"Language is deceptive and remains unserious" it is the only instrument available for serious philosophical discipline. 'He that would speak exactly; wrote Plotinus, ' must not name it [the ultimate ONE] by his name or by that we can but circle, as it were, about the it's circumference, seeking to interpret in speech our experience of it, now shooting near the mark, and again disappointed of our aim by reason of the animtonies we find in it."
"Celio Calcagnini wrote to his nephew 'You believe that mysteries cease to be mysteries when they are promulgated. ...But I hold the opposite view.... you think that treasures should be buried? that is the opinion of avaricious men... for what is the use of hidden music? Mysteries are always mysteries, so long as they are not conveyed to profane ears.'"
I find it fascinating that these men of high philosophical doctrine are so fascinated with the soul and with the mysteries that are part of everyday life. It is the same now because some of the mysteries are still unresolved and dominant with in our own society today. They were part of ideas that were studied and became a way of life for many and the building blocks for today's culture and learning experience. So what is the Mystic and Magical, why is it so hard for the brightest of mind's to decipher? Would it be worth while to decipher it anyway?
these are very important musings on the "mysteries" that are the theme of Wind's book; things that are to be contemplated by the wise, but unavailable to the ignorant. This is how the mythological art of the Renaissance functioned (simply, conversation pieces). Can you go into the specifics of such in terms of specific works of art?
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