Author Archives: Matthew Phillips

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

Christ and Cicero

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“If to admire Cicero means to be a Ciceronian, I am a Ciceronian.  I admire him so much that I wonder at people who do not admire him.  This may appear a new confession of my ignorance, but this is … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, Petrarch, Renaissance | Leave a comment

He almost loved Luther

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“I know of no one who loathes the ambition, the avarice, and the sensuality of the clergy more than I–both because each of these vices is hateful in itself and because each and all are hardly suited to those who … Continue reading →

Posted in Francesco Guicciardini, Martin Luther, papacy, Renaissance | Leave a comment

Bringing Back What Happened

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“It is a noble exercise to recount accurately the deeds of princes.  To do so is to consider generously all that is subject to time, to celebrate the dead, to entertain the living, and to set out a past life … Continue reading →

Posted in First Crusade, history, medieval | Leave a comment

Transformed Noncorformity

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“When an affluent society would coax us to believe that happiness consists in the size of our automobiles, the impressiveness of our houses, and the expensiveness of our clothes, Jesus reminds us, ‘A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther King Jr | Leave a comment

Grammar is the Foundation

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“From the first, stress must be laid upon distinct and sustained enunciation, both in speaking and and in reading.  But at the same time utterance must be perfectly natural; if affected or exaggerated the effect is unpleasing.  The foundation of … Continue reading →

Posted in Battista Guarino, grammar, Renaissance, teaching | 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

History is the Foundation of Sacred Learning

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“First you learn history and diligently commit to memory the truth of the deeds that have been performed, reviewing from beginning to end what has been done, when it has been done, where it has been done, and by whom … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Hugh of St Victor, memory | Leave a comment

Schools, Pastors, and Preachers

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“Now I have preached and written a great deal urging that good schools should be established in the cities in order that we might produce educated men and women, whence good Christian pastors and preachers might come forth so that … Continue reading →

Posted in education, Martin Luther, teaching | 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