Post: #26

I really like this type of book. Collections of essays make every chapter worth it rather than most books which fill up the pages with words which you have to skim through just to get the ''meat'' of the subject.

I also like the writing style. It reads very clever and flows nicely as opposed to other history books that forced me to hit google translation or spam synonym websites just to get the meaning of one paragraph. I also used it as inspiration when I was writing essay reports for University assignments since I'm a horrible writer, it gave me a confidence boost that I needed.

My favourite chapter was 'The March of Worldly Wisdom'. It's a good measurement of wisdom I think. Maybe not that useful to the older guys, but for a young guy like me every page was a slap in the face.
I hope that Pantheon has many chapters like this. I bought it from Amazon.uk and I am fairly certain it's going to arrive faster than what they say on their website just like 'thirty seven' did. No hard feelings if the pix-elated cover arrives

Post: #27

Since I received my physical copy, I've been giving it a re-read, and it is beautiful how efficiently QC breaks down deep knowledge, hard-won wisdom and the sum of years of experience into a readable, understandable essay. I'm about a third of the way back through it, but am taking my time because I prefer to let each essay stew in my mind and consider it before moving on. Like a good meal, I'm eating slowly to savour the flavour.

Since I started noting the 'Utopian Idealist' streak of SJW's recently, I greatly-enjoyed re-reading the chapter on H.G. Wells, and QC's darkly-humorous summation of his inevitable disappointment with humanity.

An advantage for me with a physical copy is the ability to move more freely about the book, since a later part of an essay might illuminate more light on something said earlier, or in another essay entirely. It's much easier now to flip back to gain further understanding. I'll never be convinced of the benefits of a Kindle other than storage space, (which, to me is like an I-Pod: more choice just offers the potential for greater distraction, lesser focus, and the need to not weigh up the valuable against the valueless).

It's awakened a greater interest in philosophy inside me, one that was extinguished in my university years by the already-established Feminist Oligarchy ignoring any discussion of Spirituality or Wisdom, and making each lecture all about Feminist Social Issues. I quickly dropped it after sitting through three lectures and two practicals on abortion in the space of two weeks, well aware there was only one acceptable answer for them.

A truly-great work from QC, of which he should be proud. I highly-recommend it.

(04-02-2015 03:09 PM)Andreas Wrote:  I also like the writing style. It reads very clever and flows nicely as opposed to other history books that forced me to hit google translation or spam synonym websites just to get the meaning of one paragraph.

You'll notice how often QC's writing style resembles the great thinkers he is quoting.

Post: #28

I just purchased this book, following the simple heuristic, "If AnonymousBosch likes it, then it must be awesome."

I'll post my review when I'm done, which will probably be around five weeks. (Am currently reading Preventive Medicine, and am being swamped with work.)

Post: #29

^ I'll just point out I was re-reading 'Thirty-Seven'. I purchased it on Kindle before a physical copy was released, and re-purchased it knowing it deserved to have a place on my bookshelf. It's the kind of book you dream of a friend of visitor selecting when they're staying with you, and thanking you for later.

I'm expecting even greater things from 'Pantheon', but, given the distance factor, it'll take some time to arrive here.

Post: #30

Still working my way through this timely tome. I find I need to read an essay at a time & then allow for contemplation to get the most from each but I included this in my RVF introductory post...

Quote:Quintus Curtius. I am humbled by your brain sir. If I could ever express myself with half of the sheer depth & breadth of your intellect & understanding of this world I would count myself a lucky man. Thank you for opening my mind & my soul. It was reading your first essay in ‘Thirty Seven’ – How a Wise Man Should Reveal His Opinions this morning that has spurred me to finally write this introductory post.

Thank you again QC, now that I'm done with Preventative Medicine, Pantheon is next up.

Post: #31

I have decided to purchase a "lifetime gold membership" out of respect for the forum. Thanks to the many members who have helped to change my perspective on life and philosophy.

For my first post, I think it is appropriate to post a review of "Pantheon." As I mention numerous times in my review (previously posted to Amazon.com), I would strongly encourage other forum members to purchase this book (along with "37 Essays.")

...

"So advance, fight unflinchingly with steel, and bring to bear standard against standard, weapon against weapon, and chest against chest. And I, the spectator of your fortitude...will be there, and will honor each of you according to his merits.
- Bartolomeo Fonzio, 1511 [Opening quote]

This is the second book by "Quintus Curtius." I have purchased several copies now, and given away my extra copies for gifts. I have delayed for some time in posting this review, as it is a difficult book to review and categorize. It is a philosophy book, a book on wisdom and history, and also mixed with personal essays. The book is very dense, meaty, and takes time to study and digest. The book covers many essays, from the folly of cultural relativism (See essay 2, "On Cultivating Certainty") to the wisdom of kings (see essay 24, "The Wisdom of Louis IX.") Some essays can be quickly read and have a clear story or moral, while others take time for the wisdom to soak in. It be many hours or days later when the ideas finally "click." I recommend reading in "smaller bites," and making many notes! Throughout the entire book, it is clear that the author has a love of the source material, and personally translated the original texts (including Latin and Arabic).

This is a book that is written by a modern scholar who clearly has a deep love and appreciation for the wisdom of men in past ages, and an understanding of present events and cultural trends. Curtius also writes on his military service, and speaks on how some of his experiences color his philosophy and understanding of the world. Curtius served as a United States Marine Intelligence officer, and served in the Bosnian civil war/peace keeping mission. This is discussed in essay 33 "Hatred is a poison." I will not say anymore on the "Hatred" essay, as it must be read in it's entirety. I had also been through a war zone at a different period in my life, and I needed some extra time for reflection after reading this very personal essay.

It should be noted that not all the essays are of "serious" topics, but look at the lighter side of life. One of my favorites of this philosophy/humor blend was used in Curtius's fictional meet-up with the ghost of Christopher Hitchens (essay 5). Curtius meets up with Hitchen's "ghost" within his home, and they proceed to have a debate on the value of religion within society. The debate is course a fictional tale, but brings up many excellent points including how religion also allows society's moral codes to be transmitted from one generation to the next.

Curtius:
..."Religion gives expression to the innermost yearnings of the human soul. For the average person (and are we not all in this class?), life is a constant struggle to stay afloat in an uncertain world. We are on a daily basis so harassed with the worldly strife that we need something to give us comfort in our bereavements and anguish. The myths, legends, and rituals of religion soothe our tumescent hearts, and permit us some measure of relief. It is pure cruelty, in my view, for you to try to mock those simple aspirations, and try to take away that simple solace from the minds of men and women. Making fun of religious stories and miracles is petty and carping, and it misses the point entirely..."

Whatever your thoughts are on religion/secular value systems, I can only hope this essay will make you pause and reflect on your own pre-conceived beliefs..

To wrap up this review, it must be noted that within "Pantheon" - there is a "book within a book. " Curtius has written a "Study of Neoplatonism." Curtius breaks down 54 "summaries of the Enneads", and his understanding of Neoplatonic principles. Curtius stated that he sees the value in understanding Neoplatonism as the "bridge between the worlds of classical and early Christian Europe" (263).

Overall, this book is very well written and worth adding to your personal library. It is a book that can be re-visited time and time again, as much of the material is timeless. If you are appreciate it as much as I did, you may need to give away extra copies to people who appreciate some challenging ideas!