In his introduction to Early Greek Philosophy, John Burnet points out the particular focus of the pre-Socratics on the ‘cosmological’ character of their enquiries. They determined, he explains, to look into the natural world around them. The period can be said to mark the rise of scientific enquiry epitomised by the Atomists and the mathematicians of the Pythagorean School. It was this focus on natural phenomena that set the pattern for the activity that became known as philosophy....

Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions is a prose work published in 1624. It consists of a series of meditations, prayers and reflections that Donne wrote while he was recovering from a serious illness. It is divided into 23 sections, each representing a different meditation on various aspects of life, death and spirituality. Donne explores themes such as the fragility and uncertainty of life, the interconnectedness of humanity, and the presence of God in times of suffering.Devotions is conside...

The Russian Revolution of 1917 was one of the most cataclysmic events in world history, profoundly shaping politics, international relations, social patterns, economics and science in the century that followed. It created long-lasting aftershocks which travelled far beyond its geographical borders. How did it happen? What were the sequence of events that led, following the shocking upheaval of the old Romanov order, to a fierce and violent rivalry between a variety of revolutionary faction...

Written in 516, The Rule of Saint Benedict for monastic living has been soul-inspiring for a countless number of people not only monks, nuns and priests, but also a considerable number of lay people. It covers matters of doctrine, the structure of the monastery as the House of God, and observance of the Divine Office. The Rule gives a fascinating insight into the standards and behaviour expected of monks in their everyday lives. It remains notable for embodying the concept of a written con...

Epicurus of Samos (341-270 BCE) was the founder of the philosophical system to which he gave his name: Epicureanism. It is a label that is often misused and misunderstood today, with ‘a life of pleasure’ as the key aim misinterpreted as a life of indulgence. In fact, the philosophy of Epicurus demonstrated also by his life, was anything but! He established a school in Athens called The Garden, underpinned by his system of ethics.He promoted, by his own example, a simple, ordered, c...

Johann Gottlieb Fichte (1762-1814) was the forerunner of the post-Kantian idealists and remains one of the most important figures in German philosophy. Throughout his career, Fichte published, in addition to his systematic or "scientific" treatises, the best known of which is the "Foundation of the Entire Wissenchaftslehre (1794-5), a series of works directed at the general public. The purpose of these "popular" writings was to indicate, in a non-technical manner, some of the characteristi...

The Science of Rights (originally in German: Grundlage des Naturrechts nach Principien der Wissenschaftslehre) by Johann Gottlieb Fichte, was originally written in 1796 and laterly translated by Adolph Ernst Kroeger into English.

Though born to a poor but pious family of ribbon weavers in in Saxony in 1762, Johann Gottlieb’s exceptional intelligence was apparent from an early age. Remarkably, from this humble background, he earned himself a respected place in the pantheon of late 18th and early 19th century German philosophers. That fact that he is placed between Kant and Hegel, yet still retains a significant and individual presence, says much about his work and personality. He became known, especially, for initia...

First published in 1471, the year of the author’s death, The Imitation of Christ is a highly influential Christian text. A celebration of God’s mercy, holiness and love, The Imitation is a devotional guide in which Christians are urged to trust fully in God and submit to the circumstances of the life which we are given by God. Although Thomas à Kempis spent 70 years of his life in the confines of a monastery, this work shows a complete comprehension of human nature. St Thomas More commende...

"During the daylight hours of several autumn Saturdays there had been severe outbreaks of cavalry in the Schofield neighbourhood. The sabres were of wood; the steeds were imaginary, and both were employed in a game.""Penrod and Sam" (1916) is the sequel to "Penrod" (1914). Set before World War One, it focuses on Penrod Schofield and his best friend Sam Williams as they go on hilarious adventures.

Eleven-year-old Penrod Schofield and his wistful dog Duke go on a hilarious romp through turn of the century Indianapolis. "Penrod" (1914) chronicles his life, loves, and mostly the trouble he gets into. His adventures in pre-World War I Midwest have been likened to those of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain), and this first collection of comic sketches by Booth Tarkington was followed by two further episodes: "Penrod and Sam" (1916) and "Penrod Jashber" (1929).

"Seventeen: A Tale of Youth and Summer Time and the Baxter Family Especially William" is a 1917 novel about 17-year-old William Sylvanus Baxter. It takes place in the Midwest just before World War I and satirises first love. "Seventeen" was first published in part in the Metropolitan Magazine, before coming out as a collected volume, and becoming a bestselling novel in the United States.