34 Comments
User's avatar
KDS's avatar

Not mentioned is the most important “classic” of all time. The American Founding Fathers were well versed in the traditional “Classics” and relied upon them in their “revolutionary” ideas and actions. However, they chose to rely most heavily on the most important classic of all time, not the words and musings of mere man but the inspired words of our Creator, Almighty God. Holy Scripture was directly used for one-third of the US Constitution (the supreme law of the US), and commentary on this Holy Scripture was used for almost one-third more. These inspired words from Almighty God, not the musings of men trying to make sense of their world, are at the very heart of life itself. In this season, why not think about the reason for its world-wide celebration, not some fictitious “candy man” but the coming of loving Almighty God Himself in human form to provide the way for His rebellious human creation to be reconciled to Him? His words to mankind comprise the most important classic of all time.

“Promise and Hope: Good News of God’s Anointed One” (2024)

Expand full comment
Tom DeArmond's avatar

The bible is simply a belief system.

Expand full comment
KDS's avatar

The Bible is our Creator Almighty God’s words to His beloved mankind of His created reality (not just a human belief system), rejected by His beloved mankind and the ramifications thereof and words of His plan of reconciliation to Him. Your eternity is dependent on your response to His plan.

Expand full comment
James W.'s avatar

………. Well said Tom. Same as Socialism…….

Expand full comment
StarboardEdge's avatar

Isn't it great that the God you and Tom don't believe in created both of you with the capacity to reject Him so easily?

Hubris and Arrogance - it's baked into the cake of each of us. He put that in there too...

Expand full comment
James W.'s avatar

Whatever you wish to think SE. It’s far more complex than Biblical explanations for how or why we are here. I have heard people of considerable acumen claim we are a vast long term experiment.

To each his own. I enjoy your musings often SE but you can pass on the Hubris and Arrogance. That got knocked out of me a long time ago.

Expand full comment
Tom DeArmond's avatar

I never said I didn't believe in a higher power.

Expand full comment
StarboardEdge's avatar

You're right. I was wrong to assume that about both of you based on the actual words y'all used. And, of curse, every American is entitled to believe or not believe whatever they choose...

Expand full comment
Tom DeArmond's avatar

The problem one can encounter is the “my belief is the only and correct one”. That’s always interesting in view of all the various religions/beliefs in our world. To each their own is my belief. Just don’t try to shove any of them down my throat.

Expand full comment
Don Hrehirchek's avatar

James ,Socialism is a system of government. Not a belief per say.

Expand full comment
James W.'s avatar

Thank You Don. I think it happens to be both.

Expand full comment
Don Hrehirchek's avatar

You are certainly entitled to Your view.

Expand full comment
Jim Gibbons's avatar

Another example of why I think, dare I say, you're a great man, Bill.

Expand full comment
Anne Keller's avatar

Be sure to keep your paper originals. We're coming to a time where entire libraries can be obliterated with a single keystroke.

Expand full comment
Donald Withrow's avatar

I am thankful that I traded these classics for the true classics of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John!

For those of you still unsure.

You know what to do!

Expand full comment
Bob Gmitter's avatar

This should be required reading since the global elites have purposely dumbed down our education systems and encourage group think (thanks Orwell for this term) instead of logical thinking.

Expand full comment
Mackinac's avatar

Paul Krugman is retiring from the NYTimes so I'm venturing a guess. When this master of financial fantasy, Nobel prize winner in economics, thinks his work is completed that marks the ultimate top in complacency. Our fearless "leader" of Keynesian philosophy that never once saw any spending he didn't like. Of course the only problem is we are 200 Trillion in debt.

I got a sneaking suspicion I could be right on this prediction of a perfect correlation between Krugman's retirement and THE top.

Expand full comment
StarboardEdge's avatar

Ha! So true, Mac. It's like the light on the front of the unstoppable train that is just about to exit the tunnel...

Expand full comment
Don Hrehirchek's avatar

Yep, one of the keys.

Expand full comment
jerry crawford's avatar

Thank you Bill for a great class and sharing this great book.

Expand full comment
Ralph   E. Wood's avatar

Good review. I have thought for several years that ditching the CLASSICS, has led to the growing junk of today. I would like to correct one word you used in your statement "so much new writing and SCH OLARSHIP", I think a lot of new writing is correct, however, SCHOLARSHIP is missing.

RALPH W.

Expand full comment
Don Hrehirchek's avatar

Yes the deep thinkers from the past prove that mankind has not changed to the good. Many a history book is written and stored on paper. Definitely worth keeping for reference. As Anne Keller said below , at the stroke of a key.

Expand full comment
rKf's avatar

This is why I continue to follow BB. Apparently there be many here who agree about this topic. All the adds about “The Essential Classics” encouraged me to pull my copy from its hallow place de l’étagère. Thanks for the reminder.

Expand full comment
pete's avatar

I have it, began to to read it, then covid hit put it down. I think its time to pick it up again.

Expand full comment
Mackinac's avatar

This really is a great piece, Bill! I'm serious with that statement. I've spent the last 16 years, retirement, searching for the insight and after this comment, I've come to the conclusion the best "policy." I use that word because of those policy changes that are required in government's 412 page study to make proposals work. Is to go skiing and watch for the top.

Expand full comment
Oldgeezer's avatar

“ tides of intellectual fads and fashions”. Got to love Bill’s musings.

Expand full comment
Bill Shatner's avatar

I ordered this incredible book!

Expand full comment
StarboardEdge's avatar

"In the middle of the worst war in human history (in terms of total casualties), what made these young soldiers turn their thoughts to poor Ichthyas?

They (like you and many here) recognized the true value of these works and their mission. Much more important than Gold.

Thank you, Bill...

Expand full comment
william gilchrist's avatar

If you publish the Essential Classics Anthology again, please notify readers who are eager to read it!

Expand full comment
Brian Pearce's avatar

Great. A few days late with my emails and 'SOLD OUT'.

Expand full comment