The Classical Wisdom Tradition

“Never do anything which you do not understand, but learn all you need to know, and thus you will lead a very pleasant life.” The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 30–31

"The underlying infrastructure of the contemporary academy, more broadly, is actually fundamentally nihilistic. And it's a covert nihilism. Because people won't say: 'I'm a nihilist.' But when you press them, you discover that they're nihilistic, because they…

“Many words, both wretched and noble, assault men. Do not be astonished by them, nor allow them to deter you from your purpose.” The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 21–23

“But among the rest, befriend him whoever is best. Yield to his gentle words and useful deeds. And do not hate your friend for a small failing, for as long as you are able—for power dwells near necessity.” The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 5–8

"First, honor the immortal gods, as set down by the law, and revere the oath." The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 1-2

"May I be happy, beloved of the immortal gods, Cyrnus; that is the only virtue I desire." Theognis, Elegiac Poems 653-4

LXIV. Orphic Hymn to Mars [Ares] The Fumigation from Frankincense. Magnanimous, unconquer'd, boistrous Mars, in darts rejoicing, and in bloody wars Fierce and untam'd, whose mighty pow'r can make the strongest walls from their foundations shake: Mortal destroying king, defil'd with gore, pleas'd with war's dreadful and tumultuous roar: Thee, human blood, and swords, and spears delight, and the dire ruin of mad savage fight. Stay, furious contests, and avenging strife, whose works with woe, embitter human life; To lovely Venus [Kypris], and to Bacchus [Lyaios] yield, to Ceres [Deo] give the weapons of the field; Encourage peace, to gentle works inclin'd, and give abundance, with benignant mind. Recommended reading for the next week: The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 11

“Untaught boys confuse letters, but uneducated men, things.” The Similitudes of Demophilus 33

“It is the business of a musician to harmonize every instrument but of a well-educated man to adapt himself harmoniously to every fortune.” The Similitudes of Demophilus 29

“The wealth of the greedy, like the Sun when it has descended under the earth, delights no living thing.” The Similitudes of Demophilus 27

“Clothes reaching to the feet impede the body and immoderate riches, the soul.” The Similitudes of Demophilus 21

“Both a well-adapted shoe, and a well-harmonized life, are accompanied with but little pain.” The Similitudes of Demophilus 20

"The Spirit of Plato" by William Blake

"Reason, like a good potter, introduces a beautiful form to the soul." The Similitudes of Demophilus 5