“A Passion for Reason” – a little satire to promote the Classics by Sarah M. Fredericks, Irish (1960-present)
I wrote the above poem while reading about The Age of Reason (The Enlightenment) which occurred in 17th and 18th century Europe. A group of philosophical intellectuals decided that instead of relying on traditions and superstitions (especially those based on faith), they should emphasize individualism, reason, the scientific method, and reading the Classics to advance society. By publishing critical texts, dictionaries, and encyclopedias, these philosophers spread literacy across Europe. To help me remember some of the philosophical theories of The Age of Reason, I wrote “A Passion for Reason.” I have not included everyone, so my apologies to Sir Francis Bacon, John Locke, Isaac Newton, a host of others, and all the exhausted philosophers’ wives. Well, it is true: behind every successful man, philosopher or not, there is an exhausted woman!
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Carpe Librum!📚Seize the Book, and let the page-turning begin!
Sarah M. Fredericks © 2015
Sarah,
Your poem reminded me of another poem! It’s about a poet – in this case Dylan Thomas. He describes a poet who writes for the sake of his craft rather than any material gain which may come from it. I am sure you will know:
In My Craft or Sullen Art
In my craft or sullen art
Exercised in the still night
When only the moon rages
And the lovers lie abed
With all their griefs in their arms
I labour by singing light
Not for ambition or bread
Or the strut and trade of charms
On the ivory stages
But for the common wages
Of their most secret heart.
Not for the proud man apart
From the raging moon I write
On these spindrift pages
Nor for the towering dead
With their nightingales and psalms
But for the lovers, their arms
Round the griefs of the ages,
Who pay no praise or wages
Nor heed my craft or art.
I read this at the Waterford Writer’s Festival this year. It was a bit nerve-wracking reciting in front of lots of people!
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Dear Marcus,
What a thought-provoking poem about the writing process! Thank you for sharing it. I am sure you recited it beautifully.😊
Sarah
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Great poem! Very clever! I like how you include each philosopher’s theory in your verses.
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Thank you Carl. It took a while to write it, as each verse is a separate Limerick. It was challenging and fun. Sarah😊
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Brilliant Sarah – I really enjoyed that! You certainly have the few philosophers (I know of) perfectly captured. Write more poems!
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Thank you, Marcus. Perhaps, over time, I may expand my poem to include even more philosophers.
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Hi Sarah
Love this poem/ditty Sarah. I read a biography of Voltaire, and his life was very interesting. Really enjoyed this. I think you’re the writer in the family!
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Thank you, Richard. You may be happy to know that, over time, I will review some works by Monsieur Voltaire here on Copley Classics.
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Excellent piece of literature. You’re going to become a “classic.”
Like the literary quotes and the illustrations that go along with them. Fun to read. (It’s a sound bite nation now.) Wish I could remember them all: I’d be so witty.
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A Classic? Thank you, Karen. Perhaps after I have been dead for a few centuries😊!
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Enchanting indeed….
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An excellent poem and well read. The music adds to the atmosphere.
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Thank you, Kathryn. I am particularly fond of Baroque music.
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Yes, I enjoyed both the poem and the recording very much! I would add that behind every successful man is a long-suffering woman! 😉
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Thank you Hayley. I’m glad you enjoyed the recording. I think I can add “very patient…and understanding women” to our list.
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