Category Archives: Pietro Paulo Vergerio

How Students Deceive Themselves

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Matthew Phillips

“For the first step in learning is the capacity to doubt, nor is there anything so inimical to learning as the presumption of one’s own erudition or excessive reliance upon one’s own wits: the one takes away our interest in … Continue reading →

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Studies Burdensome to Youth

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Matthew Phillips

One may wish to be learned in old age, but it is not easy to achieve this unless we have nurtured learning in ourselves from our earliest years with zealous effort.  So we need to prepare in youth those consolations … Continue reading →

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Proper Digestion

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“In the process of learning, the very thing that ought to be a great help, namely, a great desire to learn, often becomes for many people an impediment.  They want to take in everything at the same time, and are … 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 →

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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 →

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Books & Memory

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“For although written records are very valuable indeed for other purposes, they are especially valuable for preserving the memory of the past, as they contain the deeds of mankind, the unhoped-for turns of fortune, the unusual works of nature, and … Continue reading →

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