Eve and Adam
The story of the Garden in Eden, and how Adam and Eve lost Paradise through the temptation of the snake, is one of the most influential myths in many cultures. … Continue reading
Orpheus, singing
Ὀρφεύς An ancient Greek poet called Phanokles, of the second century BC, told a story about the death of Orpheus, which was retold later by Virgil. Orpheus had died at … Continue reading
Faith and fact
I read with sadness recently a comment made by a Christian incensed at another’s remark on a documentary about Jesus. “I hope you burn in Hell”, he said. Seems a … Continue reading
Who censors the censor?
In ancient Rome two censors were elected to act as a de facto tax office, assessing the number of citizens and the amount of their property. They were also responsible … Continue reading
Life, transmuted
The 2009 BBC series narrated by David Attenborough is called Life. It seemed that ‘life’ meant plant and animal life to the makers of the program. So where does that … Continue reading
Nancy Cunard: quixotic vagabond
“There are free, impudent spirits who would like to deny that at bottom they are broken, incurable hearts”. (Nietzsche contra Wagner 1889) Nancy Cunard was a pioneer agitator for civil … Continue reading
The emperor’s clothes
Do you know Hans Christian Andersen’s fable about the Emperor’s new clothes? It suggests we sometimes avoid the truth out of self interest or cowardice. Right now the Emperor seems … Continue reading →
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