Cross College

Tag: history

  • 5 Great Works of Chinese Literature: Masterpieces That Shaped Chinese Culture

    Chinese literature is one of the world’s oldest and richest literary traditions, spanning over three millennia. From poetry and philosophy to epic novels and historical chronicles, Chinese writers have explored profound themes of morality, loyalty, love, and the human condition. In this post, we’ll take a look at five great works of Chinese literature that…

  • Famous Real Places That Appeared in Mythology: Where History Meets Legend

    Mythology often blurs the line between fantasy and reality, weaving tales of gods, heroes, and monsters into stories set in real-world locations. These places, rich in cultural and historical significance, become the backdrop for epic tales of creation, adventure, and moral lessons. In many cases, the myths surrounding these locations have shaped their identities, drawing…

  • The Elements of the Later Wittgenstein: Language, Meaning, and Philosophical Investigations

    Ludwig Wittgenstein is one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, and his work is often divided into two distinct periods: the early Wittgenstein, represented by his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, and the later Wittgenstein, exemplified by his posthumous work Philosophical Investigations. While the early Wittgenstein was concerned with the logical structure of language and…

  • The Five Greatest Byzantine Emperors: Architects of an Enduring Empire

    The Byzantine Empire, often referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire, stood as one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in history, with its capital at Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). For over a thousand years, from 330 AD to 1453 AD, the empire was a beacon of cultural, religious, and political influence in the Mediterranean…

  • Themes in the Works of John Steinbeck: A Deep Dive into the American Experience

    John Steinbeck, one of America’s greatest novelists, is celebrated for his powerful depictions of the human condition, especially as it relates to the struggles of working-class people. His works are infused with themes that explore the harsh realities of life, the power of community, and the impact of societal structures on individuals. From his portrayal…

  • The Philosophy of Thomas Hobbes: A Foundational Thinker of Modern Political Thought

    Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) is one of the most influential political philosophers in Western thought. His works, particularly Leviathan (1651), laid the foundation for much of modern political theory, especially concerning the nature of human society, the role of government, and the social contract. Hobbes’ ideas were revolutionary for their time and continue to be relevant…

  • Cynicism and Taoism: Parallels Between Two Philosophical Traditions

    Cynicism and Taoism, though emerging from vastly different cultural and historical contexts, share intriguing similarities in their philosophical outlooks. Cynicism, rooted in ancient Greek thought, and Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy, both advocate for simplicity, living in harmony with nature, and a critical stance towards societal norms and materialism. Despite the geographic and temporal distance…

  • Who Were the Cynics? A Look at the Ancient Philosophical Movement

    The Cynics were a group of ancient Greek philosophers known for their unconventional lifestyle and radical rejection of societal norms. Emerging in the 4th century BCE, the Cynics challenged the values of their time by advocating for a life of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and freedom from material desires. Their philosophy, which combined elements of asceticism, ethical…

  • Wittgenstein and St. Augustine: Unlikely Philosophical Allies

    Inspired by Dr. Michael Sugrue’s lecture, “Augustine and the Christian Self“ At first glance, Ludwig Wittgenstein, the 20th-century philosopher known for his work on language and logic, and St. Augustine, the 4th-century Christian theologian and philosopher, may seem to have little in common. Their historical contexts, intellectual pursuits, and primary concerns were vastly different. However,…

  • The Spiritual Side of Isaac Newton: Exploring His Religious Writings

    Isaac Newton is widely celebrated as one of the greatest scientific minds in history, renowned for his groundbreaking work in mathematics, physics, and astronomy. His contributions to science, particularly his laws of motion and the theory of gravitation, have left an indelible mark on the world. However, less well-known is Newton’s deep interest in theology…