The style of its writing, the way its contents are presented, and the nature of those contents do not match the style of the preceding books, all ostensibly authored by Moses.
Uta-Matua and Other Tales of Kapingamarangi Review
Since, at least from this collection, we can gain only a sliver of insight into the associated culture, it is difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. Instead, I find myself asking more questions.
Numbers Review
After enumerating the numbers of the different tribes and their basic demographic features, Numbers turns to the employment of those numbers, and not just for the proper proportional sacrifices and offerings to God, or for determining how much food and water might be necessary. Rather, the major use of the census seems to be for the creation of an army.
The Consolation of Philosophy Review
Although it’s often described as being in the vein of one of Plato’s dialogues, the conversation between book-Boethius and Lady Philosophy reads like a cross between the style of Plato and the style of Dante.
Leviticus Review
The rulebook-like nature of Leviticus is probably why you don’t see it referenced or quoted more often, or maybe it’s because people struggle to quote Biblical passages about wave-breasts and heave-thighs with a straight face.
On Benefits Review
“Benefits” seems to be the most common and literal translation, but you will also see it translated at times as “Charity,” “Generosity,” or “Giving.” One annotated version I came across titled it An Ancient Guide to Giving. Though perhaps less accurate than On Benefits, I think this last might be the most appropriate.
Life of Marcus Cato the Elder Review
It paints a rather different picture of the famous Roman statesman than is perhaps suggested from simply reading On Agriculture. Quiet descriptions of the infinite utility of cabbage somehow don’t lead one to think of a man who would conclude every public speech with the line “and Carthage must be destroyed.”
On Agriculture Review
It is also interesting to note that Cato, like many of his Roman contemporaries, successors, predecessors, and others in different places and times well into the modern day, lauded the agrarian lifestyle as the pinnacle of human thriving.
Exodus Review
Most all of us are probably familiar already with its most famous and iconic moments, but that does not mean there are not still fresh insights to be gained by reading the story straight through.
On Physics Review
With our hydrogen masers, particle accelerators, astronomical observatories, mass spectrometers, laser interferometers, and gravitational wave detectors, we have never had better tools with which to seek a superior understanding of the cosmos. On Physics is a reminder to use our original tool: our minds.
