Should We “Update” Old Texts?

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by even the wisest of men.” It was with Roald Dahl’s epic quote that I began my high school graduation commencement speech. Looking back, I can’t recall for the life of me why I started it that way... but it made sense (or nonsense) at the time. Now though I wonder what Roald Dahl would think about the current controversy surrounding his books - would he think it was a bunch of nonsense? Or a way to stay relevant? A little backstory for those of you who may have not heard the news - the UK publisher Puffin and the Dahl Estate recently reissued many of Dahl’s classic children’s books with new “updated” language in an effort (in their words) to make the books more inclusive. Descriptions like ‘ugly’ and ‘fat’ were on the chopping block... and the oompa loompas became gender neutral... among other such changes. The internet was immediately divided. Folks chimed in from around the world, either chastising and condemning the decision or celebrating the chance to make the texts more ‘modern’. Interestingly the Spanish and French publishers of Dahl’s work promptly issued a release confirming that they will NOT make any changes... thus relegating this debate to the English speaking realm. Of course the outcome of this controversy has huge consequences for the Classics loving world... as many of the works we study have ‘problematic’ components. Slavery, misogyny, rape, pillaging, etc. are just a few themes that spring to mind that occur again and again in the myths, literature and historic events. Would a bit of ‘cleaning up’ make them more readable to the younger generation? Or potentially destroy these great works? Indeed, can we even trust the sensibilities of our current era to be clear and accurate judges of what is right and wrong? Indeed, it was the Victorians who felt the ancient Greek poetess Sappho’s work was... difficult... due to the professed love of women being verboten and thus edited the pronouns to make her poems more ‘acceptable’. Whether or not they considered her poetry as public performance vs a window to her inner thoughts is for another debate. Either way, it took some time to go back to the original translations. So... what do you think, dear reader? Should we ‘update’ the old texts? Do the classics need the “Dahl” treatment? Or should we leave them be, warts and all? Should it be: “A little nonsense now and then is relished by even the wisest of men/women/they”? As usual, you can reply to this email or write to me directly at: Anya@classicalwisdom.com Fun fact for my Latin lovers out there! Roald Dahl’s famous line actually had an ancient precursor... Indeed, it was the famous Roman lyric poet Horace who, in the fourth book of his Odes, likewise espoused sound nonsense: Misce stultitiam consiliis brevem: Dulce est desipere in loco. Mingle a little folly with your wisdom; a little nonsense now and then is pleasant. Horace. Carmina. Bk. iv. Ode 12, 1. 27. Now, for a mailbag below... Your fellow classics lovers discuss some non-hubristic leaders as well as reasons TO BE hubristic in response to the concept of the Hubris Syndrome. I’ve brought it up in anticipation of my upcoming conversation with Lord David Owen, taking place on March 11th. Make sure to register here to enjoy this conversation. You can get a taste of Lord Owen’s perspective here: All the best, Anya Leonard Founder and Director Classical Wisdom and Classical Wisdom Kids Become a Classical Wisdom Paid Subscriber and enjoy our Podcast with Professors. This week we will release our newest interview with Professor Mark Usher. We discuss “How to Say No” with a look at Diogenes and the Cynics… including some surprising revelations indeed! Become a Member today and Unlock ALL Classical Wisdom’s Resources: Monday Mailbag Can We Stop the Hubris Syndrome? Those of us in the Science and Speculative Fiction Community like to feel that we, as a whole, try to follow the precepts of what is known as Enlightened Self-Interest: https://ift.tt/yqn6dzQ We know it's not perfect, or perfectively adhered to, but it's a goal which is worth keeping in mind in whatever pursuits are followed... Ian - People "in power" should read about the actions of the Roman dictator Cincinnatus, if they are tempted by "modern hubris". Perhaps they should also hire a "slave" to constantly remind them in their moments of "triumph" of "memento mori". This fact of life certainly kept Marcus Aurelius level-headed! Regards, Denis - I think of Jimmy Carter. And what a fine example of lack of Hubris he is. He is in the process of leaving us. People who are full of themselves have called him the worst president we had prior to traitor Trump, but to my mind he was a sterling example of grace under fire. I am a spiritual but nonreligious believer that if there is a spark of good in us then we need to bring it to the fore by being kind and compassionate in our everyday life and making this place we inhabit a better place. I believe that Jimmy Carter exemplifies those principles. I will miss him and the good he has done in this getting and spending world. His legacy lives on in his habitat program. Cassandra Share Absolute Power Corrupts absolutely. You said that it affects ALL political leaders. We won’t mention Trump, who was corrupted long before he ever became President. BUT there is one leader in this 21st century whom I am pretty sure was never corrupted despite being the leader of her country for 5 years. In fact, she recently resigned because she was burned out. But she is also a working mother, so that may have played a part in her decision. Her name is Jacinda Ardern - the Former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Cheers, Robynne L. - Interesting question. Some years ago some wise person said that, in order to be President, you have to be egotistical enough to think you can do it. It takes a degree of hubris to do the job. I have wondered about ancient kings and emperors who knew there was a good chance they and their families would be killed, but stepped forward anyway. What in the world were they thinking? Jeff S. "There is no week, nor day, nor hour, when tyranny may not enter upon this country, if the people lose their supreme confidence in themselves, and lose their roughness and spirit of defiance. Tyranny may always enter -- there is no charm or bar against it." --Margaret Thatcher Don’t miss a thing! 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Do the Classics Need the “Dahl” treatment?

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Más info en frasco@menadelpsicologia.com / Tfno. & WA 607725547 Centro MENADEL (Frasco Martín) Psicología Clínica y Tradicional en Mijas Pueblo #Psicologia #MenadelPsicologia #Clinica #Tradicional #MijasPueblo

*No suscribimos necesariamente las opiniones o artículos aquí compartidos. No todo es lo que parece.