I was preparing my notes for Plato’s Republic, and I came across this beautiful little gem on p.269 (536e for those using Stephanus numbers):
“A free man ought not to learn anything under duress…compulsory learning never sticks in the mind.”
Now, we can open up an entire can of worms here, and start talking about the education system. Let’s not get political. Read Well isn’t a place for that. What we should do here is talk about how we as individuals can “choose” to learn, and in our free time seek out only the best books.
I’m reminded of just how lucky I am to wake up and choose what books I want to read. Let’s not forget how beautiful of a gift that is.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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