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Quote by Proclus

“Surely, the gods' judgment is certain. But as for us, we must be satisfied to 'come close' to those things, for we are men, who speak according to what is likely, and whose lectures resemble fables.”

Quote by Proclus

Author

Proclus

Proclus (February 8, 412 – April 17, 485) was a prominent late ancient Greek Neoplatonist philosopher, who served as the head of the Platonic Academy in Athens. He systematized and expanded the teachings of Plotinus and Iamblichus, earning the title 'the culmination of Neoplatonism.' His works cover metaphysics, cosmology, theology, mathematics, and literary criticism. His major writings, including 'Elements of Theology' and 'Platonic Theology,' profoundly influenced medieval Christian, Islamic, and Renaissance thought. Proclus emphasized the 'One' as the ultimate principle, from which all reality emanates through a hierarchy of intellect, soul, and matter. He advocated for a return to the divine through philosophy and mystical rites. His ideas resonated in the works of Pseudo-Dionysius, Thomas Aquinas, and Islamic philosophers, making him a key bridge between ancient and medieval philosophy. more

“It should have been the Arabian Nights, but to Bond, seeing it first above the tops of trams and above the great scars of modern advertising along the river frontage, it seemed a once beautiful theatre-set that modern Turkey had thrown aside in favour of the steel and concrete flat-iron of the Istanbul-Hilton Hotel, blankly glittering behind him on the heights of Pera.”

Antiquity Istanbul Modernization Turkey Pera

Book:From Russia with Love

Source: From Russia with Love

“When human life lay foul for all to see Upon the earth, crushed by the burden of religion, Religion which from heaven’s firmament Displayed its face, its ghastly countenance, Lowering above mankind, the first who dared Raise mortal eyes against it, first to take His stand against it, was a man of Greece. He was not cowed by fables of the gods Or thunderbolts or heaven’s threatening roar, But they the more spurred on his ardent soul Yearning to be the first to break apart The bolts of nature’s gates and throw them open. Therefore his lively intellect prevailed And forth he marched, advancing onwards far Beyond the flaming ramparts of the world, And voyaged in mind throughout infinity, Whence he victorious back in triumph brings Report of what can be and what cannot And in what manner each thing has a power That’s limited, and deep-set boundary stone. Wherefore religion in its turn is cast Beneath the feet of men and trampled down, And us his victory has made peers of heaven.”

Philosophy Science Religion Antiquity

Author:Titus Lucretius Carus

“...we can endure neither our vices nor the remedies needed to cure them.”

History Rome Antiquity Decadence Decline Of Civilization

Book:The History of Rome, Books 1-5: The Early History of Rome

Source: The History of Rome, Books 1-5: The Early History of Rome

“The study of the cultures of antiquity in general, and of ancient Egypt in particular, can serve to guide us out of the secular and dualistic impasse that we now face.”