Category Archives: grammar

The Big Lie and the Truth

Posted on August 25, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“I know it is the fashion to say that most of recorded history is lies anyway. I am willing to believe that history is for the most part inaccurate and biased, but what is peculiar to our own age is … Continue reading →

Posted in George Orwell, grammar, philosophy, reason | 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

The Foundation of the Liberal Arts

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“Grammar takes its name from the written character, as the derivation of the word indicates.  The definition of grammar is this: Grammar is the science which teaches us to explain the poets and historians; it is the art which qualifies … Continue reading →

Posted in grammar, history, Rhabanus Maurus | 1 Comment

Early Elementary Teaching

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“One must lead the child to declensions and to conjugations at the same time as he is learning his letters.  Because, from the fact that the same word changes case and gender, that the first syllables remain and that the … Continue reading →

Posted in grammar, Johann Sturm, Renaissance, teaching | Leave a comment

Grammar is our Mother

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“Grammar is the cradle of all philosophy, and in a manner of speaking, the first nurse of the whole study of letters.  It takes all of us as tender babes, newly born from nature’s bosom.  It nurses us in our … Continue reading →

Posted in grammar, John of Salisbury, Learning, medieval, teaching, trivium | Leave a comment

Luther, the Study of the Languages, and the Reformation

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“I realize there has never been a great revelation of God’s Word unless God has first  prepared the way by the rise and flourishing of languages and learning, as though these were forerunners, a sort of [John] the Baptist.  Certainly … Continue reading →

Posted in education, grammar, Martin Luther, Renaissance | Leave a comment