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Day 88 - Harvard Classics - 90 Day Challenge




Dec 18: SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING EDUCATION


For a Gentleman

Every schoolboy asks: "What's the use of learning Latin?"
John Locke, one of the greatest educators of all time, maintains
that Latin is absolutely essential to a well-bred gentleman, and
explains why.

Read from SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING EDUCATION ............   Vol. 37, pp. 136-145


Dec 19: Milton's SAMSON AGONISTES


Samson Finds a Champion

The mighty Samson was blinded while a captive of the
Philistines. He sought revenge—a revenge devastating and cosdy.
Milton, himself a giant of intellect, blind and imprisoned, wrote
of this sightless giant of other days.

Read: Milton's SAMSON AGONISTES ................    Vol. 4, pp. 444-459


Dec 20: Herodotus' AN ACCOUNT OF EGYPT


Egypt Visited by the First Reporter

All phases of life were pictured by Herodotus in his history.
Like a modern newspaper reporter, he combines weird stories,
scandals, and battle accounts with descriptions of places, persons,
and sights about town.

Read from Herodotus' AN ACCOUNT OF EGYPT ............    Vol. 33, pp. 7-17


Dec 21: Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS


"Madam Bubble" Not to Be Discouraged

"Madam Bubble," or this vain world, presented both herself and
her purse to the wayfarer. Repulsed and scorned, yet she serenely
flaunts her bribes enticingly before his bewildered eyes.

Read from Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS .............    Vol. 15, pp. 306-318


Dec 22: Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE


Rubbing Noses in New Zealand

Darwin, in exploring New Zealand, finds cannibalism, tattooing,
and many weird customs among the natives. Instead of shaking
hands, the salutation is by rubbing noses.

Read from Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE ...........    Vol. 29, pp. 425-434