Regarding the virtues [aretē] of women, Clea, I do not hold the same opinion as Thucydides. For he declares that the best woman is she about whom there is the least talk among persons … But to my mind Gorgias appears to display better taste in advising that not the form but the fame of a woman should be known to many. . … I would have said …that man’s… Read more
At libations to Zeus what else should rather be sung than the god himself, mighty for ever, king for evermore, router of the Pelagonians, dealer of justice to the sons of Heaven? For August we will be reading the Hymns of Callimachus. There are six surviving hymns: 1. to Zeus 2. to Apollo 3. to Artemis 4. to Delos 5. The Bath of Pallas 6. to Demeter According to the… Read more
It occurred to me one day that Sparta, though among the most thinly populated of states, was evidently the most powerful and most celebrated city in Greece; and I fell to wondering how this could have happened. But when I considered the institutions of the Spartans, I wondered no longer. Lycurgus, who gave them the laws that they obey, and to which they owe their prosperity, I do regard with… Read more
Back by popular demand! For June you can bring your own selection, one book that you like or dislike, and share your thoughts about it. You can read any book (or part of a book) you like related to the ancient Greeks, whether primary or secondary source, and depending on how many are in the session you will be allotted some time to convince us to read (or not) the… Read more
We’ve had some great discussions in the Book Club over the past year, both on Zoom and in the Forum. As always, it’s been a voyage of discovery, enriched and enlivened by comparing thoughts and ideas! Due to the holiday season there will be no Book Club selection for December, but here is a preview of what is coming up in the first part of 2022. January: Pausanias Description of… Read more