The rise of the individual, with all the political and philosophical connotations implied by this portentous phrase, has long been recognized as one of the great themes of modernity. Burkhardt identifies this dynamic as central to the movement of spirit unfolding in Italy at the end of the Middle Ages, when the contours of the perspective we now simply regard as “Western” begins to emerge. In what remains one of the most astute examinations of this phenomenon and its repercussions, he traced the manner in which the medieval perspective - through which “man was conscious of himself…only through some general category” - gave way to the modern concern for the distinctive features of personality.
One of the best essays I’ve read on Substack in a long time! I can’t wait to read the follow up, Mark. I share your concern about limiting our readings of ancient texts to the strictly historical--or worse, comparing them to some inane value of “progress” and finding them wanting. Increasingly, I’m learning to read phenomenologically. In other words, I’m striving to receive the text in the way it “wants” to be received. How does one do this? Of first and foremost importance is the reader’s posture. I must be docile and ready to learn from the author. Even more so, I must be ready to be changed or transformed in some way. I must be willing to encounter the “thou” of the author speaking to me. As much as I can, I try to cultivate empathy with the author--to try to transcend the distances of time and place and see the author as a real, sympathetic person. It comes down to doing my best to understand the author on *his* terms--and that, in a spirit of good will.
One of the best essays I’ve read on Substack in a long time! I can’t wait to read the follow up, Mark. I share your concern about limiting our readings of ancient texts to the strictly historical--or worse, comparing them to some inane value of “progress” and finding them wanting. Increasingly, I’m learning to read phenomenologically. In other words, I’m striving to receive the text in the way it “wants” to be received. How does one do this? Of first and foremost importance is the reader’s posture. I must be docile and ready to learn from the author. Even more so, I must be ready to be changed or transformed in some way. I must be willing to encounter the “thou” of the author speaking to me. As much as I can, I try to cultivate empathy with the author--to try to transcend the distances of time and place and see the author as a real, sympathetic person. It comes down to doing my best to understand the author on *his* terms--and that, in a spirit of good will.
You cited Barzun. Well done.