Category Archives: Learning

Martin Luther, Augustine and the Languages

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“And, further, if I could bring it to pass among you, I should like to ask that you do not neglect the languages but, since it would not be difficult for you, that you have your preachers and some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, languages, Learning, Martin Luther | Leave a comment

Cassiodorus on Returning to Books

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“For learning taken from the ancients in the midst of praising the Lord is not considered tasteless boasting. Furthermore, you make a serious teacher angry if you question him often; but however often you want to return to these books, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cassiodorus, education, Learning, liberal arts, teaching | Leave a comment

The Drunken Effects of Reading

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“Reading sharpens perception, adds new dimensions of understanding, kindles an ardent desire to learn, affords fluency, warms the lukewarm enthusiasm of the mind, casts out sluggishness, tears away the web of lust, excites groans of the heart, coaxes forth tears, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alan of Lille, Learning, reading, reason, wisdom | Leave a comment

An Exhortation to Learning

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“So learn as though you were to live forever. So live as though you were about to die tomorrow…..Seneca says, ‘Life without letters is death and the tomb of the living man’…and elsewhere: ‘I would rather learn from others with … Continue reading →

Posted in Alan of Lille, Learning, liberal arts, teaching | Leave a comment

Augustine on Learning and the Human Teacher

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“My argument is with Christians who congratulate themselves on a knowledge of the holy scriptures gained without any human guidance and who–if their claim is valid–thus enjoy a real and substantial blessing.  But they must admit that each one of … Continue reading →

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Philosophy, History and Eloquence

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“For to the truly noble mind, and to those who are obligated to involve themselves in public affairs and human communities, knowledge of history and the study of moral philosophy are the more suitable subjects. The rest of the arts are called … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Learning, liberal arts, Pietro Paulo Vergerio, Politics, Renaissance, teaching | Leave a comment

She Has Talent without a Woman’s Weakness

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“There are now many honorable ladies who surpass the daughters of Thomas More in all kinds of learning; but among them all the most shining star, not so much for the clarity of her mind as for the splendor of … Continue reading →

Posted in Elizabeth I, Johann Sturm, Learning, memory, Roger Ascham, teaching | 2 Comments

Studies of Free Individuals

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“We call those studies liberal, then, which are worthy of a free [liber] man: they are those through which virtue and wisdom are either practiced or sought, and by which the body or mind is disposed towards all the best … Continue reading →

Posted in Learning, liberal arts, Pietro Paulo Vergerio, Renaissance | Leave a comment

Passion for Learning

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Let me, at the outset, begin with a caution.  No master can endow a careless and indifferent nature with the true passion for learning.  That a young man must acquire for himself.  But once the taste begins to develop, then … Continue reading →

Posted in Battista Guarino, Learning, Renaissance, teaching, zeal | Leave a comment

Medieval University Students

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“They attend classes but make no effort to learn anything….Such are the limbs of Satan rather than of Christ….And these persons who go to a university but do not study cannot with clear consciences enjoy the privilege of the fruits … Continue reading →

Posted in education, Learning, medieval, teaching, university | Leave a comment