Great Thinkers

» Tel Asiado - Francis, a great thinker?

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by Cercis:

Hi Georgene,

Oh hoo, thanks for your thoughts and for sharing. I understand what you're saying. While I was researching, and cited Francis amongst the list of Medieval Thinkers (my resource book: Fifty Key Medieval Thinkers by G. Evans), initially, I had the same reaction as you. Took me actually more than a day to decide to include him in my magic five. Well, I have to admit, it's probably also because of my affinity to him amongst the others in the list.

But I'm glad I included him; I'm also able to solicit your thoughts.

In my mind, along with the author of my reference, are individuals who shaped intellectual life during the middle ages - philosophical, religious and political thoughts central to that point in time.

In fact, if I have to choose, I honestly would have a difficult time choosing between him and another one in the list.

Going back to Francis of Assisi, and this is my personal take, I decided to include him simply because he brought monastic life to a new level of humility that hadn't existed before, as he did, in thought, word and deed. *We are most familiar with his poem of peace, perhaps you love as much as I do*

When I think 'thinkers' I never equate it per se to 'radicals' or 'revolutionaries.' And believe me, I'm far from being a radical or a revolutionary. ;)

Best,
Tel

» Georgene A. Bramlage - Francis, a great thinker?

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by telstar:
"In my mind, along with the author of my reference, are individuals who shaped intellectual life during the middle ages - philosophical, religious and political thoughts central to that point in time."

Tel, when you use that definition, I'd have to agree that Francis was "a thinker." His "thinking" did inspire actions. I will always think of Francis as a hot-headed rebel much, much more than a "pretty boy graden stature." Ah, to burn with such a fire!

Hey (which is Hi! in the American south) Tel, keep up the fascinating writing

Georgene

» Tel Asiado - Francis, a great thinker?

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by Cercis:

Hi Georgene,

Thanks... I knew we would agree, matter of time. I just had to clarify my definition. But it's great to come out with our thoughts, isn't it.

We might even agree to disagree in future, but I love the check and balance, and esp the thought-sharing. Great venue for learning from each other.

Thanks too.

Tel

» Georgene A. Bramlage - Francis, a great thinker?

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by Cercis:
A reader sent an e-mail to tell me that a link in my above post is broken. And so it is! I can not "go into \" that post and fix it, so...
Let's try that again. You might have to "cut 'n paste" these:

History of Franciscan Order
[www.newadvent.org/cathen/06217a.htm]

Order of Friars Minor
[www.newadvent.org/cathen/06281a.htm]

St. Francis of Assisi
[www.newadvent.org/cathen/06221a.htm]
Georgene

» pink101 - Francis, a great thinker?

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by Cercis:
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It definitely works now:
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http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06217a.h...
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Thanks.
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And thanks for the discussion you two are carrying out.
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We need that kind of straight talk.
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All I ever knew about him had to do with some garden statues.
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There is so much to study. I watched a panel on C-Span today about how universities are short changing studies on great thinkers.
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-- posted by pink101

» Tel Asiado - Francis, a great thinker?

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by Cercis:

Thanks for the URL Georgene.

Cheers!

Tel

» Tel Asiado - Francis, a great thinker?

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by pink101:

Thanks Pink101.

Tell us more about those garden statues when you get the chance, or, anything you might want to share from your readings.

Tel

» pink101 - From My Readings

In response to Francis, a great thinker? posted by telstar:
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Generally, I read books on sociology. It seems to amount to my first love in academic pursuits. I can't get enough of it.
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Garden statues? There's one of St. Francis with a bird on his outstretched hand. At least I think it's St. Francis. Made out of cement and you see them in people's back yards in our part of America. They're usually associated with a bird bath. So, that's my limit when it comes to him as a Great Thinker. (Shows you how dumb I am on such men.)
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But, I like to read short synopsis on those men. I remember reading a short little book on Eugene Debs. It probably took me three hours to finish it off; but, when I was through with it, I had a good idea of how he affected American society.
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When I was in college, we approached Western Society from two angles--one in humanities and the other in history class. We did some study on several Great Thinkers in both cases ~ different perspectives.
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I enjoy coming here and reading your thumbnails on these thinkers. And, I like to read it when you and others discuss the subjects. That's the case with you and Georgene. Maybe I'll learn something?
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-- posted by pink101

» Tel Asiado - From My Readings

In response to From My Readings posted by pink101:

G'day Pink101. I enjoyed reading your reply, thanks.

About Sociology, you remind me of my uni good friend. She was just so focused on her sociology, actually pursued graduate studies in Harvard. Never heard from each other; after college, we all went our separate ways. You have just enthused me to perhaps try to locate her. ;) At uni, there were six of us good friends and everyone pursued different disciplines. I think these made us well-rounded and accepting of each other. Then there was me, education in science but passionate interests primarily were in classical music, arts, and languages. ;) What a mix.

I should look for a picture or something about this garden statue of St Francis.

And no, you're not dumb Pink101! You've just taught me things in your post, see? I don't even know about Eugene Debs so here you go. I have something to add to my readings in my next visit to the library, unless I find something about him in my own materials.

That's what we did too in my uni, two angles - humanities and history. I had a lot of humanities as a part of the general university subjects (goes for two years) before I got down and focus on my major. Actually, I had a most wonderful time in my Humanities subjects, aside from Literature. I enjoyed languages too, although I felt that it's sometimes limited to the knowledge of the professor, so for some students who are serious about it, the library becomes a great friend.

It's a pleasure to share, as we learn from each other. I do hope that Georgene will keep coming back because I'm sure she has a lot to offer, and some of my other Suite101 colleagues too.

Glad to have a share of your thinking cap.

Best,
Tel

» pink101 - From My Readings

In response to From My Readings posted by telstar:

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-- posted by pink101