"May I be happy, beloved of the immortal gods,
Cyrnus; that is the only virtue I desire."

Theognis, Elegiac Poems 653-4

"First, honor the immortal gods, as set down by the law, and revere the oath."

The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 1-2

“But among the rest, befriend him whoever is best.
Yield to his gentle words and useful deeds.
And do not hate your friend for a small failing,
for as long as you are able—for power dwells near necessity.”

The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 5–8

“Many words, both wretched and noble, assault men.
Do not be astonished by them, nor allow
them to deter you from your purpose.”

The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 21–23

We have allies in the academic world as well as structural and conceptual frameworks that fit our spiritual project nicely.

Imagine, for example, if we can create a situation where professors like Arthur Versluis are teaching kids intro to philosophy courses instead of Marxist atheists. It would be the difference between night and day. This is a big and long-term goal but not a crazy or unachievable one!

“Never do anything which you do not understand, but learn
all you need to know, and thus you will lead a very pleasant life.”

The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 30–31

“Do not neglect the health of your body;
but give it drink, food, and exercise in due measure.”

The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 32–33

“Come now, abstain from the foods we have spoken of,
using judgment both in purifications
and in the deliverance of the soul, and consider and
examine each thing,
setting excellent reason, which comes from above, as your charioteer.”

The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 67–69

XXXIX. Orphic Hymn to Ceres [Demeter Eleusinia]

The Fumigation from Storax.
O Universal mother, Ceres [Deo] fam'd august, the source of wealth, and various nam'd:
Great nurse, all-bounteous, blessed and divine, who joy'st in peace, to nourish corn is thine:
Goddess of seed, of fruits abundant, fair, harvest and threshing, are thy constant care;
Who dwell'st in Eleusina's seats retir'd, lovely, delightful queen, by all desir'd.
Nurse of all mortals, whose benignant mind, first ploughing oxen to the yoke confin'd;
And gave to men, what nature's wants require, with plenteous means of bliss which all desire.
In verdure flourishing in honor bright, assessor of great Bacchus [Bromios], bearing light:
Rejoicing in the reapers sickles, kind, whose nature lucid, earthly, pure, we find.
Prolific, venerable, Nurse divine, thy daughter loving, holy Proserpine [Koure]:
A car with dragons yok'd, 'tis thine to guide, and orgies singing round thy throne to ride:
Only-begotten, much-producing queen, all flowers are thine and fruits of lovely green.
Bright Goddess, come, with Summer's rich increase swelling and pregnant, leading smiling Peace;
Come, with fair Concord and imperial Health, and join with these a needful store of wealth.

Recommended reading for the next week:
Works and Days—Hesiod 15

"Therefore it is the duty of those who strive for active virtue to pray and in praying to work for its attainment."

Hierocles of Alexandria, Commentary on the Golden Verses Chapter 21

"If your heart within you desires wealth, do these things: work with work upon work."

Hesiod, Works and Days 381-382

“When the Pleiades, daughters of Atlas, are rising, begin your harvest, and your plowing when they are going to set. Forty nights and days they are hidden but appear again as the year moves round, when first you sharpen your sickle. This is the law of the plains, and of those who live near the sea, and who inhabit rich country, the glens and valleys far from the tossing sea—strip to sow and strip to plow and strip to reap, if you wish to bring in all Demeter’s fruits in due season, and that each kind may grow in its season. Else, afterwards, you may find yourself to be in want, and go begging to other men’s houses, but without avail; as you have already come to me. But I will give you no more nor give you further measure. Foolish Perses! Work the work which the gods ordained for men, lest in bitter anguish of spirit you with your wife and children seek your livelihood among your neighbors, and they do not heed you. Two or three times, maybe, you will succeed, but if you trouble them further, it will not avail you, and all your talk will be in vain, and your word-play unprofitable. No, I suggest you find a way to pay your debts and avoid hunger.”

Hesiod, Works and Days 383–404

Today, let's focus on strengthening our minds against distractions both outside and within us.

By cultivating a strong mind and tempering our passions, we can avoid much unnecessary trouble and grow closer to God.

What can we do today to bring our minds closer to God?

THE ACADEMY AS MODEL FOR COMMUNITY GROWTH

A public garden, a gym, music therapy according to the ancient way, and a public hall for talks: everything needed for a person to attain and maintain civic virtue.

The garden need not be large, just enough for peaceful walks. A shrine to the Muses centers the space and invites deeper contemplation.

The gym would be free, with weights, punching bags, wrestling mats, etc. and guided fitness classes.

Inside, courses on rhetoric and logic would clean and strengthen the mind, and regular public talks on ethics and basic doctrine would guide our community toward God.

For serious students, intensive programs in Aristotelian philosophy, mathematics, and Platonic philosophy would culminate in the title of Philosopher.

Ambitious! But not beyond our reach.... We must be focused, disciplined, and tireless in our pursuit of the ancient way.

The Classical Wisdom Tradition chat is open for anyone to join, and is a space dedicated to fostering and supporting spiritual growth alongside our community of classical practitioners.

Please join and share your personal journey, thoughts, and best practices as we learn and grow together.

"One who delays his work is always wrestling with ruin." - Hesiod

In chapter 2.18 of his Discourses, the philosopher Epictetus teaches the importance of getting to our spiritual work without delay. We will, he says, confirm the truth of Hesiod's saying if we allow ourselves to be defeated by vice and put off our victory to the future.

"You can be sure that you'll finally find yourself in such a wretched and feeble state that, in due course, you won't even be aware that you're acting wrongly, but will begin to put forward arguments to justify your behavior."

Let us call upon God for support and remember the wisdom of Hesiod: do not delay our work but instead move constantly toward God!

“First of all, get a house and an ox for the plow and a woman
—a purchased one, not a wife, who can follow the oxen as well.
And make everything ready at home,
lest you ask another, and he refuses you, and you are in need,
and the season passes by and your work is diminished.
Do not put your work off till tomorrow and the day after;
for a sluggish worker does not fill his barn,
nor one who puts off his work: industry makes work go well,
but a man who puts off work is always wrestling with ruin.”

Hesiod, Works and Days 405–413