SONG XI. Reminiscence.[J]
Boethius · The Consolation of Philosophy · 59 of 90
SONG XI.
Reminiscence.[J]
Who truth pursues, who from false waysHis heedful steps would keep,
By inward light must search within
In meditation deep;
All outward bent he must repress
His soul's true treasure to possess.
Then all that error's mists obscured
Shall shine more clear than light,
This fleshly frame's oblivious weight
Hath quenched not reason quite;
The germs of truth still lie within,
Whence we by learning all may win.
Else how could ye the answer due
Untaught to questions give,
Were't not that deep within the soul
Truth's secret sparks do live?
If Plato's teaching erreth not,
We learn but that we have forgot.
FOOTNOTES:
[J] The doctrine of Reminiscence—i.e., that all learning is really recollection—is set forth at length by Plato in the 'Meno,' 81-86, and the 'Phædo,' 72-76. See Jowett, vol. ii., pp. 40-47 and 213-218.
Reading 59 of 90
0%read
Sign in to keepSONG XI. Reminiscence.[J] · this device only