As usually happens, my online meandering has ultimately led to an opportune and most useful discovery.
I randomly watched a few videos on Biblical Hebrew and Old English on the train home from work last night, and I guess the almighty algorithm decided to serve up some videos on the historical veracity of the Old Testament.
Having watched a couple of videos on how closely the events of the Old Testament hold up to historical fact, my mind shifted to Josephus for some reason. His name had come up in readings and listens here and there, and I looked him up on Wikipedia.
Being the way I am, I was naturally curious what language he had written in (Aramaic). There was some mention about the Loeb Classical Library having his works published - albeit the Greek translations as the original Aramaic versions are lost.
One thing led to another, and I have found a treasure trove of ancient literature waiting to be explored. And how fortunate it is that they are offered in translations into English on the opposite pages!
Wanting to probe the mind of the founder(s) of such an enterprise, I stumbled upon an introductory preface to the collection/library written by a one James Loeb.
Below are some portions I wanted to highlight:
In an age when the Humanities are being neglected more perhaps than at any time since the Middle Ages, and when men’s minds are turning more than ever before to the practical and the material, it does not suffice to make pleas, however eloquent and convincing, for the safeguarding and further enjoyment of our greatest heritage from the past.
Means must be found to place these treasures within the reach of all who care for the finer things of life. The mechanical and social achievements of our day must not blind our eyes to the fact that, in all that relates to man, his nature and aspirations, we have added little or nothing to what has been so finely said by the great men of old.
I think his first quote is just as relevant today as it was when he wrote it back in 1912.
I would daresay that men’s minds are turning (ever) more to not only “the practical and the material”, but to vapidness and frivolity in this age of TikTok and doomscrolling.
Moreover, he couldn’t have said it better: the classics have stood the test of time, and the bulk of the works following them haven’t added much.
All the more reason to 1) explore these ancient works and 2) take a stab at them in the original languages - difficult as that may be.
Because the merit is in the striving.
I also came across an awesome online database of famous classicists that is worth exploring sometime.