world and considered great. Withstanding such a test of time, Anderson’s writings should be read and enjoyed by all people.

There once was a prince who desperately wanted to get married. He traveled around the world, but could not find the perfect girl for him. Every putative princess had a defect that the prince could not live with, or the girl was no true princess; he must marry a real princess. He returned home, discouraged--without a bride. One dark and rainy night, there was a knock on the palace door. The king opened it and there stood a cold, wet, and bedraggled princess. The queen, immediately putting her to the test to discover if she was a true princess, pilled high the bed where the supposed princess was to sleep. Between the layers of mattresses, she laid a single pea. In the morning she asked if the princess has slept well. Contrarily, the poor princess had, had one of the most uncomfortable nights--she had felt something very hard in her bed and could not get even one wink of sleep. Needless to say, she passed the test and married the prince. Together they lived happily ever after.

As a fable written specifically for children, though teens and adults alike can appreciate the story, it is not only pleasurable and dramatic, but also easy to read. In this narrative, Anderson uses clear sentence structures and vocabulary choices to perspicuously express the action and describe the marvelous details. Also, the message of this account is pellucid. From the beginning to the end, the aim of the story is for the prince to find an authentic “princess-bride.” Though there are some trials, the fairy-tale does end well and the goal is achieved.

There is nothing unusual about a man looking for a wife; why then would it be strange to read about it in a story? it is not. The Princess and the Pea is simply one man’s quest to find his destined soul-mate. A prince returns home from searching for a beloved wife, empty-handed. Then, as fate would have it, a princess is thrust into his path. What should he do, but start to figure out if the young lady is his perfect match? Mother, father, and prince work together and realize that this princess is the young woman whom he should marry. Without further ado, the prince and princess marry. Once a couple has found that they are right for each other, the engagement should be of short duration as they prepare to spend the rest of their lives together.

The Princess and the Pea is based in reality and, though it includes some atypical qualities to keep the plot exciting and interesting, it is easy to relate to. The characters are understandable and relate well to each other in all situations. It could easily be a true story as people marry everyday. Magical in nature, the plot is entirely conceivable: men and women are brought together in all sorts of ways and in what may seem unlikely situations. What does it matter, if the couple is happy and content? In all their dealings, the courtly family and their distinguished guest, they are courteous and gracious with each other. This account is an excellent example of logical yet practical propriety.

It is always good to broaden one’s mind, what better material to start with than a renowned fable written by a famous author? By pursuing this story, the reader will reap multi-fold rewards. Imagination is a skill that is all too unfamiliar in today’s modern society. American culture has been so dominated by facts, laws, and intellectual boxes that to get out of this restricting mentality takes a deal of effort. One of the first places to start redeeming the creative capabilities of civilization is with reading basic, but, as G.K, Chesterton suggests, extraordinary literature that requires innovative faculties to engage. Secondly, reading fairy tales is a great way to introduce people to the vast world of the classics and the “great conversation.” Another reason for reading this fairy story is simply for pleasure. No matter what, The Princess and the Pea is and always will be an outstanding paradigm for all ages.

In summary, Anderson’s fairytales are extremely well written. The fact that the juvenile fairy-stories have lasted for ages and continue to intrigue both young and old, is a distinct sign of a true classic. Among many other qualities of this piece of literature, this story is coherent, understandable, believable, reasonable, and possibly even true. The Princess and the Pea is not only clear in message and content, but it is a timeless account that is worthy of being read. By immersing oneself in the tangible story of a lovelorn prince and following him to the end, when he meets his “princess charming,” the reader will find delight in the entertainment available at the turn of a page. To conclude: The Princess and the Pea is fantastic and a great read for people of all ages and literary backgrounds.