2- I found it interesting that Poggio did not care to further examine the poem besides an initial glance (205). I would assume, with his level of thoroughness and examination–that he would give greater care to a piece of literature. Particularly since it was a copy made specifically for him and was a text that he did not have access to. It makes me wonder if the copy was actually bad enough based on first glance that there was no…
2- I find it interesting how difficult On the Nature of Things is to read yet alone understand. As mentioned on page 182, the collection of Latin poems is described as “knotty” and “difficult”. From my point of view–if I was a philosopher thinker and wanted my ideas to be accepted by others–I would make the material as digestible as possible. Especially when you take into account that the literacy rate was lower. I suppose that maybe it was equivalent…
2- I found the quote, “Poggio understood that history has had its full measure of human folly and wickedness”, stated on page 159 particularly interesting. I find it interesting that even at this early stage of society, there was this awareness that there was corruption. Moreover, I feel as if Poggio–who happened to work closely with the pope and other higher ranking individuals speaking on the matter is even more telling since he is exposed to their behaviors and actions…
2- Something I found interesting was that while scribes had not directly been affiliated with the church, yet religious worship was required in order for them to maintain their jobs. On page 135 and 136, Greenblatt states, “Through scriptures were expected to attend mass every day before work, their post was a secular one –they busied themselves principally with the business side of the papacy, the side that entailed rationality, calculation, administrative skill, and legal acumen”. I believe that this…
2- On page 117 it states, “To them at least it did not seem obvious that the search on which they embarked was only a polite scroll onto well-trodden ground.” in regards to how Petrarch and his followers saw themselves. I found this interesting as I never thought about the possibility of certain ideas or techniques existing prior to the known creation. Moreover, I thought it was funny how egotistical and prideful these popular thinkers were of what they believed…
I think overall, I would not change my major choice based on the results I found, however it was quite interesting to learn more about the occupations within it.
2- On page 92, Greenblatt states, “Rumors began to circulate that her absorption in astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy–so strange, after all, in a woman–was sinister: she must be a witch, practicing black magic.”I found it interesting how for the most part–philosophical and scientific ideas were accepted when men presented them. However, when women such as Hypatia present ideas within the same realm, they are either not acknowledged or punished. What shocks me about the situation is that the people who…
Two- One thing specifically that interested me about the chapter was the idea that books became a symbol of high status. Greenblatt writes “It became increasingly fashionable for wealthy Romans to amass large libraries in their townhouses and country villas (60).”, stating how large private libraries became not only a trend, but a symbol of an aristocratic lifestyle. When thinking about this, I can think of several reasons why books could have gained this new purpose. Firstly, books and reading…
Faculty and Staff of the History Department- I think I would want to speak with Professor Johnathan Decoster. He is currently an assistant teaching professor who focuses on Native American and Colonial History. Johnathan has several publications in established sources. Additionally, he is the most recent graduated member in the department.
Two- “Behind the thick walls of the cloisters, the parasites would mumble their prayers and live off the income generated by those who farmed the monastery’s expensive landholdings (36).” I find it interesting how much hatred Poggio has towards the monks, especially since they have completed most of the heavy lifting in regards to preserving ancient texts. Several comments are made that challenge the idea that monks are individuals that contribute to society and that they are ignorant and that…
