"You May Henceforward Believe"
The post revisits William James’s 1898 Harvard lecture on the immortality of the soul, noting that he accepted the neuroscientific evidence that consciousness arises from the brain but challenged the logical steps that claim this proves death’s finality. James argues the materialist case contains at least two logical errors, offering a secular foothold for hope in an after‑life. The author frames the lecture as the latest installment in a series that examines historical arguments for post‑mortem consciousness, from Plato to Aquinas.
Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola On The Dignity of Man
In 1486 Giovanni Pico della Mirandola delivered his famed Oration on the Dignity of Man, arguing that humanity’s greatness stems not from a fixed nature but from the capacity to shape itself. He portrayed man as a chameleon‑like being who...
The Humanities Library Is Changing
Long‑time author of the Humanities Library newsletter announced a reduction in publishing frequency, citing mounting administrative burdens and childcare responsibilities. Starting tomorrow, the weekend issue will feature a single, in‑depth humanities article, while the weekday scrapbook will remain unchanged for...
The Scrapbook — No. 12
The Scrapbook — No. 12 is the latest weekly compilation from The Humanities Library, a subscription‑based reading room that curates short notes, images, and curiosities drawn from members’ recent scholarly consumption. The post serves as a free teaser, inviting readers to either claim...