Category Archives: teaching

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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Martin Luther on Studying Theology and Reading Scripture

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“Moreover, I want to point out to you a correct way of studying theology, for I have had practice in that.  If you keep to it, you will become so learned that you yourself could (if it were necessary) write … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, reading, teaching, theology, writing | Leave a comment

Erasmus on Teachings of Christ, Plato, and the Prince

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Before all else the story of Christ must be firmly rooted in the mind of the prince.  He should drink deeply of His teachings, gathered in handy texts, and then later from those very fountains themselves, whence he may drink … Continue reading →

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Luther on History as Example

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“The renowned Roman Varro says that the very best way to teach is to add an example or illustration to the word, for they help one both to understand more clearly and to remember more easily.  Otherwise, if the discourse … 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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Parents, Education, the Church, and the State

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“The right of the Church to have schools is entirely in concord with the right of parents to educate their children.  What is incumbent upon the parents in all questions of natural life is incumbent upon the Church with regard … Continue reading →

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Luther on Writing

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Some think that the office of writer is simple and easy, that real work is to ride in armor and suffer heat, cold, dust, thirst, and other discomforts.  It is always the same old story: no one sees where the … Continue reading →

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Humanity, Reason, and Education

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Nature, the mother of all things, has equipped brute animals with more means to fulfil the functions of their species; but to man alone she has given the faculty of reason, and so she has thrown the burden of human … Continue reading →

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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

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