Well...another break...another start up. But, at least, I was semi-productive this time. I've been spending my time with some really fun books. All three by the brilliant, well-read Benjamin Wiker. These books really have helped to reveal part of the journey that philosophy has taken through the past 2,000 years. I guess I should probably get to naming these books. :P
The first: "10 Books That Every Conservative Should Read." This was a really positive book. It's definitely aimed at a Conservative audience, but Liberals and many others should still find some positive notes in it.
The second: "Answering the New Atheism: Dismantling Dawkins' Case Against God." Obviously this has very specific audience; but, again, non-believers can still find some pros to this very densely assembled title. The biggest pro would be correcting any of the flawed arguments that they might so happen to have in their arsenal for debates with believers.
The third: "Ten Books That Screwed Up The World." This was a bit depressing and anger-inspiring at times. But it is worthwhile to read to discover where some of the problems of modern philosophy had originated. Ironically, this book is a more worthwhile read for Conservatives than anyone else. But the non-Conservatives might find it extremely helpful to see if their personal philosophy might have originated with these destroyers of sanity.
Now, finally, on to "The Persians." Overall: very good. Slow to start but, once it picks up, it keeps a decent pace. The main character's in this play were the narrating Chorus, The Queen (Xerxes' mother and Darius' wife), Darius (in ghost form since he's died by this point), and the ever so woeful Xerxes.
When the story begins, Xerxes has been on his campaign to conquer the world. SPOILER: He doesn't succeed. Soon a Herald (oops forgot to mention him as a main character) arrives to tell the Queen of Xerxes' horrific defeat in Greece (300 anyone?). Sadly there didn't seem to be any direct talk of the classic, EPIC battle of Thermopylae. But I digress.
The Herald reveals that Xerxes has become the paragon embodiment of Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." And the worst part: Xerxes took the entire population of Persian warriors with him. Which means...no one left to defend Persia. *Face Palm* for Xerxes.
As a side note, the Queen offers sacrifice to tempt the spirit of Darius to the world of the living that she can take some solace in the words of her departed husband. Ultimately Xerxes arrives back home and the story ends with him saying "woeful" way too many times to count.
Hope you enjoyed this little blog entry. Feel free to share any comments concerning the theme of this play: Proverbs 16:18. At least, that's the theme that I took from it. Either that, or how woeful one can be after loosing his entire army to his own prideful ambitions; and thus leaving his entire country defenseless against all foreign invaders.
Have a good day. Bye. :-)
