38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The place to start, August 19, 2000
This review is from: Josef Pieper: An Anthology (Paperback)
For those unfamiliar with the writings of the German Thomist Josef Pieper, this is the place to start. Pieper, like his contemporaries von Balthasar and Etienne Gilson, had a wide ranging intellect and an incredibly deep knowledge of philosophy and history. This is evidenced by the topics found among the essays in this volume: semiotics, sexuality, the nature of evil, the supernatual virtues, freedom and predestination, leisure, and true work. While not easy reading by any means, Pieper's writing is filled with the sort of pithy and sharp observations that are so often missing from modern philophical works. A must buy!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crystal clear writing, May 11, 2008
This review is from: Josef Pieper: An Anthology (Paperback)
Josef Pieper (who, I understand, influenced Joseph Ratzinger - indeed, the influence can be seen on Ratzinger's writings) writes with extraordinary clarity about the things that really matter in life.
On belief, he notes that "Belief means to participate in the knowledge of the knower" (page 12). How true this is, particularly for christians, whose belief depends critically on participating in the eye witness knowledge of the apostles (including Paul).
On the signification of love, he notes what it means is this "Its good that you exist; its good that you are in this world". And, this goes to the heart of what it means to be a Catholic - the world is good because it is the handiwork of God, who is love.
On Courage, fear and termperance, he notes (page 71), "the naturual tendency to seek pleasure is perfected in the virtue of temperance. And, so too, is the natural fear of obliteration perfected in the fear of the Lord".
On the fruit of purity, he noted (page 82); "but what does the unrestricted concept of purity stand for: it stands for the crystal clear, morning-fresh freedom from self-consciousness"
On the intelligibility of the universe, he notes that it is intelligible because: "things are created; it is so because the inner lucidity of all things flow from their original idea in the infinity radiant fulness of the Divine Mind". (page 99)
On contemplation, he notes (page 145) "If a person has been terribly thirsty for a long time and then finally drinks, feels the refreshment deep down inside and says: "what a glorious thing fresh, cold water is! - then whether he knows it or not, he may have taken one step towards that beholding of the beloved wherein contemplation consists."
Brilliant!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Treasure of Thomist Thought, November 8, 2009
This review is from: Josef Pieper: An Anthology (Paperback)
Pieper will make ideas that are very alien to modern society seem like the obvious implications of simple common sense. This anthology is a very vast and stimulating introduction to modern Thomism.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
