The Importance Of Ancient Literature - 700 Words

Essentially when we think about studying literature, especially literature that is centuries old, thoughts such as â€Å"why is this important or how does this relate to me?† arise. Although someone is not going to relate to every piece of writing they read, literature still has plenty to offer. For example, take the course textbook; The Norton Anthology of World Literature. All the excerpts in the book are thousands of years old, so yes, it is possible that one could read the entire text and not relate to single printed word on a personal level. However, there is also the historical context to consider. Ancient literature is almost like a door to the past or in more modern context, a time machine; as it offers us a way to study cultures long†¦show more content†¦Conscious finally returned to Lu and lived out his life as a teacher, gathering a considerable following. The Analects were not written by the master, but by his disciples several generations after his passin g. The Analects discuss topics such as, filial piety (respect for one’s elders), government, and the importance of self-improvement. A prevalent theme throughout several of them is the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge. Here are a few examples: â€Å"In the old days, people studied to improve themselves. Now they study in order to impress others† (14.24). Meaning, one should study to enhance their life, not to impress colleagues. â€Å"Learning is like a chase in which, as you fail to catch up, you fear to lose what you have already gained† (8.17). There is a plethora of topics to research and analyze, thus it is not humanly possible to know or understand everything. One should utilize education to enrich their life, not to compete with others. When studying, one should expand upon current knowledge, instead of attempting to learn an unfamiliar topic. As Confucius says to Zigong, â€Å"Do you think that I am someone who learns a lot of things and then stores them all up?† Confucius responds with, â€Å"I have one single thread on which to string them all.† In other words, when striving to gain new knowledge, relate it to knowledge already attained by â€Å"stringing† everything together. Relating new information to old can also help one improve uponShow MoreRelatedGreek Material Culture1348 Words   |  6 Pagessay, and prove, that Greek material culture reveals an immense amount about ancient Greek society. From vast studies and examinations of the great ancient Greek architecture, the immaculate fine art and literature and even the personal possessions and crafts of the societies own inhabitants, one can reason that these materials reflect much about ancient Greece and its people. From studying the architecture of this ancient society, one can assume various things about its inhabitants such as beliefsRead MoreEssay on Ancient Greek Contributions602 Words   |  3 PagesAncient Greek Contributions Ancient Greece forged many of the contributions seen in western civilizations. One of the most influential contributions is literature. Those contributions where very important then and still are today. The importance of Greek literature is found when looking at the texts of western civilization. Greek writers created the form and foundation for later writings. By opening Greece to the idea of writing, literature introduced new forms of entertainment, record keepingRead MoreEssay on The Culture and History of China1656 Words   |  7 Pageswho have greatly influenced Chinas economy, literature, and philosophy. 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Furthermore, the importance of food provisions that is closely related to various aspects of culture has become a vital area of research. The ancient EgyptiansRead MoreAnalysis Of Gulliver s Travels By Jonathan Swift1365 Words   |  6 Pages Neoclassicism Neoclassicism was a Western movement in almost every visual art form that draws inspiration from the classical art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome. Neoclassical means the revival of the ancients. The Neoclassical age coincided with the Enlightenment in the eighteenth century and lasted into the early nineteenth century, competing alongside Romanticism. Neoclassical architecture, however, lasted from the eighteenth century through the twenty-first century. NeoclassicismRead MoreA Discussion Of The Old And New Testaments Essay1141 Words   |  5 PagesTestaments as an illustration of its importance in overall Salvation History. Wisdom is generally understood as the right use of knowledge. 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