One of the most potent forces throughout medieval society was the apostolic poverty movement, heretical and orthodox by turns; but what was it?
Texts in Context: The Apostolic Poverty Movement Read More »
Persuasion aims at action, and action takes place in time. It follows that rhetoric looks in three directions: past, present, and future.
Rhetorica: A Speech in Time Saves Nine Read More »
“What great advantages would philosophy give us over other men, if by studying it we could learn to govern our passions?” — Peter Abelard
Texts in Context: The Queen of the Sciences Read More »
What is essential to argument is not that both sides prove everything they say, but only that they begin from premises both parties accept.
Rhetorica: Of the Same Clay Read More »
If there is an era that truly deserves to be hailed as possessing a new energy of civilization-spanning rebirth, it is the beginning of the High Middle Ages.
Texts in Context: The Real Renaissance Read More »
The darkness lies, the darkness does not care …
Student Poem: Sirens Read More »
An essential part of the secret of magnanimity is, knowledge is not a zero-sum game.
Rhetorica: The Weakness of Magnanimity Read More »
Just as Roman law and Christian faith were being torn to pieces in the Mediterranean, parchment and pen had appeared among the barbarians of the north …
Texts in Context: Timeline of the Early Middle Ages Read More »
“Most people are normal” does not sound controversial, or even worth saying; but it is surprisingly hard, and worthwhile, to really believe.
Rhetorica: The Practice of Magnanimity Read More »
The High Middle Ages are almost upon us. With them come two movements that will transfigure Europe and, eventually, the globe.
Texts in Context: In the Year of Our Lord Read More »
