Gems from Classics and Mythology

When reading literature, mythology, philosophy, and psychology, I often encounter moments that crystalise an idea or meaning with remarkable clarity, transcendence, and aesthetic beauty. I want to capture these moments and share the meaning I attach to them—though, in truth, these lines, events, and episodes embody meaning in themselves, requiring no interpretation.

It is enough simply to illuminate them in the right light.

I am drawn to essence, meaning, and ideas rather than academic analysis or dissection.

Each episode stands alone, with no specific order. Every one highlights a single example from the classics, accompanied by a brief context—no prior knowledge of the text is necessary.

Ideas and meanings have always mattered more to me than rote knowledge of texts, characters, history, or literary analysis.

How does this relate to me and my life? What meaning does it hold? Do I connect with it? How does it reflect reality? Does it move me? Does it still resonate in modern life? Why have these stories been retold for 3,000 years? Why have these ideas endured for centuries?

Do they inspire me? Do they spark new thoughts and emotions?

These are the questions that occupy my mind when reading Greek mythology, Shakespeare, Kant, or Hegel.

And finally, I simply revel in the beauty of certain storylines, words, and verses.