Status Updates From The Aristotelian Tradition ...

This book is so fun in a myriad of ways. There is the learning of history concerning the writings of Aristotle, fascinating and eye opening in its own right. But the study intrinsically shows the good use (or intention) of sound philosophy being used for leadership of empires and monasteries, kingdoms and cities.

Sergius of Rashaina, Hanayn Ibn Ashāq, the monastery of Qenneshre, Timothy I… the actual history Aristotelianism in the Islamic Arab world was absolutely thanks to, and through, the Syriac Christians, the historic Phoenicians. Mind blown. I have believed myths of the intellectual Muslims for too long.

The falsification of history and the relationship between Julian and Themistius by medieval Muslims as part of the anti-Byzantine political narrative.

No book on philosophy is complete if it doesn't cite Julian the Pagan, Marcus Aurelius and Alexander the Great when examining philosophy and kingship!

Just finished the chapters on the transmission of Aristotelian philosophy and Galen's medical works into Arabic via the Syriac medical elites and the influence of Greek rhetoric and philosophy on Syriac controversies and debates. The debates in late antiquity ultimately led to the abandonment of the zodiacs and the belief in their divinity. If only more people did so today.