Cross College

Tag: literature

  • Who Was William Blake? Visionary Poet, Artist, and Prophet

    William Blake (1757–1827) stands as one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in English literature and art. A poet, painter, engraver, and mystic, Blake’s life and work defied the conventions of his age. Often misunderstood during his lifetime, he is now celebrated as a pioneering visionary whose creations blur the lines between the spiritual…

  • The Bengal Renaissance: A Cultural and Intellectual Awakening

    Introduction The Bengal Renaissance was a period of cultural, intellectual, and social transformation in Bengal (modern-day West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh) during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement saw the fusion of Indian traditions with Western ideas, leading to groundbreaking developments in literature, philosophy, science, education, and social reform. Influenced by colonial encounters…

  • Who Was Ibn Battuta? The Greatest Traveler of the Medieval World

    When we think of legendary explorers, names like Marco Polo or Christopher Columbus often come to mind. But centuries before them, a man from Morocco embarked on an extraordinary journey that would span over 30 years and cover nearly 75,000 miles. His name was Ibn Battuta, and he is considered one of the greatest travelers…

  • Who Was Cosimo de’ Medici?

    Cosimo de’ Medici (1389–1464), also known as Cosimo the Elder, was the founder of the Medici political dynasty and one of the most influential figures of the Italian Renaissance. As the de facto ruler of Florence, he laid the foundation for Medici power, shaped the city’s political landscape, and became a major patron of the…

  • Who Was Francis Bacon? The Philosopher, Scientist, and Statesman

    Francis Bacon (1561–1626) was an English philosopher, scientist, statesman, and essayist, widely regarded as one of the founders of modern empirical science. His contributions to philosophy and the scientific method helped shape the way knowledge was pursued in the early modern period, laying the groundwork for the Enlightenment. Beyond his intellectual legacy, Bacon was also…

  • Who Was Chinua Achebe? The Father of Modern African Literature

    Chinua Achebe (1930–2013) was a Nigerian writer, professor, and critic, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature. His groundbreaking novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), is one of the most influential books in African literary history, offering a powerful response to colonial narratives and giving voice to African perspectives. Through his novels, essays, and…

  • Who Was Unmon? A Zen Master of Profound Simplicity

    Unmon (雲門), also known as Yunmen Wenyan (864–949), was a Chinese Zen (Chan) master and one of the most influential figures in the history of Zen Buddhism. As the founder of the Yunmen school of Chan, his teachings emphasized direct insight, sharp wit, and the power of a single phrase or word to trigger enlightenment.…

  • The Union of Zen Buddhism and Bushido: Myth and Reality

    Zen Buddhism and Bushido are often seen as two deeply intertwined traditions that shaped the philosophy and ethics of Japan’s samurai class. This romanticized image, however, does not fully reflect historical reality. While Zen did influence some samurai, only a small percentage of them actively practiced Zen Buddhism. Nonetheless, the principles of Zen resonated strongly…

  • Who Was Mencius? A Sage of Compassion and Confucian Wisdom

    Mencius, known as Mengzi (孟子) in Chinese, was a renowned Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period (372–289 BCE). Often called the “Second Sage” of Confucianism, following Confucius himself, Mencius expanded and refined the teachings of Confucius, focusing on human nature, morality, and governance. His ideas are compiled in the classic text The…

  • Exploring the Writings of Duns Scotus: A Mind of Subtle Distinctions

    Duns Scotus (1266–1308), often called the “Subtle Doctor,” was one of the most influential thinkers in medieval philosophy and theology. A Franciscan scholar, Scotus made groundbreaking contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and theology, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in philosophical and theological circles today. His works are noted for their intricate reasoning and…