What Shall Make Us Whole?

 Marsilio Ficino (1433–1499) argued that there is an underlying unity to the world, the soul or love, which has a counterpart in the realm of ideas. Platonic Philosophy and Christian theology both embody this truth. Ficino was influenced by a variety of philosophers including Aristotelian Scholasticism and various pseudonymous and mystical writings. Ficino saw his thought as part of a long development of philosophical truth, of ancient pre-Platonic philosophers (including Zoroaster, Hermes Trismegistus, Orpheus, Aglaophemus and Pythagoras) who reached their peak in Plato. The Prisca theologia, or venerable and ancient theology, which embodied the truth and could be found in all ages, was a vitally important idea for Ficino.

Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (1463–94), a student of Ficino, went further than his teacher by suggesting that truth could be found in many, rather than just two, traditions. This proposed a harmony between the thought of Plato and Aristotle, and saw aspects of the Prisca theologia in Averroes, the Koran, the Cabala among other sources.

 

 

What Shall Make Us Whole? Or, Thoughts in the Direction of Man's Spiritual and Physical Integrity– 1888
by Helen Bigelow Merriman

Helen Bigelow Merriman (1844–1933) was a painter and art collector, and one of the founders of the Worcester Art Museum, to which she also donated a number of paintings by European and American artists. She wrote a number of books about art and spirituality.

 

 

HUGHES, Mrs. Nina Vera B., author, was born in Paris, Ontario, Canada. She was reared and educated in the United States, living in New York State and in Boston principally. Her maternal grandfather was for twelve years a member of Parliament in Canada. Her paternal grandfather was a Methodist clergyman. Mrs. Hughes early showed literary tastes and talents, which she inherited from her long line of literary and professional ancestors. She has been a lifelong student and has written verse from childhood. Her present work is entirely professional and instructive along the lines of ethical and metaphysical culture. Among her best-known works are "Twelve Simple Lessons in Metaphysics," "Practical Home Thoughts," "Truth for Youth." "Office, In and Out." "Lecture-Room Talks." and "Guide to Health." Her home is now in Washington, D. C.

 

Stanton Davis Kirkham (born in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France 1868 – 1944) was a naturalist, philosopher, ornithologist and author. Although widely travelled, he resided primarily in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York.

Stanton Kirkham Davis: "You may be keeping accounts, and presently you shall walk out of the door that for so long has seemed to you the barrier of your ideals, and shall find yourself before an audience—the pen still behind your ear, the ink stains on your fingers and then and there shall pour out the torrent of your inspiration. You may be driving sheep, and you shall wander to the city-bucolic and open-mouthed; shall wander under the intrepid guidance of the spirit into the studio of the master, and after a time he shall say, 'I have nothing more to teach you.' And now you have become the master, who did so recently dream of great things while driving sheep. You shall lay down the saw and the plane to take upon yourself the regeneration of the world." Quoted in AS A MAN THINKETH by James Allen

 

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. Edward Everett Hale

Edward Everett Hale ( 1822 –  1909) was an American author, historian, and Unitarian minister, best known for his writings such as "The Man Without a Country", published in Atlantic Monthly. He was the grand-nephew of Nathan Hale, the American spy during the Revolutionary War.

Hale was a child prodigy who exhibited extraordinary literary skills.