Righteous Anger or Wounded Pride?

     After reading "Against the Robbing and Murdering Hordes of Peasants", I had to ask my dad if Martin Luther was being satirical...he wasn't. He truly wanted the rulers to smite the peasants. At first, I thought he was being a little harsh--and I definitely still do--but I see where he is coming from. Martin Luther defended the peasants' rights to be fed and taken care of, like the Bible commands, and yet they take it for granted and are even seeking to overthrow the government. He then tells the rulers that they should kill as many as possible, and he even says: "Stab, smite, slay, whoever you can. If you die in doing it, well for you! A more blessed death can never be yours, for you die obeying the divine Word and commandment in Romans XIII..." Dang. Isn't he doing one of the very things he condemned the Catholic church for doing? In the Crusades, the church said that whoever died in the war would be admitted into heaven, and now Martin Luther is implying the same thing. I guess in light of that, my question is, is he truly righteously angry or is he more embarrassed that he defended them to begin with? And was his idea of punishment anti-Christian?

95 Theses and Their Intentions

I find it so interesting that the 95 theses written by Martin Luther were not simply 95 things that Luther disagreed with in the Catholic Church. They were initially created and posted as a note of 95 statements Luther saw as needed for a revision in the Catholic Church. However, those who responded to the Theses did not receive them in the same civility Luther originally meant them to be understood.

I commented on Darby's and Daniel's.
(Darby Approved)

Luther

In reading the 95 theses, I was a bit lost. The concepts are not all completely foreign to me, but a lot of them I do not really understand. When he talks about someone's last moments (I think), he is basically saying that's when they are the fakest because they are just scared. Indulgences are supposed to supposedly save one from purgatory, but Abernathy described purgatory as "not a place". Then what are they paying money to save them from? I also thought that how later on he says that even though one pays an indulgence, if you pass a poor person on the street and do not give money to them, your indulgence does not count. Paying money for forgiveness just does not make sense to me.

I commented on Daniel and Darby's.

Martin Luther and the 95 Theses

I was aware of Martin Luther's 95 These but never had read it before. Now that I read it, I am surprised. I knew that Luther had nailed this work to the doors of the local church and that he called for change in the Catholic Church. I was aware of the many issues with the church at this time, but after getting into his theses, it is definitely a different experience. It gives you a very clear picture of what the problems in the church were like from the perspective of someone in that time period. I can almost hear and feel Luther's frustration in the words, and that is both a bit unnerving and very interesting. His feelings towards the church are made quite clear in these theses and I applaud him for doing what he did.

I commented on Darby's post.

95 Theses

It seems to me that Luther states his purpose for his 95 Theses quite plainly in the introduction to his work. I always thought Luther was screaming at the Catholic church with these theses, but in fact all he really wanted to do was just to talk through these ideas with someone else. I think the people who saw his work, took it the wrong way, therefore ending with his excommunication. One of the things Luther talks most about is the way the Catholic church does indulgences. He did not agree with the way indulgences were thought to save one form his/her sins. It seems to me that Luther really wanted these indulgences to be thought of (maybe) as a form of tithe. Instead, they were bought in order to buy one's salvation. All Luther wanted a change in the Catholic church, but instead he got a new change by creating Lutheranism.

Sir Gawain

The main question that I have from Sir Gawain is what is the point of the beheading or attempted beheading? I get that the game the green night wanted to play was dangerous and showed courage in whichever man was brave enough to play. However, after the green knight was beheaded he simply picked up his head and one year later when the green knight tried to cut off Sir Gawain's head, he was only able to make a small cut on the back of his neck. So my question is what was the purpose of decapitation here? Was it supposed to symbolize something else important? And if so, why were none of them successful ( I recognize that the green knight's head is successfully cut off but what is the point if he is able to simply pick his head up and move on with his life?

I commented on Brax's and Sierra's!

Sir Gawain, the totally depraved, and gay was he too...

