"Despotism, which is of a very timorous nature, is never more secure of continuance than when it can keep men asunder; and all its influence is commonly exerted for that purpose. No vice of the human heart is so acceptable to it as egotism; a despot easily forgives his subjects for not loving him, provided they do not love each other."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

I borrowed this from my local library today. I normally don't read graphic novels, but I figured I'd give it a try. I've seen the movie, so I'm curious how it will compare.

"Educate, then, at any rate; for the age of implicit self-sacrifice and instinctive virtues is already flitting far away from us, and the time is fast approaching when freedom, public peace, and social order itself will not be able to exist without education."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

"There is a great difference between doing what one does not approve and feigning to approve what one does; the one is the necessary case of a week person, the other befits the temper of a lackey."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

"In absolute governments the great nobles who are nearest to the throne flatter the passions of the sovereign, and voluntarily truckle to his caprices. But the mass of the nation does not degrade itself by servitude: it often submits from weakness, from habit, or from ignorance, and sometimes from loyalty."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

Falling asleep reading
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

"But what impressed me then, and has impressed me ever since, is that atrocities are believed in or disbelieved in solely on grounds of political predilection. Everyone believes in the atrocities of the enemy and disbelieves in those of his own side, without ever bothering to examine the evidence."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

"The corruption of men who have casually risen to power has a course and vulgar infection in it which renders it contagious to the multitude."
Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

""The will of the nation" is one of those expressions which have been most profusely abused by the wily and the despotic of every age. To the eyes of some it has been represented by the venal suffrages of a few of the satellites of power; to others by the votes of a timid or an interested minority; and some have even discovered it in the silence of a people, on the supposition that the fact of submission established the right of command."

Someone wants attention.
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"I do not mean that there is no deficiency of wealthy individuals in the United States; I know of no country, indeed, where the love of money has taken stronger hold on the affections of men, and where the profounder contempt is expressed for the theory of the permanent equality of property."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written and engaging. It serves as a good biography of Mercator, covering his life as well as the influences (personal, religious, political, etc.) that went into his work. It also discusses alot of the different developments that occurred in cartography and map making during this period, as well as how the unknown parts of the world were dealt with. Definitely recommend.

Next up for reading. It's over 900 pages, so it will likely take a while.

Interesting flipsides to printing a map of a realm. On the one hand, commissioning and developing a map had political and propaganda purposes. However, enemy countries could use it when invading to figure out terrain and resources.

Trying to stay cool in the heat.
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

"A truth, it is felt, becomes untruth when your enemy utters it."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

"Now no one is secure in enjoying goods that can be lost against his will. But no one can lose truth and wisdom against his will, for no one can be separated from the place where they are."
-St. Augustine, "On Free Choice of the Will"

Interesting book. It's definitely written in a more academic style. The author provided a good overview of the Roman army's structure, as well as examining some of the different government offices. There's several places the author openly admits that we don't know for sure what happened for certain events. However, he does frequently provides possible courses of events, and explains why. Worth reading if this time period interests you.

Up next for reading. Growing up, I was fascinated by maps.

Really enjoyed this. As its name suggests, the book consists of multiple, separate essays rather than a single narrative. They cover a variety of topics, such as commentary on other authors and personal stories. Throughout, Orwell doesn't shy away from commenting on issues and providing needed insight. High recommend.

Trying to read, but can be difficult at times.
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

Next up for reading. I got this book a while ago, since I knew very little about these emperors, especially compared to more well-known ones like Augustus and Constantine I.

"It is not that anyone imagines the law to be just. Everyone knows that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor. But no one accepts the implications of this, everyone takes it for granted that the law, such as it is, will be respected, and feels a sense of outrage when it is not."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

Tried to get the library a little more organized. Seems like a constant struggle.

"In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defence of the indefensible...Thus political language has to consist largely of euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

"If you hate violence and don't believe in politics, the only major remedy remaining is education. Perhaps society is past praying for, but there is always hope for the individual human being, if you can catch them young enough."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

Definitely enjoyed this book. The author did a good job with examining the history, politics, and culture of ancient Athens. The book also examines Sparta to a lesser degree, as well as the relation between Athens and other city-states. Overall, it can serve as a good starting point for anyone interested in learning about Athens.

Next up for reading

Theodora resting by the library
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"Another innovation of Cleisthenes was ostracism. The ecclesia voted once a year, if there was demand, on the exile for ten years of a leading politician. Citizens could propose anyone they wished. There was no question of punishment for criminality, rather a desire, in Plutarch's phrase, to 'humble and cut back oppressive prestige and power.'"
-Anthony Everitt, "The Rise of Athens"

Decent read. The author had an engaging enough writing style. HE largely covers from the 4th Crusade until about 1500, focusing mainly on military and economic aspects of the city. While certainly interesting, a minor complaint is it would have been interesting to see some earlier and later time periods covered. Also, politics are covered, but largely only related to the military and economic side of things. Overall, still a good intro to Venice.

Next up for reading.

"Haste, fear of being labeled a coward, and personal emotions such as anger and hatred should never be permitted to adversely influence state and command decision making."
-Sun Tzu, "Art of War"

My local library was having a used book sale today. I stopped by to browse, and ended up buying a few books.
I've bought a good amount of books from library book sales over the years. I've felt they served multiple good functions - help support the local library, purchase some books at a good price, and help serve as a way of passing on books.

I thought this was a good read. It provided a good overview of the Pacific Theater of WW2. While the U.S. and Japan were the primary focus, other countries involved (such as Australia and Britain) were included as well. Besides major battles and campaigns, other topics include some political aspects, as well as some personal dynamics, like the rivalry between the army and navy. Definitely recommend.

Next up for reading.
#Venice #Italy #History

"To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

Irene and Theodora resting in between reading.
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"It is a strange thing that men will be such enemies to themselves. Wisdom is the principal thing, yet all neglect her. Wherefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her and she shalt promote thee, she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thy head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

"And then they will fool the voters once more, and all the powers of plunder and corruption will be swept into office again! But whatever they may do when they get in, there is one thing they will not do, and that will be the thing for which they were elected!"
-Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle"

Definitely a solid read. While the messaging and themes can definitely be on the nose, Sinclair does an excellent job with portraying both the unhealthy practices of the meat packing industry at the time and the struggles of lower class workers.

Next up for reading.

"Jurgis had come there, and thought he was going to make himself useful, and rise and become a skilled man; but he would soon find out his error - for nobody rose in Packingtwon by doing good work. You could lay that down for a rule - if you met a man who was rising in Packingtown, you met a knave."
-Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle"

Theodora guarding the library.
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

"All men see the same objects, but do not equally understand them. Intelligence is the tongue that discerns and tastes them, Knowledge is the Light of Heaven, Love is the Wisdom and Glory of God, Life extended to all objects is the sense that enjoys them. So that Knowledge, Life, and Love are the very means of all enjoyment, which above all things we must seek for and labour after."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

"Jurgis too had a little of this sense of pride. Had he not just gotten a job, and become a sharer in all this activity, a cog in this marvelous machine?"
-Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle"

I'd place this somewhere between "pick" and "so-so." It's a decent read, and provides a good overview of the Teutonic Knights. Some parts, such as the structure of the order, where interesting. However, the style of writing didn't quite draw me in. Still would recommend if you're looking for an introduction to the Teutonic Knights.

Up next for reading.

"I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others."
Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"

Some books I got the other day.