Author Archives: Matthew Phillips

A Glorious and Everlasting Possession

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“Every man who wishes to rise superior to the lower animals should strive his hardest to avoid living all his days in silent obscurity, like the beasts of the field, creatures which go with their faces to the ground and … Continue reading →

Posted in Intellect, Sallust | Leave a comment

True Friendship

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“Now I think the word amicus [friend] comes from the word amor [love], and amicitia [friendship] from amicus.  For love is a certain “affection” of the rational soul whereby it seeks and eagerly strives after some object to possess it … Continue reading →

Posted in Aelred of Rievaulx, Cicero, friendship, Love | Leave a comment

History Kindles the Desire for Honor

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“I have often heard that Quintus Maximus, Publius Scipio, and other illustrious citizens of our state, used to say that the sight of their ancestors’ portrait-masks fired their hearts with an ardent desire to merit honour.  Obviously they did not … Continue reading →

Posted in history, memory, Rome, Sallust | Leave a comment

Principles over Passions

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“To criticize a particular subject…a man must have been trained in that subject: to be a good critic generally, he must have had an all-round education.  Hence the young are not fit to be students of Political Science.  For they … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristotle, Politics, virtue | Leave a comment

The Princess of the Whole Human Race

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“Filius ita factus est homo, ut a spiritu sancto sine virili opera conciperetur et ex Maria pura, sancta, semper virgine nasceretur…” Dass der Sohn sei also Mensch worden, das er vom heiligen Geist ohn männlich Zutun empfangen und von der … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, Mary, virtue | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Show Must Go On

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“Finally, make sure that your entire campaign is full of pomp, glamorous, eye-catching, and popular, that it has the maximum visibility and prestige.  Also, be sure if at all possible that your competitors acquire a bad reputation for vice, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, government, Politics | Leave a comment

Truth Makes Enemies

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” John 18:38   Regarding these words Dr. Luther stated the following: “I do not know whether Pilate is being serious or whether he is mocking.  But in my understanding, I take what he says … Continue reading →

Posted in gospel, Martin Luther | Leave a comment

He Scatters the Peoples Who Delight in War

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“It is not right to start a war just because some silly lord has gotten the idea into his head. At the very outset I want to say that whoever starts a war is in the wrong.  And it is … Continue reading →

Posted in government, justice, Martin Luther, Politics, war | Leave a comment

Ruling the World Through Reading Books

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“The world is indeed a sick thing; it is the kind of fur on which neither hide no hair is any good.  The healthy heroes are rare, and God provides them at a dear price.  Still the world must be … Continue reading →

Posted in government, Martin Luther, reading | Leave a comment

Sallust on the Danger of Using Force

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“Of these various paths to fame, it seems to me that the holding of civil and military posts, and indeed all political activities, are in these days the least desirable.  For the deserving do not obtain the honours of office; … Continue reading →

Posted in government, Politics, Sallust, war | Leave a comment