"Sir Gawain the good, and gay was he too"


Was Sir Gawain good? From a christian perspective it is hard to justify this statement. For the Bible says "No one is good except God alone."(Mark 10:18). Even if we look outside of the Biblical context, we see that Sir Gawain was deceitful, thieving, and prideful. Sir Gawain demonstrates these sins by not fulfilling the promise of giving back the girdle. His pride is also demonstrated throughout this writing. As I was wrestling with this question, I began to wonder if I should bring Christianity into this since Sir Gawain is literature and we can't truly predispose our Christian beliefs on him. I began to ponder whether a god existed with this reality and my final conclusion was that there was. For to say, that Sir Gawain is good is to say that good exists, and if good exists there must be a moral law, and if there is a moral law there must be a moral law giver. So assuming that Sir Gawain is living in a theistic universe, there is absolutely no way he would be considered righteous or good and thus is a wretched sinner.


I commented on Hannah and Dallas's Posts.

A Comparison to the Christian Journey?

As odd as this initially sounds, I think this poem's story can be closely related back to the Christian walk through life. The Green Knight in ways represents Christ- with his 'resurrection', initial persona of justice, and later merciful act of forgiveness, and Sir Gawain represents us- with our pride, and desire to live with integrity, and our failure to do so on many accounts. It's an unlikely journey of humility for Gawain and a display of love/mercy for the Green Knight. I am still confused about how Morgan Le Fay fits into this story...is she there for historical reference or some deeper reason?

I commented on Hannah's and Wendy's

Sir Gawain, A Truly Polite Individual

I know that the rules of chivalry and whatnot were quite prominent at the time of the original rendition of this tale, but shouldn't Gawain be a little more forward with his rejection of his host's wife? Sure, if you don't like the food, suck it up. If she is a little weird, just deal with it. But if she tries to seduce you, perhaps you should be a little more upfront about your opinions. Granted we see where this got Joseph in the book of Genesis (prison, for those of you who don't know), so maybe Gawain is doing the best thing.

I commented on Sierra and Francesca's posts.

Pride

     Normally I'm not the person who tries to relate to characters in works we read, but this time I can't help but feel a lot like Gawain. I often find myself chasing honor, prestige, and recognition, and I end up getting in over my head. I find myself face-to-face with a powerful Green Knight who survives having his head cut off, and I pretend I can do the big task on my own and get halfway there and get scared and do whatever it takes to save my pride. All of it could've been avoided had I have trusted someone else or just had the courage to accept the consequences of my actions. I'm not thinking of an instance in particular in my own life, but a bunch of little instances (I think you see where I'm coming from).
     Eventually, Gawain accepts the consequences of his actions (duh, the girdle), and what I think I love the most is that his friends bear the punishment with him. They don't just tease him for caving or for not being perfect. I think we are the same way. We mess up and we get scared that when people find out, they will abandon us. I guess this is just a goofy reminder to me that even when we mess up, there is grace and forgiveness...even if you have to wear a green girdle.

I commented on Francesca and Nathanael's posts. 

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

I think I honestly just have questions. I agree with Darby and Ethan: what are we supposed to be understanding? What is the significance of the in-depth explanations of the disemboweling and cleaning of each animal after hunting? As a whole, how does these scenes contribute to the story? I appreciate Darby's attempts at trying to make sense of the symbolism of each animal. Surely, there has to be a deeper, underlying meaning behind all of this.

I commented on Darby and Hannah's posts!

Thoughts

After reading Sir Gaiwan and the Green Knight, I come to think of what is the point of this novel? It is just another epic that has a protagonist, antagonist, a journey, and something mystical. The color green is the only thing that seperates this from the rest. However in the end where Sir Gaiwan continues to wear the green girdle as a sign of his failure and sin is such an askewed perception of what he actually accomplished. In the beginning it is clear to see his bravery among the rest and that he is unique compared to the rest of the table. He should wear it as a reminder of his journey and what he learned along the way.

