I've had a very tough time figuring out what to read after Descartes. I've finally decided to go back to the Greeks. I'm going to read Homer's 'Odyssey'. I remember, after finishing 'The Iliad', wishing that the Odyssey was up next. If I was going to reorder this entire ten year reading list, this is one change that I would absolutely make.
After Homer, I'm probably going to tackle something else of the Greeks or Romans, but I'm not sure what yet. I changed over to the 'menu' system so that I didn't feel quite so constrained. That has worked well so far. (I've read 10 of the 57 remaining pieces in only two months.) Part of what I wanted to do was break free from the chronological set that the list walks you through, but I feel drawn to it. On some level, it felt strange to jump to Enlightment France, after working through Plato and Aristotle.
So, Homer it is, and then I'll figure out what is next.
After Homer, I'm probably going to tackle something else of the Greeks or Romans, but I'm not sure what yet. I changed over to the 'menu' system so that I didn't feel quite so constrained. That has worked well so far. (I've read 10 of the 57 remaining pieces in only two months.) Part of what I wanted to do was break free from the chronological set that the list walks you through, but I feel drawn to it. On some level, it felt strange to jump to Enlightment France, after working through Plato and Aristotle.
So, Homer it is, and then I'll figure out what is next.
I'm trying to read through the Greek dramatists more or less chronologically by author, and it's been very valuable in understanding the development of drama. I'm puzzled why the Great Books readings jump all over the place. Perhaps they think it will alleviate the boredom that might be experienced by staying with one author or time period ....???
ReplyDeleteHowever, in spite of my preference for chronology, it won't make much of a difference not to follow up The Iliad with The Odyssey directly. I actually found The Odyssey so completely different ***** I'll say this in a whisper **** I thought it sounded like a different poet. But before I make a definitely statement like that, I'd have to read it in the original Greek, which is a loooong way off. In any case, I hope that you like it! Homer holds a dear place in my heart!
I think that the Great Books plan provides kind of a focus or theme for each year. I don't know that this is a good thing but I can understand the logic of it. However, that means that they split items in strange ways. For instance, Thucydides is split in two. The Peloponnesian war is tricky enough without trying to reach back and remember the first half of it.
DeleteI lol'd at your whisper!