I commented on Dallas and Ethan's blog post.

What?

I think what we see in this story is not really a change from Gawain alone, but from both him and the green knight. We see Gawain looking for repentance and the knight being nice enough to forgive him and share his life. A very different picture of the two people we saw at the beginning of the story. Both were ridden with their own personal issues, including the knight's mocking nature and Gawain's
cowardice and initial sins because of that. I've enjoyed the story quite a bit but am gonna go ahead and say that I'm not 100% if we are supposed to get a crazy clear moral or lesson from this. Maybe that's a problem with reading these types of stories. We should enjoy the writing style and the way it was related to its time of creation.


P.S. I commented on Alex's and Hannah's posts

Morgan le Fay

At the end, we find that Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's half-sister, is the one that sent the Green Knight to the castle. She wanted to see if the knights of the Round Table were all they are cracked up to be. She wants to hurt Guinevere, but I do not really understand why. It is a very short description that brings the story together to all make sense. With this not really being the focus, one can see that the main thing to gain from this story is Gawain's transformation. He is honorable throughout the story, but is proven to be human when he inevitably falls. He is redeemed through his voluntary confession of his faults. He is shown to truly be honorable.

I commented on Dallas and Darby's posts.

Why is the Green Knight... Green?

People may wonder why the Green Knight is green all-over. I think that he's either a ghost or a supernatural being. Green is typically the color associated with the supernatural. In addition, the Green Knight survived having his head cut off (a feat impossible for any normal human). However, if he is a spirit, what might his purpose be? Could he have been sent to test the might and bravery of King Arthur's court?

I commented on Darby's and Dallas's posts.

Exposing the Wounds

In the end, Sir Gawain recognizes that the wound on his neck was a punishment for his cowardice and covetousness. It brings him grief and disgrace. However, he makes a very wise and true observation. He says, "A man may cover his blemish, but unbind it he cannot." This can apply in several ways. We can always try to hide our sins, but we can hide nothing from God. The more we try to hide our wickedness, the greater the damage it causes in our lives. No man can ever do anything to remove the pain and scars caused by our sin. Though man is not capable, God most certainly is. Christ is the only one who can expose our wounds and cleanse them. As Gawain finds out, it is painful and brings shame and disgrace when a wound is exposed. When the Word of God exposes our sin, it brings shame and is quite painful. But when God cleanses us of our sin, we are made new and no longer have to live hiding our sin and shame. This quote just stood out to me as a picture of the gospel and how incredible God is as he cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

I commented on Hannah and Alex's posts.

What is the significance?

Even though I liked Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, I am confused about the significance of it. Even more so, I do not understand why the knight Gawain befriends is the Green Knight. I figured he was the Green Knight or at least not a real friend to Gawain because the game he proposed seemed sketchy. I was trying to understand the game and how it went along with the three huntings and the three temptings of the knight's wife, and all that I could come up with is how with each animal the temptations of the wife get more intense. The first game the knight kills are deer, which for the most part are innocent and harmless. And the first tempting of the wife seems harmless enough because she just wants to get to know Gawain more. But the next day, the knight and his men chase after a boar, and as most people know, boars can be savage beasts. And as we read, the wife just wants a little bit more of Gawain. She wants him to sleep with her, all the while testing him to see if he actually would. The last animal the knight brings home, is a fox which I think is very significant. Foxes are thought to be very cunning and wise and sneaky animals which seems to mirror the knight Gawain has befriended. The wife tricks Gawain into taking the gift she has given him, the girdle, and tells him not to tell her husband. This is the sin that Gawain gets caught in. So when he goes to the Green Knight's lair, in all honesty, he seems to be forgiven a lot easier than I would have thought. So all in all, I do not get the whole point of the Green Knight in the first place (again). Was the point just to see who was worthiest out of all of King Arthur's knights?

I commented on Wendy's and Ethan's!

Pretending to be Brave

“But however heedfully thou hid it, if I here departed, fain in fear now to flee, in the fashion thou speakest, I should a knight coward be, I could not be excused.” (105)

This passage bothers me. Gawain is about to meet the Green Knight, and he is wearing the green girdle. This girdle is supposed to protect him from harm, but he was not supposed to keep it. The agreement he made with the king was that he would return all the things he received each day back to him. His fear caused him to act dishonestly and keep the girdle anyway. This is not courageous, yet he pretends to have courage in this passage. He appeals to his honor, and refuses to let his fear drive him from his quest. The problem is that he already lost his honor, and he is wearing the gift that attests to his lack of honor. His pride leads him to trick his guide (and maybe even himself) into believing that he is brave. I do understand that he redeems himself and recognizes his mistake, but it still irritates me that Gawain even acts heroic when he has done something that so compromises his honor and bravery.

I commented on Darby and Dallas' posts. 

'Immaculate Pearl

'My immaculate Lamb, my final end
Beloved, Who all can heal', said she,
'Chose me as a spouse, did to bridal bend
That once would have seemed unmeet to be.
From your weeping world when I did wend
He called me to his felicity :
"Come hither to me, sweetest friend,
For no blot nor spot is found in thee!"
Power and beauty he gave to me;
In his blood he washed my weeds in state,
Crowned me clean in virginity,
And arrayed me in pearls immaculate.'

This entire section of the book was very encouraging to read. Being able to hear the Gospel story in a unique way that I haven't heard before was a true blessing. The different uses of imagery and the likeness of the jeweler and the pearl was such a beautiful expression. The fact that we sinners are actually seen as worth something to the one who gave it all, the Immaculate Lamb, is a very sobering moment of realization. With that worth, we are held to a standard that only can be achieved through dependence on Jesus and the Father. I am willing to bet that this is a relationship that will last well throughout the world's trials, for HE has overcome the world. What shall we fear?? Very encouraging today!!

P. S. I commented on Dallas' and Noah's posts

Why Green?

In reading most of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are forms of alliteration with the harsh letter g sound when describing and talking about the Green Knight which add to his already overbearing character. Also the way he presents himself by looking down on some of the most well known knights of the round table shows arrogance and abudnace of pride. The way he comes to someones else's home turf and demands things such as playing a game and seeing the highest in charge aid to that as well and bring sense of intimidation. One thing that I do not understand is WHY GREEN? Why choose this color that isnt initmadting at all? Why not purple to show royality or prestige? Or black to show power and mystery? Green reminds me of Earth and things that aren't at all what the Green Knight presents himself as.


I commented on Dallas's and Daniel's blog post.

Alliteration and Rhyme

I find the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight interesting, but I just love the alliteration and rhyme used. After reading it out loud, it became very humorous and sometimes hard to read without getting tongue-tied. It is just incredible to me that so much thought went into making the text alliterate and explain the plot. These literary devices make the reading more entertaining but do not distract to much from the great story line. I appreciate Tolkien's work in translating this work and the great writing of the original author, who is sadly unknown. This is one of my favorite readings so far simply because of the style that it is written in.

I commented on Alex and Francesca's posts.

I'm Gawain: I have big muscles and courage, but no honor.

Listen, Gawain is a great knight. He's loyal to his king; he lives by his knightly code; and he never strays away from a challenge...even when that challenge is unknown from an unknown knight in all green armor that invaded on the feast your king was hosting. I find Gawain's courage in the beginning to be astounding. Although it took him a good while to accept the green knight's challenge, and he only accepted it to save Arthur the trouble; he still possessed the courage to take the ax and strike the knight.  Gawain is defending his king and at the same time showing off his knightly valor. The challenge is completed, the green knight recovers his severed head and leaves, and Gawain is stuck for the next year that he must return the blow to the green knight in one year's time. Gawain at this point was on medieval death row. Talk about a punishment; Gawain now must sit for an entire year knowing that his coming death will be that of decapitation.

Gawain then travels in search of the green knight and stumbles along a king and his castle and is faced with another challenge there. Gawain is told to repay to his host what he has received while his host is out hunting in the mornings. Gawain follows through with the promise on the first two nights. He is then caught by the same woman that visited him the past two days asking for "more." Gawain in his knightly manner denies her the favor and instead accepts a cloth that prevents death. Man, what a snag! A cloth that can prevent me from dying when I know my death awaits me in a couple of days? Sign me up!

This has me disgruntled, as Gawain received this cloth during the time his host was out, so he must give it to the host. Gawain, however, decides to keep the cloth a secret and then leaves to confront the green knight.

A knight such as Gawain, who has been built up to be this noble and honorable fellow, is then seen lying to his host in order to save his own life? That's untrustworthy and dishonorable, and if Arthur were to find out, I'm sure Gawain would no longer be welcome at the round table. It seems like a minor offense, but the cloth given to him had magical properties able to defy death. I'd say that Gawain should accept his fate and carry out the knight's challenge willingly, knowing that he will not survive. I'd rather die honorably than to be known as a liar and thief.

I commented on Natalie's and Alex's.

Pineapple does not go on pizza...

True Bravery

I really enjoyed this reading! The alliteration and rhyming reminded me a lot of children’s books. Despite the light and playful wording, the story line was very well-suited for all audiences. The ending was my favorite part. Gawain demonstrates an often-neglected part of being a real hero. He shamefully recounts his mistake, and he is very upfront with Arthur and the rest of the kingdom about his cowardly actions. Even in his shame, he is renowned as a hero for his bravery and honesty. I think Gawain reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is be honest about their failures.  

I commented on Daniel and Nate’s posts.

Sir Gawain's Timeless Morals

I find Sir Gawain to be a character that is easily relatable, even in modern contemporary times. Throughout his journey, Sir Gawain resists temptation, braves the Green Knight, confesses his sins, basically he grows as a person. These trials and tribulations can easily parallel everyday real-world problems that Christians face, like resisting temptation. I think it's cool to find an old piece of work that can still resonate into the modern real world, as bravery and self-control are virtuous traits.

I commented on Daniel's and Wendy's.

*Contains Spoilers if You Haven't Read to the End*

*Disclaimer: I am unsure of how far we were supposed to read, so I read the whole thing. If you want to preserve the ending, don't continue reading.*

     Sir Gawain sets off on his journey in order to gain honor. The knights praise his intentions and his courage, and when he gets halfway through his journey, he begins to question why he went. This is pretty much the plot of a lot of stories, except the main characters in the majority of the stories are small, weak characters whereas Sir Gawain is definitely not portrayed as being weak. To me, the ending is what separates this story from the rest. He caves to the temptation and takes what is basically a girdle out of hopes that it would protect him, and he pays the consequences. Usually, the hero wins and goes away unscathed and without consequences. I like that Gawain doesn't try to fight his consequence and that the other knights join him in his punishment.

I commented on Wendy and Nate's posts. 

Sir Gawain and The Green Knight

In reading this poem over the weekend, I was annoyed with the amount of times the book had Gawain's name printed "Wawain". It was ridiculous. Gawain is a knight of truly noble character. He is humble from the beginning when he volunteers to take the blow from the Green Knight. He is tempted three times by the Green Knight's wife. Sir Gawain is honorable enough to not be a "traitor" to the owner of the house he is residing in. He pleads for God's help to keep him strong. The third time, Sir Gawain is tempted by fear and cowardice to accept the lace from the Lady of the house. This lace is said to protect him. To me, this is not the dishonorable part really. When Sir Gawain does not hold true to the lord of the house's deal, that is when he becomes ignoble. Sir Gawain keeps the "love- lace that the lady had given" him despite the agreement to exchange whatever the other had won that day. I do believe Sir Gawain has redemption though. He is in a sense forgiven by the Green Knight and returns to King Arthur's castle to tell the truth of what happened. He does not hide what he has done, even though it questions his loyalty to what is noble. Sir Gawain admits to his sins and there is nobility/honor in that.

I commented on Daniel and Nate's.

THe Green Knight's Motives?

I am at a loss for the reason the Green Knight came to Arthur to challenge him or Gawain or whomever he came seeking to a fight. He simply entered the court, making an arrogant challenge, then had his head removed. He then reveals he doesn't even really need the head to live, carrying it around after the beheading like the Headless Horseman. Why did he come to Arthur's court to perform such an action? Is it the idea of honor and glory in battle? If so, he certainly has an unfair advantage in a battle, what with the continuing to function without a head, and all. It would not be a fair and honorable battle because of that, so then why? What does he want? I have no idea.

I commented on Darby and Nate's posts.

My first thoughts on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight....

When I first started reading Sir Gawain, my thought was "what?!" I did not understand who the green knight was, why he wanted to play a game, or anything else for that matter. What this story kind of reminds me of though, is David and Goliath. Not in a biblical way, but in the way that a tiny man comes to fight a giant to protect people he loves. But that is where the similarities end because after Gawain chops the knight's head off, the knight just walks away. I am not sure I could even guess what the point to his game would be just from reading the first section. But the knight is wanting Gawain to go on a journey to find him-- what that journey has in store, I have no idea but it will be interesting to read about it.

I commented on Nate's and Natalie's!

Sir Gawain (Post for 4/11)

   Sir Gawain and The Green Knight is one of my favorite readings from this semester. First off, I love the mysteriousness of it having no author, which just seems fitting due to the aura of mystery inside the tale itself. Also, I love reading anything Tolkien, who translated this edition. (He also wrote a killer introduction.) Anyway, this work has many themes throughout, my favorite being the human condition--namely, its imperfection.

   This story focuses upon the perfection and valor of Sir Gawain throughout its entirety. But even Gawain, the pillar of morality and loyalty, fails in at least one regard. This points out man's inability to be perfect, his fallen state. If even one of the greatest among men can fail, so can all men. Also, it is interesting to note that Gawain does a wonderful job of resisting temptation, until his life is on the line. It is fear of death and love of self that leads him to his one failure. Could this transfer over to our lives? Perhaps the reasons behind our most glaring failures is an excess of self-love, or maybe in fact a fear of loss, be that of life, stature, or respect. Maybe I'm wrong, but most sins in my opinion could be pulled from these two categories: fear and pride. What do you think?

The Utopian Traveler

The Utopian traveler caught my attention upon the reading of "Utopia." What grabbed me so, I think, was the orderliness, structure, and strictness of the traveling. In our world, we might see traveling as a sort of freedom, an opportunity to vacation and do as you please, but to travel in Utopia comes with rules and guidelines to follow. A passport is necessary and if not obtained, upon second offense, you were to be sold into slavery. And even if you obtain a passport, wherever you travel, you are expected to help labor in your area of work. Though it sounds efficient, I feel like my desire to be free in travel would be compromised and even take away from the joy found in traveling.

I commented on Wendy's and Alex's

Utopia

The fact that every one works in an Utopian society is interesting. Only six hours a day are spent working; that's less than the average work day now. I like how they set aside time for work, and leisure time is spent enriching their minds. Utopia sounds nice, but I feel like life would be quite boring and freedom is limited. One has to dress the same, work the same, and eat the same. There are variations in what they do and do have freedom, but I feel it is extremely limited. It has various similarities with utilitarianism.

I commented on Dallas and Alex's.

A Common Goal

In Utopia, the common goal of working for the necessities of the public showed a sort of camaraderie and connection between the people. I couldn't help but notice the way they divided their time throughout the day, so they are able to be efficient. They held contribution to society through work highly, but they were also mindful that the people should not toil all day and night. This shows to me that one of the common goals was to progress as a society but to not get lost in the future. I will command them on their dividing people off to work or study depending on their interests. Quite a good working society.




P.S. I commented on Hannah and Daniel's posts

Utopia: The Simpler Life

I feel like the purpose of Utopia is to illustrate that the simpler life is easier than wanting more. While many kingdoms are at war trying to conquer each other, the Utopians instead live in peace, working together six hours a day. Unlike other countries where people work long hours but are less productive because there's more people who are not working, everyone in Utopia has a purpose that keeps the country productive, but are still given time to peruse leisurely activities, which is important. While it's important to work, it's also important to allow people time to recharge. It shows that cooperation, not long work hours, can produce the most results.

I commented on Hannah and Dallas'.

Man's Love of Power

"For most princes apply themselves more to affairs of war than to the useful arts of peace; and in these I neither have any knowledge, nor do I much desire it: they are generally more set on acquiring new kingdoms, right or wrong, than on governing well those they possess. And among the ministers of princes, there are none that are not so wise as to need no assistance, or at least that do not think themselves so wise that they imagine they need none; and if they court any, it is only those for whom the prince has much personal favor, whom by their fawnings and flatteries they endeavor to fix to their own interests: and indeed Nature has so made us that we all love to be flattered, and to please ourselves with our own notions."

This quote from Raphael says a lot about the nature of man. Man craves power and control above all things. He has reason for not wanting to be a counselor for royalty based on the majority of rulers. He recognizes the pride of man and does not want to deal with the arrogance of a prince. He recognizes the selfishness caused by our sinful human nature. However, this does not mean that he should not try to make a difference and offer good advice to a ruler. Even if they do not listen, he should make an effort. He understands what is wrong but he does not seek to make a difference.

I commented on Hannah and Daniel's posts.

Princes and the People

While reading this, I noticed a particular line, "...for the springs of both good and evil flow from the prince, over a whole nation, as from a lasting fountain." I immediately thought of the Niocomachean Ethics by Aristotle. This sounds very similar to Aristotle's defining features of a just ruler, in that a good prince will produce good people, and vice versa. It is often that the character of the ruler defines the character of the people he rules over, as he defines the laws of the land and his actions have great ramifications as the face and voice of his kingdom. This is such an important theme in political power, that some forget about. And in the end, the bad rulers receive their due.

I commented on Hannah and Trevor's post.

The Wisdom of a Traveler

"But you are much mistaken," said he, "for he has not sailed as a seaman, but as a traveller, or rather a philosopher.”

Travel is a very eye-opening experience. Raphael’s wisdom and character is greatly impacted by his extensive travels. He has great wisdom concerning the character of men and what it takes govern them well. His view can be seen as very pessimistic, but I would suggest that travel has opened his eyes to the overarching reality of all of human nature. He has been in close relationships with people from across the world and seen that  they are not so different from his own countrymen. As he reenters his home country, he sees it more clearly than he did before. He is not surprised that men are thieves, but rather he is able to discern why they are. Travel transformed him into a better philosopher. His understanding and knowledge increased exponentially by simply taking the time to know another people well.  This is why it is so important to learn from other cultures. Travel is the best remedy to ignorance, and in the end, it helps one understand themselves and those around them more fully.

I commented on Daniel and Trevor's posts.

What have the Romans ever done for us?

" This Raphael, who from his family carries the name of Hythloday, is not ignorant of the Latin tongue, but is eminently learned in the Greek, having applied himself more particularly to that than to the former, because he had given himself much to philosophy, in which he knew that the Romans have left us nothing that is valuable, except what is to be found in Seneca and Cicero" - I take issue with this statement, partially on principal of sweeping generalities, but also because Rome was the fulfillment of several of the Greek traditions (Hellenism exceeded by Pax Romana, Marcus Aurelius redeeming the Stoics, etc.). Understanding that the Greeks were the foundation of Western culture is one thing, removing the Empire that firmly settled that foundation is another. The Romans may have mostly regurgitated the Greek tradition, but they also brought their own strong points.